Dual degree programmes and Erasmus exchange in Europe 2026: how to study at two universities and earn credentials from both
One of Europe’s most distinctive educational assets is the ability to study across borders within a single degree programme. A student can spend a semester in Paris, a year in Berlin, or the entire second year of a master’s in Barcelona — and earn credentials that reflect the multi-country experience.
Three mechanisms make this possible: dual degree programmes, joint master’s programmes (Erasmus Mundus), and semester exchanges (Erasmus+). They operate differently, cost differently, and result in different credentials. Here is the landscape in 2026.
Dual degree programmes
A dual degree programme is an agreement between two universities — typically in different countries — that allows a student to earn degrees from both institutions within a single, integrated programme of study.
How it works: The student is admitted to the programme at one university and spends part of the programme — typically the second year — at the partner university. At the end, the student receives two degree certificates: one from each institution.
Programme examples:
- Sciences Po (Paris) and the London School of Economics: dual master’s in international affairs
- HEC Paris and Technical University of Munich: dual master’s in management and technology
- University of St. Gallen and ESADE Barcelona: dual master’s in international management
- University of Bologna and Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe: dual master’s in international relations
Tuition: The student typically pays tuition at the home institution — where they are primarily enrolled — and may pay reduced or zero tuition at the partner institution. The exact arrangement varies by programme. Some dual degree programmes charge a premium on top of the standard master’s tuition.
The credential value: A dual degree is more than the sum of two degrees. It signals international mobility, adaptability to different academic cultures, and the linguistic and cultural competence to operate across borders. For students targeting careers at international organisations, multinational corporations, or diplomatic services, the dual degree credential carries disproportionate weight.
The practical challenge: Coordinating two sets of academic regulations, two graduation requirements, two thesis supervisors, and two university bureaucracies. The administrative burden is higher than a standard single-university programme. The student must be organised and proactive about understanding the requirements of both institutions.
Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes
Erasmus Mundus is a European Union-funded programme that supports joint master’s programmes delivered by consortia of European (and sometimes non-European) universities.
How it works: The student is admitted to the joint programme and studies at two or more consortium universities over the course of the programme — typically one semester or one year at each institution. At the end, the student receives a joint degree, a double degree, or multiple degrees, depending on the consortium’s structure.
Scholarship funding: The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is one of the most generous in European higher education. It covers full tuition, travel costs, a monthly living allowance of €1,400, and installation costs. The scholarship is highly competitive — acceptance rates are typically below 5 percent. Self-funded places in Erasmus Mundus programmes are available for students who do not secure the scholarship.
Programme scope: Erasmus Mundus covers nearly every academic field. As of 2026, there are over 150 Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes across the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and professional fields.
The experience: An Erasmus Mundus programme is defined by its multi-country structure. A typical programme might have the first semester at the University of Glasgow, the second at Lund University, the third at the University of Barcelona, and the fourth — the thesis semester — at any of the three. The cohort is international — 15 to 30 students from countries around the world. The experience of moving countries mid-programme, adapting to different academic systems, and building a network across four or five countries is the programme’s signature value.
Erasmus+ semester exchanges
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Its most visible component for students is the semester or year-long exchange.
How it works: A student enrolled at a European university applies to spend one or two semesters at a partner university in another Erasmus+ country. The student remains enrolled at the home institution, continues paying tuition (if any) at the home institution, and transfers credits earned at the host institution back to the home degree programme.
Eligibility: Erasmus+ exchanges are available to students at participating universities — which includes virtually all public universities in EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey. The United Kingdom no longer participates in Erasmus+.
Funding: Erasmus+ provides a monthly grant to cover some of the additional costs of studying abroad. The grant amount varies by destination country — €350 to €400 per month for most destinations in 2026, with a supplement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The grant is intended as a contribution to costs, not full coverage. The student is expected to cover the remainder through their own resources.
The credit recognition guarantee: The Erasmus+ programme requires that credits earned at the host institution be recognised by the home institution. This is formalised in a Learning Agreement signed by the student, the home institution, and the host institution before the exchange begins. The Learning Agreement specifies which courses will be taken and how they will be credited. If the student passes the agreed courses, the home institution must recognise the credits.
Application: Erasmus+ exchange places are allocated through the home university’s international office. The application typically opens six to twelve months before the exchange period. Selection criteria include academic performance, language proficiency for the destination country, and a statement of motivation.
How to choose between the three
Choose a dual degree programme if: the student wants credentials from two named institutions, is prepared for the administrative complexity, and the specific programme aligns with a career path that rewards dual credentials (international organisations, diplomacy, multinational management).
Choose an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s if: the scholarship funding is critical, the student wants to experience three or more countries during the degree, and the student values the cohort experience of a small, intensively international group.
Choose an Erasmus+ exchange if: the student is already enrolled in a degree programme, wants to add an international semester without changing programmes, and wants the credit recognition guarantee that comes with the Erasmus+ framework.
Do not choose any of the above if: the student’s primary goal is efficient completion of the degree and entry into a domestic job market in a single European country. A multi-country programme extends the degree duration, increases administrative complexity, and may fragment the professional network that builds up during a programme anchored in one city.
Source notes
Erasmus+ programme details, grant amounts, and eligibility criteria are from the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026. Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programme listings and scholarship information are from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) 2026 catalogue. Dual degree programme details are from the 2026 partnership agreement pages of the named universities. Credit recognition rules are from the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Users’ Guide 2025.