The Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA) has released its Visa Experiences Survey Report (2023–2024), shedding light on the challenges faced by Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) participants during their visa application processes. Conducted by the Policy & Quality Assurance Unit (PQA), the survey analysed responses from 325 participants and highlighted key issues such as visa delays, documentation concerns, and financial burdens. The report offers recommendations to streamline the process and improve international students' experience.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) and its predecessor programmes stand as a beacon of global education, championing intercultural awareness and understanding. By offering students the chance to study in at least two countries and earn nationally recognised degrees—a “mobility track”—the programme attracts outstanding candidates from across the globe, especially non-EU participants. With full scholarships and broad international appeal, the Erasmus Mundus framework truly embodies a worldwide academic initiative.
As per programme agreements, selected students—particularly those from outside the European Union—must comply with the local regulations of their host institutions. This often entails obtaining the requisite visa or residence permit. Unfortunately, many encounter obstacles during this application process, regardless of scholarship status. Overcoming these hurdles not only facilitates smoother programme delivery but also enhances students’ overall educational and cultural experiences
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In 2023, the EMA's Policy & Quality Assurance Unit launched the first round of the Visa Experiences Survey (VES), investigating issues faced by participants during the immigration document application stage. This survey, central to the “EMA for Equity” initiative, gathered feedback from 325 participants between October and December 2023 on topics such as visa application and collection, associated expenses, and resident permit complications.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of respondents hailed from outside the EU—particularly in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Many encountered challenges related to documentation, appointment scheduling, and visa delays, which led to stress and potential setbacks in their academic mobility. Despite some embassies or consulates granting exemptions, most students invested considerable time and money to secure their visas. A summary of these findings is illustrated in Figure 1, which details respondents’ nationalities based on the primary passport used.
Drawing on the survey results, several recommendations have been proposed to improve the Erasmus Mundus experience, including more consistent visa procedures across EU member states, enhanced support from consortia and higher education institutions, and potentially introducing an Erasmus+ mobility visa. If adopted, these measures could significantly reduce bureaucratic burdens, thereby boosting the programme’s goals of internationalisation and academic excellence.
Notably, the VES is part of the EMA for Equity initiative. Shahin S Eity, PQA Unit Director has expressed the intention to survey four more rounds, aiming to gather a comprehensive data set that reflects the full breadth of visa-related challenges. Ultimately, the VES 2023–2024 report underscores the importance of collaborative reform to make the visa process more inclusive and efficient, ensuring that Erasmus Mundus continues to offer life-changing opportunities for students worldwide.
You can find the Visa Experiences Survey report here.
By Michael de Leon
EMA Policy Research Associate, Policy & Quality Assurance Unit (PQA), and VES Co-lead
Last Updated: 28 January 2025
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