The Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA) published its Visa Experiences Survey Report (2023–2024), as part of the EMA for Equity initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by participants in their visa application procedures. The initiative aims to improve the support and policies regarding visa-related challenges faced by students pursuing joint master programmes under Erasmus Mundus and similar funding programmes.  

Selected students in the Erasmus Mundus programmes, especially those from outside the European Union (EU), must comply to the local regulations of their host institutions, typically involving securing the necessary visa or residence permit, a process during which many students face challenges, regardless of their Erasmus Mundus scholarship status.  

A total of 325 responses were received to the Visa Experiences survey (VES) between October and December 2023, covering topics such as visa application and collection, associated expenses and resident permit complications. Most respondents were from outside the EU, as shown below.  

Respondents reported challenges related to appointment scheduling, documentation, and visa delays. Based on the survey results, several recommendations were outlined, including the development of more consistent visa procedures across EU member states, increasing the support from consortia and higher education institutions, and the potential introduction of an Erasmus+ mobility visa.  

As part of two dedicated initiatives - Study in Europe and the Erasmus Mundus Support Initiative - ACA helps tackle, together with other partners and stakeholders across Europe, the challenges related to international student visas, through various physical and online events as well as peer learning.