In 2026, dual and joint degree programs— which let you study at two or more universities and get either two separate diplomas or one joint certificate, are some of the most well-funded ways to get an education. These programmes are designed to foster international cooperation, making them a top priority for government and intergovernmental grants.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
Erasmus Mundus remains the premier funding body for joint degrees in Europe. These programmes involve at least three universities in three different countries.
- The Award: Full financial support including tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €1,400, travel expenses, and comprehensive insurance.
- • 2026 Status Update: For the 2026/2027 intake, some specific consortia (like Euroculture) have noted a pause in new scholarship funding while they await re-selection results from the European Commission (expected mid-2026). However, the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue still offers dozens of other well-known programmes that will receive full funding through 2026.
- The application window usually opens in October 2026 for the 2027 class.
- Pro Tip: You can apply to as many as three Erasmus Mundus programmes in one cycle.
2. US-UK Fulbright Dual Degree Awards
For students looking to bridge the Atlantic, the Fulbright Commission offers specialised awards for dual-enrolment programmes between US and UK institutions.
- Fulbright-University Awards: Many UK universities (like UCL, King’s College London, and Edinburgh) have specific Fulbright partnerships that support students in “Global Joint” programmes.
- 2026/2027 Deadline: Applications for US citizens seeking to study in the UK in 2027/2028 open in early 2026 and typically close on October 6, 2026.
- The Benefit: Fulbright scholars get more than just tuition and a living stipend. They also receive access to a prestigious alumni network and the status of a diplomatic cultural exchange.
3. The Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP)
Mid-career professionals from developing countries enrolled in “Preferred” or “Partner” master’s programmes are the only beneficiaries of this programme. Many of these programs are joint degrees between Japanese and Western universities.
- The prize includes full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.
- • Deadlines for 2026:
- Window 1: Usually closes in the last week of February.
- Window 2: It closes at the end of May 2026 for programs that start in the second half of the year.
- Priority areas include managing tax policy, managing infrastructure, and managing economic policy.
4. France and Nigeria “Eiffel” and Embassy Joint Awards
The French government strongly supports dual degrees between Nigerian and French schools for students from West Africa.
- The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship helps students get their master’s or PhD. It puts students with dual degrees in STEM and law first in 2026.
- Embassy of France Scholarships: These are often for joint Master’s programmes in Computer Science and Cybersecurity between universities that work together.
- NIN Verification: Starting in 2026, African applicants must make sure that their NIN is up to date and matches the name on their degree. This requirement is because these portals now check identities at the application stage.
5. Tips for Applying for a “Dual Degree” Strategically
- Double Admission Requirement: You must secure acceptance from both universities offering the dual degree before finalising the scholarship. In 2026, this usually means paying two application fees and sending in two sets of transcripts.
- The “Participation Fee” Trap: Be careful with programmes that call themselves “Dual” but don’t have a formal joint agreement. If the universities don’t have an official “MOU” (Memorandum of Understanding), your scholarship might only cover one of the two years.
- English Proficiency: If you want to get a dual degree from a European and a North American university, you will almost certainly need an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher or a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, no matter what your country’s official language is.
