South Carolina Honors College graduate Emilia Keesey is a 2026 recipient of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship. Funded by the European Union, the EMJM scholarship allows students from across the world to earn two master’s degrees in two years while studying in two or more European countries.
What it offers
The EMJM scholarship provides full tuition for two years, as well as a stipend for living expenses. By the end of the program, participants have two master’s degrees and a cross-cultural educational experience. The interdisciplinary programs provide opportunities for students to explore intersecting interests. Additionally, students change host institutions each semester, allowing for cultural immersion outside the classroom.
Meet our scholar
Keesey graduated in spring 2026 with a degree in global studies. She will pursue her master's degrees at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Warsaw in the EMJM Masters in Global Environment and Development program. This joint degree will allow Keesey to pursue her passion for the environment and sustainability. She has served as the project coordinator for Sustainable Carolina’s Conservation and Stewardship team and worked as an administrative assistant for the Columbia Green urban tree canopy nonprofit. Keesey looks forward to connecting with scholars from across the globe during her EMJM program. Upon completing the program, she plans to pursue a community outreach role dedicated to environmental preservation.
What she’s saying: “By the time I submitted the application, I actually felt like a strong candidate. It was a great experience to create my first curriculum vitae, which showed a culmination of all of my academic and professional experiences thus far. Even if I didn't get into the program, I felt more prepared to talk about my experiences afterwards.”
National Fellowships provides support for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree scholarship applicants. Students interested in learning more should contact USC’s National Fellowships team.