MARIHE — Master in Research & Innovation in Higher Education

By /
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master • Intake 2026

MARIHE — Master in Research & Innovation in Higher Education

2-year program on leadership, policy, and management of higher education & research systems, with multi-country mobility and Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

Apply Now Official Page
MARIHE Erasmus Mundus banner

Program Snapshot

Funding TypeErasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) • Scholarships available • Self-funded places
Study LevelMaster’s (2 years, 4 semesters) • Language: English
Host InstitutionsUWK Austria (Coordinator), Tampere Univ. Finland, Osnabrück UAS Germany, ELTE Hungary, Univ. of Aveiro Portugal, Beijing Normal Univ. China, Thapar Institute India
Participation Costs€18,000 total (covered for scholarship holders; reduction/waiver under discussion for 2026)
Mobility RequirementStudy in at least two countries (min. two study periods; at least one in the EU/associated country)
Deadline23 Nov 2025 – 23:00 CET
Program StartOctober 2026

Apply as both “scholarship” and “self-funded” to maximize your chances (separate options in the portal).

Overview

MARIHE develops professionals for universities, research organizations, government, and industry who can manage and innovate higher education and R&I systems in a global context.

You will study across multiple countries with a cohort, gaining comparative insights, leadership skills, and hands-on experience through specializations and a master’s thesis.

What the Scholarship / Program Covers

  • For EMJM scholarship holders: Participation costs (€18,000) are covered; additional funding per Erasmus+ rules.
  • For self-funded students: Significant reduction/waiver expected for Intake 2026 (to be confirmed).
  • All students: Structured multi-country mobility, access to partner universities, and strong alumni network.

Eligibility

Academic

  • First university degree (Bachelor or equivalent; normally ≥3 years / 180 ECTS)
  • No restriction on prior discipline

English Proficiency (one of):

  • TOEFL iBT ≥ 92
  • IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5 (no band < 5.5)
  • PTE Academic ≥ 62
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (≥ C) or C2 Proficiency (≥ C1)

Exemptions / Notes

  • Specific exemptions for degrees completed in English in certain countries (see official guidance)
  • Test certificates may expire; validation is done by MARIHE
  • Work experience is not required, but advantageous

Mobility

  • Compulsory physical mobility across at least two countries

Specializations (Semester 3–4)

  • Asia (Semester 3 – choose one):
  • Beijing Normal Univ. (China): Educational Planning
  • Thapar Institute (India): Social & Commercial Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
  • Europe (Semester 4 – choose one):
  • Tampere Univ. (Finland): Research Management & Digital Transformation
  • Osnabrück UAS (Germany): Leadership & Management
  • UWK (Austria): Institutional Research
  • ELTE (Hungary): Learning & Teaching
  • Univ. of Aveiro (Portugal): Policy Analysis

How to Apply

Step 1 – Register: Go to the MARIHE Intake 2026 portal and start your application.
Step 2 – Complete Application: Enter personal data, choose preferred specializations, and upload the 9 required documents (see below).
Step 3 – If Shortlisted: Upload a 2-minute motivation video within 10 days.

Documents typically include: application form, passport/ID, Europass CV (no photo), motivation letter (with AI declaration), degree certificate(s), transcripts, English test/exemption, two recommendations, and an essay. Submission is fully online via the portal.

Start Application Download Templates

Application Timeline

  • Call Open: Intake 2026 now open
  • Deadline: 23 Nov 2025 – 23:00 (CET)
  • Two-step review & notifications: After each review round
  • Program Start: October 2026

Why It Matters

Become a leader in higher education and research management, equipped to drive institutional change, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships across borders.

Contacts & Official Links

Scroll to Top