Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action

The NOHA Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action is designed for people working or intending to work in the field of humanitarian action; regardless of their race, religion, age, and/or geographical origin. Created in 1993 through the concerted efforts of the NOHA Universities in close collaboration with the DG for Humanitarian Action and Civil Protection (ECHO) and the DG for Education and Culture, the initiative was a response to a growing need for higher educational qualifications specifically suited to addressing complex humanitarian emergencies. Almost three decades of experience has proved the Network's commitment and capacity to educate and train highly committed and interdisciplinary persons who can act at all levels of humanitarian relief operations and who can function in a variety of ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance and sustainable actions.

One of the most unique elements of the programme, Mobility, is central to the NOHA experience. Students study at different universities and benefit from rich cultural interaction and exchange of ideas and languages. It is an integral part of the NOHA teaching-learning process. The partner universities have gradually integrated the joint training and research programme into their respective curricula, achieving a high degree of co-operation and integration, while preserving their speciality and traditions.NOHA students come from all over the world and register in the NOHA network. They are admitted following a highly competitive selection process agreed by the Network and can therefore enrol for courses jointly recognised by each of the participating universities, with the assurance of good communication links between them. Graduates of the NOHA Joint Master's Programme in International Humanitarian Action have the capacity to act at all levels of humanitarian relief operations and to function in a variety of ways to enhance the professional delivery of humanitarian assistance and sustainable actions.

After the completion of the NOHA Joint Master's course, graduates will have acquired the following learning competencies:
VISION: GLOBAL AND COMPREHENSIVE VISION OF THE HUMANITARIAN WORLD
1. Capacity to develop global and comprehensive visions of conflict, disaster and related vulnerable situations, in terms of theoretical approaches, as well as the responses and their effects.
2. Capacity for critical thinking, conceptualising, analysing, assessing and judging complex humanitarian situations.
3. Ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity responding to new humanitarian challenges and paradigms with innovative approaches.
4. Capacity to identify and investigate new trends in humanitarian action and do applied research to create new knowledge and thinking, promoting new ideas, developments and solutions.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT: CAPACITY TO MANAGE HIGH IMPACT ORGANISATIONS AND COMPLEX HUMANITARIAN RESPONSES
5. Capacity to apply knowledge and understanding to manage humanitarian operations in complex and uncertain environments, including risk assessment.
6. Capacity to manage policies, strategies, and programmes according to humanitarian principles and values.
7. Capacity to understand and promote constructively global coordination of humanitarian efforts in a set of multiple and diverse actors on global, national and local level.
8. Capacity to make humanitarian action accountable to beneficiaries and other humanitarian stakeholders.
9. Excellent communications skills and ability to build and lead diverse teams, moving them to the highest collective performance.

PERSONAL INTEGRITY: CAPACITY FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT AND TO INSPIRE AND PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
10. Knowledge of key international humanitarian principles and values and professional codes of conduct, and commitment to their implementation in practice.
11. Capacity to make informed and reasoned complex decisions and take action upon them.
12. Ability to deal with ethical and moral dilemmas and take responsibility for decisions on them.
13. Ability to cope with humanitarian crises on a personal level in relation to oneself and to those one is responsible for: being flexible, adaptable and dealing with stress.
14. Sensitivity to culture, gender and diversity in humanitarian action.

Who can apply for NOHA master's?
The NOHA Master's in International Humanitarian Action has been designed for people working or intending to work in the field of humanitarian action. Candidates are chosen on the basis of the quality of their education and professional background, their experience in and concern for humanitarian issues, their multicultural sensitivity and their linguistic abilities.

Admission may be granted to applicants who meet the following entry requirements and common minimum eligibility criteria:

• All applicants must follow the joint application procedure as established by the NOHA+ consortium.
• Completed application (online application form and all requested documents) is submitted through the online application system by the established deadline.
• Candidates must have obtained, as a minimum, a university first cycle degree (Bachelor, EQF level 6 with a minimum workload equivalent to 180 ECTS) in a discipline of relevance to humanitarian action (medical sciences, foods sciences, economics and management, engineering, law, social sciences, education sciences, humanities).
• Candidates are required to have a recognised qualification in the language(s) of instruction of the universities they plan to attend - English is the language of instruction in all universities during all semester except for Aix-Marseilles (French - 1st & 2nd Semester) and Deusto (Spanish - 1st semester only).
  • English:
    • TOEFL IBT (internet-based no HOME version accepted): C1 level :  minimum overall score of 5, minimum 5 in the writing section and no other component under 4.5 (scale 0-5).
    • IELTS (no HOME version accepted): C1 level; minimum overall score 6.5, with no component under 6.0.
    • CAE or CPE: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), C1 or Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE), C2
    • Candidates are not required to take a test in the following circumstances:
      • native speakers of English from English-speaking countries.
      • the language of instruction during your entire BA programme was English - In this case, the language of instruction must be clearly stated on your diploma/transcripts. Alternatively, you can submit a letter from the Academic Registrar's Office, the Examinations Office, or the equivalent office that issues official documents of records at your university.
  • Spanish (only for applicants planning to study during the first semester at the University of Deusto):
    • B2 certificate (according to CEFR). Should a certificate be unavailable, a personal interview will be held to verify that the Spanish language proficiency is adequate.
  • French (only for applicants wishing to study at Aix Marseille University):
    • C1 certificate (according to CEFR). 

All enrolled students must carry out a compulsory  physical mobility consisting of a minimum of two study periods in two countries, of which at least one must be an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme. These two countries must be different from the country of residence of the student at enrolment stage. Each of the two mandatory study periods must correspond to a workload of at least one academic semester. Compulsory mobility periods cannot be replaced by virtual mobility.

Important: Some of the NOHA universities (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Universidad de Deusto, Uppsala universitet) have a specific list of national requirements which have to be met in order to conclude the admission procedure. Please read the information on specific national requirements before applying. These requirements apply also to students undertaking mobility to the universities in question during second semester.

Candidates are chosen on the basis of the following selection criteria:

• type and level of academic qualifications,
• type and level of research experience,
• type and level of professional experience, such as practical experience in the area of humanitarian action in governmental, inter-governmental and/or non-governmental organisations and institutions,
• motivation and concern for humanitarian issues,
• multicultural sensitivity,
• level of linguistic abilities,
• recommendations,
• results of interviews (if applicable),
• nationality and gender balance.

What are the participation costs for the NOHA master's?
Participation cost are 4.000€ per semester (4 semester). The fee can be paid either in full or in instalments, as described in the supporting payment documents distributed at the admission stage.

The participation costs are defined as all costs related to and including tuition fees, library and laboratory costs, and any other mandatory cost related to the students' participation in the Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action for the standard duration of the degree programme, including support in administrative and organisational issues by the consortium partners, costs for enrolment at the consortium partner’s institutions, all examinations and issuing the final diploma.

Student participation costs do not cover accommodation, subsistence, travel to and from partner universities and travel documents (visa, passport) included within the framework of the mobility programme and any costs beyond the standard duration of the degree programme.

Participation costs to the programme include an insurance scheme for the duration of the studies. 

Are there other scholarships to fund the NOHA Masters?
We are currently updating the list of available scholarships, grants, and financial aid outside of the EM Grant. You can find the current list in the FAQ section below. Please note that NOHA does not have any formal agreement or affiliation with these providers, as this is solely a compilation of available opportunities.


 

Step by Step Instructions

1. ALL applications must be made online through the on-line NOHA Application Form HERE
2. No print application documents should be submitted unless requested or authorised by NOHA.
3. Read through the on-line application form and prepare all of the information for each section of the form as well as all of the documents that you must attach to your application.
4. Fill in the on-line application form, completing all of the sections as requested.
5. Attach all of the compulsory documents:

• Copy of passport (only the main pages including your full name, passport number, date and place of issue, expiry date)
• Scan of original diploma (if this document is not in English, an official translation should be attached) and, if available, of the Diploma Supplement. If you are offered a place on the programme, you will have to present the original documents, or submit a certified copy of the original documents, when you arrive at the NOHA universities you choose for the first and second semesters
  • If you have finished your Bachelor’s studies when you apply but have not yet received your degree: please submit an official document confirming that you have successfully completed your studies and that you will be awarded a degree. The document must be issued through and signed by a representative of the Academic Registrar's Office, the Examinations Office or equivalent.
  • If you have not completed your Bachelor’s studies when you apply: please submit an official document stating that you are a currently enrolled student and participating in your last year of studies. The document must be issued through and signed by a representative of the Academic Registrar's Office, the Examinations Office or equivalent.
• Scan of original academic transcripts (if this document is not in English, an official translation should be attached). If you are offered a place on the programme, you will have to present the original documents, or submit a certified copy of the original documents, when you arrive at the NOHA universities you choose for the first and second semesters
  • If you have not completed your Bachelor’s studies when you apply: you must still submit transcripts for all courses you have passed so far.
• Curriculum vitae in English. Preferably in Europass format (http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae).
• Official proof of language abilities, where applicable:
  • English: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (1st & 2nd Semester), University College Dublin (1st & 2nd Semester), Uppsala universitet (1st & 2nd Semester), Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (1st & 2nd Semester), Uniwersytet Warszawski (1st & 2nd Semester), L'Università ta Malta (1st & 2nd Semester),Universidad de Deusto  (2nd Semester)
  • Only provide certification for French if you are applying for: Aix Marseille Université (1st & 2nd Semester)
  • Only provide certification for Spanish if you are applying for : Universidad de Deusto (1st Semester)
  • Any other language certificate even if it is not one of the languages of the Consortium.
• Two Reference letters (in English). Thes must be signed and dated. Whenever possible,  letters must be written on official letterhead paper and stamped. 
  • Please note that family members may not serve as referees. You may submit two academic references, two professional references, or one of both. Where possible, both an academic and professional reference is preferable. The letters have to be dated, and cannot have been written longer than 2 years prior to the date on which candidates submit their application.
• Proof of residence. You may submit one of the following documents as proof of residence:
  • a residence certificate issued in accordance with the candidate's municipality’s normal registration rules and issued within 12 months before the submission deadline of applying for an EMJMD student scholarship, i.e. the consortium's official deadline for student application; a municipality certificate must be submitted in Dutch, English, French, German, Maltese, Polish, Spanish or Swedish;
  •  a certificate from the candidate's place of work, study or training issued by the employer or institution in question issued within 12 months before the submission deadline of applying for an EMJMD student scholarship, i.e. the consortium's official deadline for student application; work/training/study certificates must be submitted in English, otherwise a certified English translation must be provided with the original.
  • A document confirming the applicant´s place of residence issued by a notary (in English) is also acceptable
  • National IDs, passports and utility bills are not acceptable proof of residence
  • Any eligible document submitted as proof of residence must have been issued within 12 months of the Consortium´s application Erasmus Mundus scholarship application deadline.
• ​Publications (if any)

IMPORTANT: Applicants wishing to apply for the Erasmus Mundus grant must comply with all the requirements and submit all the necessary documents by 15th December in order to be considered eligible candidates. This implies that in case you have not completed your undergraduate degree by due date you will not be considered eligible for the grant. 

Timeline:
1 October, 2026: Opening of the call for all applications to the programme for the 2026-2028 cohort.
15 December 2026, 23.59pm GMT: Deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications
- Ineligible candidates will be informed about their status at the beginning of January 2026 and will have 7 days from the moment they receive notification, to submit an appeal.
- Selected candidates will be notified once the Selection Committee has evaluated all candidatures and the final student list has been adopted, in March.
- Non-selected candidates and candidates in the reserve list will receive notification once the Selection Committee has evaluated all candidatures and the final student list has been adopted, in March. Rejected candidates may appeal to the Joint Admissions Board within 7 days from the receipt of the decision notice. Non-selected candidates will be given the option to change their candidature to a self-funded applicant. 

1 April, 2027: Central application deadline for all ordinary candidates.
1 July, 2027: Application deadline for those without EU citizenship or valid EU residence permits.
July 2027: Selected and non-selected self-funding candidates will receive official joint notification. However, most universities will contact their selected candidates beforehand. 

Selection process for Erasmus Mundus grant applicants:
Admission to the degree programme is determined by the Joint Admissions Board, which has one representative from each university, has the Joint Programme Coordinator as its chairperson, and is supported by the Secretariat.

The Secretariat at the Coordinating institution and the Secretariats at the partner universities assess the applications to check whether the application is complete and meets the minimum set of requirements to make the candidate eligible. The corresponding NOHA selection committee at each Network university will make a preliminary selection of the candidates. The final list of admitted students will be adopted by the Joint Admissions Board which meets a few weeks after the application submission deadline and after evaluation of all eligible applications. The applicants are informed in writing regarding the decision of the Joint Admission Board, which includes information for the student about the possibility to appeal within 7 days of receiving notification.

Final results of successful and unsuccessful candidates can only be released by the end of March. The selection results will be sent to candidates by email.

Procedure of Appeal
Rejected candidates may appeal to the Joint Admissions Board within seven days from the receipt of the decision notice. In the event of an appeal, the Joint Admissions Board may reconsider its decision on the basis of additional information. The procedure of appeal is not an opportunity to submit documents that should have been included in the application. No additional documents will be accepted at this stage.

The Appeal Form can be downloaded from the NOHA website under the documents section. It must be sent to the NOHA Consortium at the following address: nohamasters@deusto.es.

Non selected candidates will be give the option to change their application to a self-funded candidature.



Each university evaluates the applications of self-funding applicants that have applied to the university as their first choice home university. The university selects their own candidates based upon their own national criteria and procedures. The Master Secretariat compiles a joint network student list which is adopted by all universities to clarify mobility paths. 

Students who are not selected by their first choice of home university may be selected by their second or third choice universities or may be asked if their application can be passed along to another university. 

Final results of successful and unsuccessful candidates can only be released in summer 2025, although most universities will contact their selected students beforehand. 

The selection results will be sent to candidates by email. For specific questions on applying as a self-funding student, applicants should directly contact the coordinator at their first choice home university. 

*Collection of data in accordance with the Regulation (EC) N° 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18.12.2000 on the protection of individuals with regards to processing personal data.

What is the Erasmus+ Scholarship for NOHA?
The NOHA master’s programme has been proudly supported by the European Union for over a decade. It was one of the first 19 Master programmes selected at the start of the Erasmus Mundus programme in 2004. In 2025, the NOHA master was once again selected as an Erasmus Mundus programme.

How many scholarships are offered in the 2027-2029 intake?
·       4 scholarships from candidates from Programme Countries*, and 
·       8 scholarships are targeted to students from Partner Countries*.
·       4 scholarships from candidates from concrete Targeted Regions* of the world the Regions 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
*Classification of Programme, Partner countries and Regions can be consulted here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/eligible-countries

Kindly note that no more than 10% of the total number of scholarships can be awarded to students from the same nationality.

Please be aware that this process is extremely competitive given the high number of applicants. Successful candidates generally display exceptional academic performance alongside prior experience in the field of Humanitarian Action. 


Who is Eligibile for the Erasmus+ Scholarship?
The scholarship can only be awarded in full, and to full-time students.
 
What does the Erasmus+ scholarship cover?
The scholarship will be a contribution to the costs incurred by the beneficiary students and shall cover travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs. It is calculated on the basis of a monthly unit cost for the entire period needed by the enrolled scholarship holder to complete the study programme. The scholarship is awarded for full-time enrolment, and will cover the entire duration of the Master programme.

The scholarship is calculated as 1.400€ per month x 24 (max. duration in months of the Master programme, the end being understood as the last official activity in the context of the course.)

Please kindly note that this is a fixed amount regardless of the country of origin, residence or nationality of the candidate. 
Students who have previously obtained an EMJM scholarship are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship under the EMJM.

A reduction can apply in case of the minimum mobility requirements are not fulfilled. All enrolled students must carry out a compulsory  physical mobility consisting of a minimum of two study periods in two countries, of which at least one must be an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme. These two countries must be different from the country of residence of the student at enrolment stage. Each of the two mandatory study periods must correspond to a workload of at least one academic semester. Compulsory mobility periods cannot be replaced by virtual mobility.

Contribution to individual needs of students 
Please let us know whether you require any adaptation in order to complete the master programme. Kindly share your needs, the kind of items/services are needed we may be able to support you.  How do I apply for the Erasmus+ Scholarship?
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship applicants must follow the joint application procedure as established by the NOHA consortium, submit a complete application and comply with all eligibility criteria. Only candidates who have graduated before the application deadline are eligible to apply for an EM scholarship. A completed application must have been received by the deadline indicated.

Students who have already obtained an EMJM scholarship or an Erasmus Mundus Master Course/Joint Doctorate scholarship are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship under the EMJM action. EMJM scholarship holders cannot benefit from another EU funded scholarship scheme to follow the same EMJM course and this for the entire period of the course.

Applicants who do not comply with the application instructions, for example by failing to submit one or more requested documents or by submitting them in the wrong mode or format, will be considered ineligible

What additional documentation do I need to apply for the Erasmus+ scholarship?
There is no additional document required for those applying to the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

What opportunities for funding exist for those not pursuing a masters degree?
The NOHA Consortium will award scholarships toinvited scholars and/or guest lecturers.

The main aim of the grants is to invite scholars and guest lecturers holding an outstanding academic and/or professional profile from different world regions to train our students on anthropology and intercultural aspects of humanitarian action and particularly effective local humanitarian responses. This will enhance students’ understanding of how to respond and address local needs adequately in different complex emergencies. Invited scholars’ involvement is expected to bring added value to each student intake in terms of student-centred, teaching/lecturing and research activities, Master thesis support, academic and/or professional networking, etc.
 
Scholars' mobility is considered eligible between NOHA delivering universities and from partner universities and organisations. Invited scholars and guest lecturers may also come from an organisation outside the Consortium in case such mobility is clearly linked to the Master course. Scholar/guest lecturer paid by other EU funding schemes (including other Erasmus+ actions) cannot be considered eligible.
 
Applications should be made using the Guest Scholar Application Form and sent by email to nohamasters@deusto.es with the subject heading "Invited Scholars/Guest Lecturers Application".


Guest Scholar Application Form
Erasmus Mundus Association

NOHA Master's Consortium Agreement
NOHA Study & Examination Regulations
NOHA Internal Quality Handbook
NOHA Student Agreement
NOHA Appeal Form
NOHA Complaint Procedure and Form

 

The NOHA Intensive Programme (5 ECTS) is the initial inter-university joint course that brings together all NOHA students, introduces them to key principles and concepts underlying humanitarian action and main actors in the field of humanitarian relief, their policies and strategies, as well as contemporary issues and challenges facing humanitarian actors.
Location: The 2026 IP will take place at the Ruhr-University Bochum
When: Beginning of September
Language of instruction: English

The first semester consists of the common courses (25 ECTS) througout the network. These course are jointly developed NOHA modules which provide a space to debate the essentials of humanitarian action and its current trends: World Politics, Legal Dimensions of Humanitarian Action, People & Culture, Management, Public Health.

The content of the modules, their layout, and the complementary capacity building and problem-solving activities aim at providing the required knowledge and skills in a complex interdisciplinary and international learning framework respecting the different historical teaching background and variety of expertise in the NOHA partner universities.

Location: Home university
When: Mid-later September through late January 
Language of instruction:
English: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Germany • University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland • Uppsala universitet, Sweden • Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG), The Netherlands • Uniwersytet Warszawski (UW), Poland • L'Università ta Malta (UM), Malta
French: Aix Marseille Université (AMU), France
Spanish: Universidad de Deusto (UD), Spain

Important: Some of the NOHA universities (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Universidad de Deusto, Uppsala universitet) have a specific list of national requirements which have to be met in order to conclude the admission procedure. Please read the information on specific national requirements before applying. These requirements apply also to students undertaking mobility to the universities in question during second semester.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Period at their home universities, students follow the Specialisation Period (Semester II) in another NOHA university of their choice. It allows students to get deeper knowledge and competences in specific aspects of humanitarian action and to strengthen the areas of a particular importance to them. Each university offers 20 ECTS of courses based on their unique expertise which are supplemented by a set of common courses: Advanced Management and Methodology & Research Methods in Humanitarian Studies.

Location: Any of the NOHA universities (Host university)
When: Early February through late June

Available specilisations:

• Legal and Geopolitical Approach of Humanitarian Action - Aix Marseille Université (AMU), France
• Resilience: Localising the aid effort - University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
• Forced Migration and Human Security - L'Università ta Malta (UM), Malta
• Humanitarian Analysis and Intervention Design - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG), The Netherlands
• Humanitarian Policy and Practice: From Delivering Aid to Ending Needs  - Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Germany
• Armed Conflicts and Humanitarian Action - Uniwersytet Warszawski (UW), Poland
• Protection in Humanitarian Action - Universidad de Deusto (UD), Spain
• Conflict, Peace-building and Religion - Uppsala Universitet (UU), Sweden
  
  
  
  Important: Some of the NOHA universities (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Universidad de Deusto, Uppsala universitet) have a specific list of national requirements which have to be met in order to conclude the admission procedure. Please read the information on specific national requirements before applying. These requirements apply also to students undertaking mobility to the universities in question during second semester.

During the Contextualisation Period (Semester III) the student can choose between two options:

a) Regional training  (30 ECTS):
This component introduces students to humanitarian action approaches in regional contexts, gives them the opportunity to cooperate, function and work in a different cultural setting, and help students to develop and adapt their research project to the regional context in preparation for the students’ project in the fourth semester. Details are provided on university pages (see below).

Regional training is offered at the following partner universities:

• Middle East: German Jordanian University (Jordan)
• Middle East: Université Saint-Joseph (Lebanon) [in French]
• Middle East: DOHA Institute for Graduate studies (Qatar)
• South Asia: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (India)
• Mainland Southeast Asia: Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
• Maritime Southeast Asia: Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
• Asia & Pacific: Deakin University (Australia)
• Africa: Makeni University (Sierra Leone)
• Latin America: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
• Latin America: Rafael Landivar (Guatemala)
• North America: Fordham University (USA)

> The link to the application form for the third semester regional training at partner universities is open from the 15th December to the 15th of January.

b) Work Placement (30 ECTS)
Students follow a training module on Career Development and a supervised, mentored and monitored placement which are jointly designed with the partner organisations and formalised through individual written traineeship agreements.

• Career Development Training (10 ECTS)
• Placement (20 ECTS)

 

Location: Home university/Partner university/Humanitarian organisation
When: July-January

In the context of international humanitarian action new professionals must be:

• able to select and analyse research material;
• trained to confront new problems in their multiple dimensions;
• able to understand reality and to elaborate innovative solutions; and
• accustomed to assessing their results.

The aim of the Research Period (Semester IV) is to provide key competences required to research the humanitarian action context and ensure that interventions are based on systematic information collection, analysis and synthesis. The Master thesis must be assessed by at least two examiners. In principle, the examiners should be a member of the first semester university and the second semester university of the student or the partner university or institution. Supervision and assessment is to be conducted in line with the joint Master Thesis Guide.
Location: Home university
When: February-June

Please be informed that if you are selected (proposed for a scholarship/fellowship, put on the reserve list or enrolled on a self-paying basis) your data may be used for the purposes of evaluating the programmes, efficiently manage the projects, and producing statistics. Data could be made available to the EACEA, the European Commission, the European External Action Service staff, as well as to other stakeholders of the Erasmus+ programme, such as Erasmus+ National Agencies, National Erasmus+ Offices and the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association.
For more details on EACEA Provisions for the processing of personal data, see this link.

Home university (1st semester): Before selecting your choice, please make sure that you have also read list of specific national requirements which have to be met in order to conclude the admission procedure at certain universities.

Host university (2nd semester): Students have to study at another NOHA university during the second semester. Please put the 8 NOHA universities in order of preference. You should consider the specialisation of each university carefully: we will do our best to offer you your first choice, but once a decision is made it may not be possible to change it. In the case of the Aix-Marseille Université, you should also make sure that your knowledge of French is good enough (min. C1) to study a Master's degree.  Before selecting your choice, please make sure that you have also read list of specific national requirements which have to be met in order to conclude the admission procedure at certain universities.

Host university/institution (3rd semester): During third semester the students can choose one of the learning pathways available: Regional Training or Work Placement Track. This decision is to be made at the end of the first semester.

Candidates for the Masters Course must have obtained a Bachelor degree in a discipline of relevance to humanitarian action (e.g. disciplines rooted in Social Sciences and Humanities, but also Engineering or Medical Sciences). One of the documents that you have to attach to your application form is a copy of your academic transcripts (academic records that state the subjects you have taken). However, the NOHA Board carefully examines all of the applications and takes into account different criteria: quality of education, professional background, experience in and concern for humanitarian issues, multicultural sensitivity, and linguistic abilities. Its decision is evaluated against all these criteria.

Knowledge of English is a requirement. For specific information about the certificate that you have to provide, please contact the NOHA coordination department at the university in which you are planning to enrol.
You can apply for the Master Course with both certificates (IELTS or TOEFL). It is required to have a level equivalent to C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Regarding the language test, you can send your scores after the deadline. Please remember that if you are pre-selected for the Masters Course, your home university may ask you to submit a proof of language ability, so you will need to take the test.
If you do not yet have your test scores, when submitting your application form, attach a word document to the language certificate field, stating that your scores will be received later. Once you have them, please send them to: nohamasters@deusto.es and we will upload them onto your application form.

Please note that the above procedure does not apply to applicants for E+ scholarships who HAVE TO submit a full documentation as specified in the requirements before the announced deadline.

One of the requirements for applying to the Masters Course is having completed a good level first cycle degree. If you have not completed your bachelor degree, you will have to wait until the next call.
If you have completed your studies (or are about to do so) but are waiting for your diploma to be issued, you can apply for the course with your provisional transcripts. You may need the original ones once your application has been accepted. Please note that each university is responsible for its own process of registration. They can ask you to provide the official certificates, according to the university regulation.
In the above case, please upload a document where you explain that you will forward your diploma when you get it. Once you have it, contact us again and we will guide you through the process.

Please note that the above procedure does not apply to applicants for E+ scholarships who HAVE TO submit a full documentation as specified in the requirements before the announced deadline.

In July 2026, the NOHA Master was once again selected as an Erasmus Mundus programme and will continue to offer Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 4 editions.

Please also have a look at the following websites to check if you are eligible for a scholarship of these institutions. If so, please apply as soon as possible for the grants. Please note that NOHA is not affiliated with any of the insitutions listed below and does not facilitate the scholarship procedures.

A. Wilhelm Klein-Stiftung
Alexander von Humboldt
Alfred Töpfer-Stiftung
Avicenna-Studienwerk
Becas Fundation Caja Madrid
The British Academy
The British Council
Bundesfoederungsgesetz (Bafoeg)
Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen 
Bureau for academic recognition and international exchange
Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft e.V. CDG
Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Stiftung 
Colfuturo
Compagnia di San Paolo 
Canuswerke
DAAD-scholarship database (1)
DAAD-scholarship database (2)
DAAD grant for students from developing and emerging economic countries
The Danish State Educational Support (SU)
Danish Government Scholarships
The Denmark-America Foundation & the Fulbright Commission
Deutschlandstipendium
DIKTI scholarships for Indonesian Lecturers
Dr. Arthur Pfungst-Stiftung
Dr. Jost-Henkel-Stiftung
e-fellows
Elfi (database)
Elisabeth Krauß'sche Stipendienstiftung
Erasmus Praktikum
Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk
Euraxess - Researchers in Motion
Europe & South Africa Partnership for Human Development (EUROSA)
European Funding Guide
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Ford Foundation
Foundation for Polish Science
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
Friedrich Weller-Stipendium
The Polish-US Fulbright Commission
Gemeinschaft für studentischen Austausch in Mittel- u. Osteuropa (GFPS) e. V.
George Soros Foundation/ Open Society Foundations
The German-American Fulbright Commission
German Marshall Fund of the United States
GFPS Polska
GlobalScholarships.com
Go East Grants
Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung
Hans Böckler Stiftung
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
International Scholarships
Japan/World Bank Scholarship
JASSO
Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Kölner Gymnasial- und Stitungsfonds
The Kościuszko Foundation
La Caixa Foundation
Leonardo da Vinci Stipendium
Mawista
Mellon Foundation
NATO - Scientific and Environmental Affairs Division
Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)
Netherlands organisation for international cooperation
Oesterreichischer Austauschdienst
Oticon Foundation
Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V.
Peter Fuld Stiftung
The Polish-American Freedom Foundation 
PROMOS
Reemtsma Begabtenförderungswerk
Robert Bosch Stiftung
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Rotary International District 5960
Scholarship-Database
Scholarship Information Search
Scholarshipportal
Scholarship providers
Scholarships Times
Stefan Batory Foundation
Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft
Stiftung zur Förderung des Bildungssystems
Stipendienlotse
Stipendiumplus
Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes
SU Scholarships
TOEFL Scholarship program
International Visegrad Fund
WEBB scholarship

One of the requirements for applying to the Masters programme is to upload certified copies of all diplomas, diploma supplements and academic transcripts. The certification of these documents guarantees that the copies are identical to the original. If candidates need to translate their diploma or transcript, the signature or seal of the translator can be considered as a guarantee that the translated document is a faithful copy of the original. If the candidate´s university has issued the diploma in English, that same university can certify the copies.
Please note that some universities might also require a legalised copy of your documents. Refer to Additional admission requirements for more information.

“Academic credentials” refer to the official certification proving that you have completed the education you claim you have (your studies). A “diploma” is the document issued by an institution showing that a person has earned a degree. “Academic transcripts” are your academic records.

A “Curriculum Vitae” (CV) is defined as “a comprehensive, biographical statement emphasising your professional qualifications and activities”. It is not the standard resume used in most employment settings but a variation provided only when specifically requested, usually in pursuit of an academic or research position. 

A diploma supplement (DS) is produced by national institutions according to a template that has been developed by a Joint European Commission – Council of Europe – UNESCO working group.
The DS is composed of eight sections (information identifying the holder of the qualification, information identifying the qualification, information on the level of the qualification, information on the contents and results gained, information on the function of the qualification, additional information, certification of the Supplement, information on the national higher education system).
Information in all eight sections should be provided. Where information is not provided, an explanation should provide the reason why. Institutions have to apply to the DS the same authentication procedures as for the diploma itself.
A description of the national higher education system within which the individual named on the original qualification graduated has to be attached to the DS. This description is provided by the National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARICs) and is available on the website: www.enic-naric.net.

You are required to provide two reference letters; ideally one from the academic field and the other from the professional field. If you were unable to, alternatively, you may provide two letters from the academic field.
If you are planning to enrol at Aix-Marseille University where French is the language of instruction, you are allowed to submit your reference letters in French. However, for the rest of universities, reference letters should be provided in English. 
Although reference letters should be sent together with your application form, we understand that in order to preserve confidentiality some people prefer to send them to us directly. If this is the case, please ask your referee(s) to send the letter(s) directly to the NOHA Masters Secretariat (nohamasters@deusto.es) as well as to the NOHA Director of the University in which you would like to enrol, quoting your candidate reference number. You should also attach a document stating that the letter(s) will be sent separately by your referee(s).
There is no specific format or length for the letter, and it can be addressed to the NOHA Director of the university in which you would like to study or simply "To Whom It May Concern".

Some of the submission problems stem from the size of the documents being uploaded. Please note that the documents must not exceed 2MB.
 
If you have a document that exceeds this size, you may want to:

• try to reduce the size of the document by converting it into another format for example (.pdf, .dic or .jpeg), or
• separate the document into two different documents and attach one of them as Other documentation

The home institution is the university in which you will be enrolled, and where you will spend the first and fourth semesters. The core course and research and work placement take place during these semesters.
The host institution is the university in which students spend their second semester. The orientation course takes place during the second semester. Each NOHA university has a specific specialisation which are detailed on their pages (see delivering universities above).
In order to decide which universities (home and host) you would like to apply for, please remember that candidates must have a recognised qualification in the language of instruction of the universities in which they are planning to study, both home and host universities. 

If you have read the content of NOHA website and still have questions about the Master's programme, please contact:

(1) For general queries about the structure of the programme, application procedure etc.
NOHA Master's Secretariat, Universidad de Deusto,
Ms Itxaso Elizondo Marañón, nohamasters(at)deusto.es, tel. +34 944 139 000 (ext 2379)
[9:00-14:00]

(2) For issues specific to a particular university of your choice:

• Aix-Marseille Université, NOHA Coordinator
  noha@aixhumanitaire.org,, +33 44 217 2591
• L'Università ta' Malta, NOHA Coordinator
  Mr Joseph Debono, joseph.m.debono(at)um.edu.mt, +356 2340 2340
• Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, NOHA Coordinator
  Ms Jolanda Dijkstra, noha(at)rug.nl, +31 6 2112 0208
• Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NOHA Coordinator
  Ms Fiza Lee Winter, noha(at)rub.de, +49 234 3228258
• Universidad de Deusto, NOHA Coordinator
  Ms Maite Segesta, noha(at)deusto.es, +34 944 139 102
• University College Dublin, NOHA Coordinator
  Mr Desire Mpanje, noha.dublin(at)ucd.ie, +353 1 716 7608
• Uniwersytet Warszawski, NOHA Coordinator
  Mr Marcin Waksmundzki, noha(at)uw.edu.pl, +48 22 55 24 367
• Uppsala universitet, NOHA Coordinator
  Mr Cameron Ross, noha(at)teol.uu.se, +46 18 471 2236