Nigeria has once again emerged as Africa’s leading beneficiary of the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship programme, with 163 Nigerian students admitted this year and 89 securing fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

The milestone was announced by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, during the 2026 Erasmus Mundus Pre-Departure Orientation in Abuja.

The event brought together scholarship awardees, prospective applicants, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, education agencies, EU Member States and Erasmus alumni to prepare scholars for their academic journey across Europe

Congratulating the participants, Mignot extended his congratulations to all Nigerian students admitted to pursue master’s studies across Europe over the next 12 to 24 months, while paying special tribute to those who secured Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships through one of the world’s most competitive international scholarship programmes.

He also welcomed prospective applicants attending the orientation, encouraging them to learn more about the Erasmus programme and prepare for the next application cycle, expected to open at the end of October.

The Ambassador explained that the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme provides fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study, enabling students to pursue master’s degrees over 12 to 24 months at least two universities in two Erasmus+ participating countries. The programme culminates in a joint, double or multiple degree awarded by a consortium of leading European universities.

He added that the European Union is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and Nigerian universities to further strengthen Nigeria’s global standing.