IMBRSea — the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Marine Biological Resources — will open applications for its Cohort 2027 on 1 December 2026. If you dream of studying marine science at not one but eleven leading European universities, this is the programme to put on your calendar now.
Organised by eleven top European marine-science universities and supported by the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC), IMBRSea links the biology of marine organisms and environmental studies with marine conservation, management, policy and planning — exactly the skills the blue bio-economy is hiring for.
Key Dates — Cohort 2027
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 December 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Applications close | 15 February 2027 (Monday) |
| Selection outcome | Within 2 weeks of the closing date, by email |
| Programme starts | September 2027 |
What You Get
- A joint Master of Science (120 ECTS) with a major in Marine Biological Resources — a recognised Erasmus Mundus degree.
- Mobility built in: Semester 1 (Fundamental Module) at one of 6 universities; Semester 2 (Thematic modules + Professional Practice); a summer school at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory in Sweden (end of July–August); Semester 3 (Specialization Tracks) at different universities; and a Semester 4 thesis with any of IMBRSea’s associate partners around the world.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships: full EU-funded joint-master scholarships are awarded under the programme — start preparing documents well before the 1 December opening.
- Training aimed at the sustainable use of marine biological resources — fisheries science, marine conservation, ecosystem management and the blue bio-economy.
The 11 Partner Universities
- Ghent University (Belgium)
- University of Sorbonne (France)
- University of Algarve (Portugal)
- University of Oviedo (Spain)
- Atlantic Technological University (Ireland)
- University of the Basque Country (Spain)
- Polytechnic University of Marche (Italy)
- University of Bergen (Norway)
- University of Western Brittany (France)
- Côte d’Azur University (France)
- University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
Who Can Apply
Applicants need a Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, oceanography, marine sciences, (bio)chemistry, biotechnology, geography, geology, veterinary medicine or an equivalent degree, with a minimum of 180 credits, completed at the latest before 1 September 2027.
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 87, or
- IELTS: minimum 6.5, or
- A university language-centre certificate (CEF level B2 or higher), or
- Proof of at least one year of higher education taught in English.
How to Apply
- Prepare your documents: passport/ID, Europass CV, academic transcripts and degree certificate, English-language proof, motivation statement and referee details.
- Submit the online application form on the IMBRSea website once the call opens on 1 December 2026.
- Watch your email — selection outcomes are communicated within two weeks of the call closing.
Why Fisheries Students Should Care
IMBRSea is one of the few Erasmus Mundus programmes squarely in marine biological resources — covering fisheries-relevant science, marine ecosystem management and conservation policy across three countries of study. Graduates move into marine research, fisheries management, conservation NGOs, environmental consultancy and policy roles worldwide. With applications opening in five weeks, start your paperwork now.
Official Links
- IMBRSea programme page — University of Gothenburg
- IMBRSea official website (temporarily offline at the time of writing, 24 Oct 2026 — check back closer to 1 December)
- IMBRSea — Atlantic Technological University (entry requirements)
All dates, partner lists, eligibility and language requirements above were verified against the official IMBRSea programme pages of the University of Gothenburg and Atlantic Technological University on 24 October 2026. Always confirm current details on the official pages before applying.