The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program is one of the most important master’s degrees for students who want to specialize in public health in disaster situations. It is a two-year international joint master’s program offered by three leading universities: Universidad de Oviedo in Spain, Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, and University of Nicosia in Cyprus. The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program prepares students to face real challenges in disaster zones by combining academic study with practical training. With a strong focus on disaster risk reduction, health system preparedness, and emergency response, the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to become global leaders in public health and disaster management.
This highly competitive program provides opportunities for students from all over the world. The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program allows candidates to study across three different European countries, gain valuable cultural experience, and build an international career in disaster health management. The curriculum is designed to cover essential areas such as epidemiology, global health, quantitative and qualitative research, and disaster response strategies. By choosing the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program, students not only earn a recognized degree but also strengthen their chances of working with global organizations, NGOs, governments, and research institutes that focus on disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid.
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Project Status
- Status: Active and ongoing
- Start date: 2013 (first intake)
- End date: Continuing with new intakes every year
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Public Health in Disaster
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program allows students to study at top European universities, focusing on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and public health management
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| Cyprus |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program is a full-time two-year master’s course worth 120 ECTS credits. It is taught entirely in English and designed to build knowledge in disaster risk reduction, global health, research methods, and emergency interventions. Students are trained by experts in disaster medicine, epidemiology, and public health systems. The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program focuses on both theory and practice, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared for real-world situations.
Key features of the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
- Multi-country study in Spain, Sweden, and Cyprus
- Full 120 ECTS degree with focus on disaster risk and public health
- Strong orientation in research methods and applied public health
- Mobility opportunities across leading universities
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships available for outstanding students
- Exposure to internships and real disaster-related projects
Mobility tracks of the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program is structured with mobility across three universities. Students begin at Universidad de Oviedo for core disaster studies, continue at Karolinska Institutet for global health and response modules, and then move to University of Nicosia for epidemiology and research methods. In the final semester, students complete their thesis at one of the three partner institutions.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program, applicants need:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in health, management, administration, law, social sciences, or technical sciences.
- English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in all bands or TOEFL iBT 79 with minimum 20 in writing.
- Academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters.
- Proof of residence and a valid passport.
How to apply for EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
Applications are submitted online through the program’s portal. Students need to upload all required documents in English and specify if they are applying for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or self-funded admission. Pre-selected candidates may later be asked to submit certified copies by post.
Tips to win the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
- Prepare your application early and carefully check requirements.
- Write a strong motivation letter that connects your career goals with public health in disaster management.
- Highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experience.
- Secure strong academic and professional recommendation letters.
- Show clear commitment to future work in disaster management and global health.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date/Period | Details |
|---|
| Applications Open | October 1 | Online application portal available for EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program. |
| Application Deadline | January 15 | All documents must be submitted before this date. |
| Notification of Results | March 15–31 | Informal results sent to selected applicants. |
| Final Selection | May (mid–end) | Official admission and scholarship decisions announced. |
| Enrollment Begins | June 1 | Selected students begin confirming their enrollment. |
| Scholarship Confirmation | June 20 | Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipients are finalized and informed. |
| Enrollment Closes | July 31 | Final deadline for completing enrollment procedures. |
Curriculum Structure of the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program
- Year 1, Semester 1: Core courses in disaster risk reduction and health systems (Oviedo, Spain)
- Year 1, Semester 2: Global health, response strategies, and research methods (Karolinska, Sweden)
- Year 2, Semester 1: Epidemiology, advanced research methods, and practical training (Nicosia, Cyprus)
- Year 2, Semester 2: Master’s thesis at one of the three universities
Coordinator Contact
The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus program is coordinated jointly by Universidad de Oviedo, Karolinska Institutet, and University of Nicosia. Applicants can contact the program offices of these universities for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus Program unique?
It’s one of the few fully‑funded joint masters with compulsory mobility and a focus on disasters.
Is EMPHID Erasmus Mundus open to non‑health science graduates?
Yes—economics, law, engineering or social science graduates are eligible if they meet ECTS requirements
Does EMPHID Erasmus Mundus offer internships?
Definitely—students complete practical internships as part of the Karolinska term.
Can I apply to EMPHID Erasmus Mundus without scholarship?
Yes—self‑financing students may still apply if they meet admission criteria.
Is the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus workload heavy?
It’s intensive—90 ECTS of coursework + 30 ECTS thesis over 24 months.
