MARIHE (Master in Research and Innovation in Higher Education) is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) programme offering a unique global perspective on higher education, research, and innovation. The programme is delivered across seven partner institutions in Europe and Asia, providing students with an international educational experience that prepares them for leadership roles in higher education systems worldwide. The programme focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and innovation management capabilities within the context of higher education governance and policy.
MARIHE is a unique global Master program on higher education, research and innovation. It is a 2-year full time study journey in Europe and Asia – a truly international experience. MARIHE offers several Erasmus Mundus scholarships, including full tuition waivers, ensuring that talent—not geography or financial background—defines opportunity.
MARIHE is jointly conducted by an international consortium with partners from Austria, China, Finland, Germany, Hungary, India, and Portugal, thus providing a comprehensive expert perspective on higher education, research and innovation.
Benefits
Tuition fee scholarship
Participation costs/tuition fees are covered
Includes a worldwide health and accident insurance
Erasmus+ Student Mobility funding might be available
Additional scholarship option for students from deprived backgrounds and/or first-in-family students (awarded by the consortium; for two selected students per intake)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Participation costs/tuition fees are covered
EUR 1,400 monthly allowance as a contribution to travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs
Includes a worldwide health and accident insurance
Requirements
You hold a first university degree (3 years in duration) from any discipline.
You are highly motivated and ambitious about higher education.
You have sufficient English language skills.
Selection Process
MARIHE uses a two-round review process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of every application.
Each submission is evaluated by two independent reviewers from two different consortium partners who consider academic quality, motivation and programme suitability, and personal skills.
Both rounds are carried out by the same reviewers to maintain consistency.
Their scores form a ranked list of all eligible applicants.
The final student selection (participation with or without an Erasmus Mundus scholarship) is decided by the MARIHE Admission Board, based on the ranking.
Application Documents
For an application to MARIHE, the following documents have to be submitted:
Application Round 1 (mandatory for all applicants):
MARIHE Application form
Copy of passport or national ID
Curriculum Vitae (CV; in Europass format)
Motivation letter
University diploma(s) / degree certificate(s)
Official transcript(s) of records
Proof of English language proficiency
Two letters of recommendation
Essay
Application Round 2 (only if shortlisted):
Short video
Can I be exempted from the English test requirement?
Exemption is possible, if your previous tertiary education took place in one of those countries, with English as the sole medium of instruction:
Any EU/EEA country, Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Method of Application
Click Here to Apply
Start by carefully reading the valid MARIHE Guidelines for Applicants!
Review our Process and Timeline to understand important dates and the application journey.
Ensure you meet all Admission Requirements.
Prepare the necessary Application Documents and submit them via our online application portal before the application deadline.
Take note of our Assessment Criteria to learn how your application is evaluated.
Visit FAQ section for helpful guidance.
Contact
Ask your questions by sending an e-mail to MARIHE Secretariat: marihe@donau-uni.ac.at
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: September 21, 2026.