The Joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology is an integrated multidisciplinary programme offered within the framework of one of the first transnational European universities EU- CONEXUS.

The programme provides the student with a high-quality academic education, building professional competences in the area of marine biotechnology (also called blue biotechnology) and helping to address its global challenges.

Call for application

• 1 December 2025 - 30 April 2026

Admission requirements
The programme is open to the holders of a first cycle higher education degree (Bachelor degree) in Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics (ISCED 05), Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction (ISCED 07), Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary (ISCED 08) and other similar fields of study as JMPMB from all countries. The qualification must give access to the Master studies and be recognized by the NARICs (National Academic Recognition Information Centers) of the Partners (see Article 5.1.).

The minimum eligibility requirements to study joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology are:

• University Bachelor’s degree (min. 180 ECTS and Bachelor thesis as part of the study programme received) providing access to University postgraduate programmes, and which shows that the applicant has a minimal background in biological sciences and linked to the Master’s field in Biotechnology,
• English language proficiency: at least CEFR B2, IELTS 6.5 (at least 6 in any skill overall speaking, writing, listening and reading) or equivalent), if English is not a native language or language of previous Bachelor or Master studies,
• Motivation.

The Partners agree to aim at selecting the best students in the JMPMB. The Consortium will select the students in three selection rounds:
(1) eligibility evaluation,
(2) assessment of applications and
(3) interview.

The final list of nominated and pending students will be announced by the Programme Committee.

Application documents
An applicant to the Joint Master programme in Marine Biotechnology shall fill in the application form and upload the following scanned documents through the EU-CONEXUS application system https://apply.eu-conexus.eu/:

• Diploma of Bachelor degree, in language of origin and an official translation into English. Apostilled or legalized by Spanish embassy.
  • If the diploma is not received yet, the applicant shall indicate when it is expected to be received or provide the confirmation from university about completing Bachelor studies*.
• Diploma Supplement or Transcript of records, in language of origin and an official translation into English, showing full details of courses studied and grades/marks obtained.
  • If at the moment of application, the Bachelor studies (or equivalent) are not completed yet, the Transcript of records with the courses and grades to date is accepted*.
• A letter from the University stating that his/her Bachelor gives access to University postgraduate programmes.
• Certificate to proof of English language proficiency (see requirements), if English is not a native language. The certificate must be issued during the last 2 years.
  • If at the moment of application, it is not possible to provide proof of language qualification, applications will still be accepted but any offer of a place on the programme or of a scholarship will be conditional until the test result is received & verified by Selection Committee.
• Statement of purpose completed with comments/justification about the preference for the track (specialization) in JMPMB.
• CV with the emphasis on professional/research experience in the related subject and extracurricular activities (Europass CV format is highly recommended).
• 2 academic recommendation letters (the letters must be not older than 6 months, signed. They must contain a date, and they must be on letterhead paper and include the referee's signature or official stamp).
• Copy of the photo page of passport or ID (ID card for EU citizens only).
• Scientific articles, if any. The articles may be listed in the CV with the link to the journal where it is published and object identifier (OID) number.
• Proof of volunteering and/or work activities (e.g., certificate, report, membership payment slip, etc.).

At the moment of application, the applicant is requested to select the track for the 3rd semester of JMPMB (you can select up to 3 priority choices).
All documents, if not in English or bilingual, when English is one of the languages, shall be duly translated and notary verified (sworn translation).
Applications shall be submitted until the end of Call for applications. If any of the required documents are missing, the application will not be considered.

* Conditional offers
An applicant who is completing the final year of his/her first degree or who has yet to provide the required evidence of proficiency in English will be considered for entry to the JMPMB but will not receive an unconditional offer of a place on the programme until it is received his/her final degree and/or English language test results. In such cases, the applicant may be offered a conditional admission on finishing Bachelor’s degree at the required grade and/or obtaining the required English language test results. This documentation must be submitted to the EU-CONEXUS Master Officer. If Diploma of Bachelor degree is issued with the delay, a provisional diploma or letter from University must be submitted.

EU-CONEXUS Master Officer is responsible for communicating and consult potential applicants and assist them in the application procedure.

After the applications are submitted, the EU-CONEXUS Master Officer prepares the applicants lists and their documentation to the Selection Committee.

Important Notice: No Erasmus Mundus funding will be available under this call. This intake will not benefit from Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

Candidates are therefore invited to apply only for self-funded positions or tuition fee waiver opportunities for the best ranked candidates.

This call for applications aims to select the best candidates to study for the Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology (JMPMB) under the following conditions:

• Self-funded students, or
• Students awarded a 100% tuition fee waiver

EU-CONEXUS offers up to 15 places with a 100% tuition fee waiver. Other eligible applicants will be offered a self-funded place.

A maximum of 40 Students (with or without a tuition fee waiver) will be admitted to the JMPMB in 2026.

*The programme is not required to reach full capacity.

The programme will seek a balance in nationalities and in the number of applicants per track in order to ensure a fair and transparent distribution.

Call for Application
Learn more about the programme here.