For American Students, a European Master’s Degree Could Open Doors for the Whole Family
Erasmus Mundus scholarships offer world-class education, cross-border experience, and a potential long-term path to European life—for students and the families supporting them.
When considering a long-term move to Europe, most Americans over 45 tend to focus on familiar priorities: taxes and finances, healthcare, housing, lifestyle, and retirement planning.
But another factor is beginning to reshape the decision-making calculus: where, and how, their children will be educated.
In recent years, Europe has quietly emerged as one of the most attractive study destinations in the world. One key reason is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs, funded by the European Union and open to students worldwide. These two-year master’s degrees are unique in structure and generous in support. Each student studies in at least two countries, earning degrees from multiple top-tier European universities. Many receive full scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
For families with college-aged children, or even younger students planning ahead, the Erasmus Mundus initiative offers more than academic prestige. It provides a clear, structured, and globally respected pathway into Europe.
In September 2025 alone, more than 3,300 students from over 100 countries will begin Erasmus Mundus programs. More than 2,000 of them will do so on scholarship. This year’s expansion reflects the European Commission’s broader effort to attract global talent and reinforce Europe’s status as a center of high-quality, internationally recognized higher education.
From the perspective of American expats, these initiatives unlock a different kind of strategic planning. Using education as a soft landing is increasingly viable. The Erasmus Mundus framework is tied into Europe’s broader student visa policies, often creating pathways to longer stays, work opportunities, and even permanent residence. For children of globally minded entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals, this can become a launchpad into the EU job market.
Importantly, this is not just an option for the elite. Through the Study in Europe platform, a European Commission initiative, families can access detailed information about admissions, scholarships, and cross-border academic structures. In total, Erasmus+ funds around 50,000 scholarships per year across a range of mobility programs, including semester exchanges, internships, and teaching placements.
For independent Americans considering life abroad, the implications are compelling. Whether the living destination is Portugal, Berlin, or other cities on the continent, the educational roadmap of children in the family can also serve as a compelling strategic visa asset.