Q&A about the Eligibility Check Form
Please make sure you check the questions below before sending us any queries by e-mail.
I can’t fill in the application form, I always get an error notification.
Some applicants try to start the application process through other ways but before you can submit your application, you have to fill in the eligibility check form. You can find the link to the eligibility check form on our website (under “Applications”). After you fill in the eligibility check form, you will get an email within ca. two weeks telling you whether you are eligible to apply. If you’re eligible, this email will also invite you to apply and include the link to the actual application.
I started to fill in the eligibility check form but got interrupted. Now I received an email saying that I’m ineligible. Is this an error? Can I just start the form again or does this affect my chance to get a positive response?
This has happened to multiple applicants – they started the eligibility check form, got interrupted and then received an email saying they’re not eligible. This happens because, if you open the form, start filling in your information and don’t delete it later, it will be saved automatically (assuming you’ll continue later). If you don’t continue within a few days, the information you filled in so far will be submitted automatically (as if it’s a completed). Consequently, the system will recognize this as if you’re ineligible. However, if this happened to you, you can simply ignore the “ineligible” email and open and complete the check again. To people who haven’t started the process and want to look through the form but don’t plan to properly start the submission yet, we recommend to delete your information or your browser history or disable the cookies – if you want to look through the form but don’t plan to properly start the submission now. This way you’d avoid receiving emails saying you’re ineligible (because of the systemic error ratherthan your actual qualitfications).
Why does the eligibility check form ask about my demographic information?
We’re collecting demographic data for statistical purposes only. Filling in this information is voluntary and doesn’t effect your eligibility or chance for a successful application. We ask for this information only to get a better overview of who’s interested in the program and which demographics we’re (not) reaching already.
I have a bachelor’s and master’s in a subject other than psychology. For which degree should I provide information about the relevant modules?
If your educational background is not in psychology, it’s very important for us to know which psychology-related modules you’ve taken in the past. Please put the information for all relevant modules in the form – for either degree. We’ll consider them all when determining whether you have enough background knowledge in psychology.
My country is not in the list of countries.
Please contact us via email global.minds@ul.ie
My university doesn’t use the ECTS credit system. I need help calculating how my credits compare to ECTS.
As we’re receiving many many submissions from different countries and universities, we can’t provide this information. Please do your own research and ask the institution where you obtained the qualification for assistance. In the eligibility check form, you can find a list of examples but the list is not exhaustive.
We can’t provide this information for every applicant at this stage but later in the application process, we will double-check the accuracy of the calculations.
I took more than five relevant modules but I can only add information about five modules. What should I do?
There’s a button below the table saying “Add another button”. You can use that button to add lines for more modules.
I submitted the eligibility check form but haven’t heard back in a while.
If you submitted the form but still haven’t heard from us via email after two weeks, please contact us via email: global.minds@ul.ie
We hope you don’t feel disencouraged by this. We’re receiving large numbers of submissions and emails which is why it’s taking longer than exptected to review the submissions and reply to the e-mails.
My degree doesn’t have a specific name. What should I put as the course name?
We ask you if your course had a specific name. If your pro-gramme didn’t have a specific title, e.g., if you were at a college where you just started taking courses and later chose your majors/minors, you can just leave this box empty. That’s totally fine.
Q&A about the Application in general
Please make sure you check the questions below before sending us any queries by e-mail.
What Bachelor (or equivalent) degree do I need to be eligible for the Global-MINDS Master Degree Programme?
A 2.2 honours degree (undergraduate degree, Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or the overseas equivalent as determined by the Course Board and the guidelines of UL Graduate School Admissions, with a minimum of 100 ECTS or equivalent experience in psychology and research methods.
If you have not completed the 1st cycle degree at the time of application, you must send proof of enrolment, available transcripts, and a declaration of the expected date of completion (original and certified English translation as necessary) from the university that will issue the diploma. In this case, if you are accepted, this will be conditional on the submission of a 1st cycle degree diploma before enrolment.
Before you can start your application, you need to fill in the required eligibility check form. When you fill in the form, you will receive feedback via email if you’re eligible for the master’s program. Only then you will be able to submit your application documents.
What should I include in the personal statement?
In the supporting statement, you have to explain your reason for pursuing this master and how you see that it fits in your life (with your past/present, but also with your future career plans). This statement is essential for our selection committee to understand your motivation (why you want to do part) and your fit with the programme (how you might fit with the other students and the program overall). In addition, you should also state if you are applying for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or if you’re a self-funded student.
Please use this form for your supporting statement ONLY.
If I have not completed my bachelor, can I apply?
Yes, you can apply! If you have not completed the 1st cycle degree at the time of application, you must send proof of enrolment, available transcripts, and a declaration of the expected date of completion (original and certified English translation as necessary) from the university that will issue the diploma. In this case, if you are accepted, this will be conditional on the submission of a 1st cycle degree diploma before enrolment.
Are there specific instructions for the academic references?
You should not submit your recommendation letters with the initial application! We will need recommendations letters only if you’re shortlisted for an interview.
There are no specific requirements for the references. Each academic referee has their own style of writing a reference, but usually, professors use the headed/institutional paper. You can submit one academic and one professional reference (someone who knows your work in research or professional settings). They should be in English and signed by your referees. If they are in any other language, they should be translated by official translators.
If, for some reason, your referees prefer to send us the reference directly, they can do it by sending it to global.minds@ul.ie and specifying in the title your full name.
When I will receive results of my application?
Applicants for Erasmus Mundus Funding will be notified about whether they are shortlisted for an interview by the end of January 2025. Self-funded applicants will be informed about the interviews by the end of April 2025.
We will post more information about when we’ll send out the final results soon.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for a scholarship, and you must indicate so in the supporting statement adding any relevant justification. For every cohort, we have 10 full scholarships (covering tuition fees and receiving and a monthly stipend) and 15 partial scholarships (covering tuition fees).
Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is in a different field than psychology?
Yes, under certain conditions. The programme requires that all students who enroll have a 2.2 honours degree (undergraduate degree, Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or the overseas equivalent as determined by the Course Board and the guidelines of UL Graduate School Admissions, with a minimum of 100 ECTS or equivalent experience in psychology and research methods. One ECTS credit generally translates to 5 classroom hours, or 25 hours of work for a class.
Global MINDS is an advanced psychology programme. All students are expected to have a strong background in psychology, as well as research methods and statistics for the social sciences. The curriculum of the programme includes a required empirical psychology thesis that includes collecting and analysing data quite independently. Although the program includes training in psychology research methodology and statistics, this is advanced training for students with basic knowledge of this area. Thus, a strong background in these areas is necessary for success in the program.
To start the application process, you need to fill in the required eligibility check form first. We’ll let you know via email if you’re eligible for application. Only then you’ll be able to submit your application documents.
Is there a limit in the number of supporting documents that I can attach to my application?
In case you need to submit several documents we advice you to merge some documents. For example, you can merge documents related to your academic results. All files should be in PDF format.
Please make sure to name your PDF files according to their content:
- LastName_CV_2024
- LastName_Statement_2024 (for the filled in Supporting Statement)
- LastName_Qualifications_2024 (for merged diplomas and transcripts)
- LastName_Identification_2024 (for Passport or Birth Certificates)
- LastName_English_2024 (for proof of English proficiency if needed)
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants is January 10th, 2025. For self-funded students, the final deadline is on April 10th, 2025.
What is the timeline for the selection process?
Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants can apply between October 10th, 2024, and January 10th, 2025. Self-funded applicants can apply between October 10th, 2024, and January 10th, 2025 or during the second application round between February 10th and April 10th, 2025.
Is there a fee to apply to the programme?
No. The programme does not charge application fees.
Are there differences in the application process for scholarship or self-funded applicants?
Yes, the deadlines are different. Scholarship applicants can apply only in the first application round. Self-funded applicants can apply in the second round as well.
Apart from the deadlines, no, there are no differences. The application process is the same for all applicants, including the exception to pay an application fee to the programme.
What are the English language requirements?
If candidates did not complete their primary or master’s degree in English (and!) in a country where English is a majority language, they are required to demonstrate their competence in the English language by submitting official results of an English proficiency test. Acceptable tests include:
- DUOLINGO: minimum score of 110 with no less than 100 in any component.
- Matriculation Examinations: acceptable level achieved.
- Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade D or above.
- TOEFL: 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based).
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component. (*Please note some programmes have a higher IELTS requirement)
- ETAPP: Grade C1
- GCE ‘O’ LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE/ GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Grade C or above
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE ESOL: Certificate of Proficiency in English – Grade C /Certificate in Advanced English – Grade B
- GCE EXAMINATION BOARDS: Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6
- PEARSON TEST OF ENGLISH (ACADEMIC) – PTE ACADEMIC: a minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)
- B2 Communicator High Pass: no less than 33 in each skill.
What should I consider when indicating my path preferences for the Global MINDS Programme?
Applicants should give a general indication of which path they would like to take based on the information explained on the Global MINDS website programme content and programme structure.
The preference should be based on where they want to live and study as well as the type of education they want to receive, depending on each mobility path. It is important to note that all paths have core key learning on cross-cultural psychology and intercultural competence, but each path has a different focus as indicated by its name and the modules are taken.
We advise you to rank your path preference in the supporting statement.
What happens if I do not have some official documents before the deadline?
To apply to Global-MINDS, you must provide all the official documents we request. In case of not having the results of your English test or diploma yet, you must attach a letter or proof that you will receive the official documents in the following weeks. If you are accepted to the programme, you must submit the paper to continue with the enrollment process.
Which documents count as an identity document?
We only accept passports or birth certificates as identity documents. If you don’t currently have either document, this won’t delay your application. You can still submit and any offer will be conditional on providing your identity document.
What happens if I do not fulfill the minimum requirements for the programme?
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria concerning your previous background in
psychology or associated subjects, and/or your English proficiency, YOU ARE INELIGIBLE TO APPLY. You should not submit your application, and consider applying for other programs which will give you a basic degree in psychology.
Before you can start the application, you need to fulfill the required eligibility check form. You will get feedback on your eligibility via email. Only if you’re eligible, you can submit your application documents.
What to do if my documents are not originally in English?
All documents we request should be submitted in English. Therefore, if you have documents that are in any other language, you must hire an official translator to translate the documents for you.
Which documents should I attach if I have not graduated yet?
If you are in your final semester of your bachelor, you can attach a letter of enrollment in your academic institutions and the most recent and up-to-date transcripts.
If I have a degree in Psychology, do I have to convert my credits?
If you already have a 2.2 honours degree (undergraduate degree, Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in psychology, you do not need to convert your credits.
What happens if I do not have a valid passport when applying?
In case of having a passport that is expired, you should attach it. However, if you are selected for the programme, you will be asked to submit a valid document to be enrolled.
Are there certain limitations on the number of participants that can be accepted from the programs and partner countries?
No. There are no more distinctions between the programme and partner countries and therefore no specific limit on the number of scholarships for people from a particular country or region. The scholarship is the same for everyone.
How many applications do you receive in each intake?
The number of applicants has varied throughout the years. Normally when we offer scholarships we have between 200 and 300 applicants per intake.
When granting scholarships, do you also consider the SES level of applicants or is it completely merit-based?
To be eligible for a scholarship, you should state in your personal statement that you are applying for a scholarship and write a justification for it. However, we grant the scholarships on a merit-based system based on the score you receive in each segment of your application (Academic achievement and potential, CV, academic, professional and other experience, Motivation and career ambitions and Referee evaluation and recommendations). This means we make a holistic evaluation of each applicant and allocate the scholarships based on the final results of this evaluation.
Can I apply if I already have a master degree?
Yes, you can apply if you already have a master’s degree. Note that if you were already a beneficiary of an Erasmus Mundus Master Degree scholarship, you are not eligible to receive a new scholarship.
Will the program provide visa assistance?
If selected for the programme, you will receive visa support letters that are used to justify your visa application. However, we can not influence the process directly in the embassies and you are responsible for researching how to apply for visa and you are responsible for collecting all needed documents and submitting your visa applications.
If I am from Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway should I pay tuition-fees as a non-EU citizen?
Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway pay the EU fee (€9.000 for the full programme) as these countries are members of the European Economic Area.
What to do if by mistake I submitted an incomplete application?
If by mistake you submitted an application that was not complete, we will get in contact with you to request the missing documents.
Are there special funds available?
Please check our section on special funds.
Is there any special help or support if I have a family (e.g., husband, child) ?
The programme only offers scholarships to individuals; therefore, the economic support received for full-scholarship beneficiaries is meant to be enough for only one person. We cannot guarantee any extra support for other people, and all advisory and support documentation will be provided for you as an individual.
The process of immigration for you and any relatives will vary widely depending on the country where you are going and where you are from. In the case of having a family is YOUR responsibility to familiarise yourself with the rules that apply in each country to your specific case and the existing possibilities for the migration process, education or work of your family members.
Is the scholarship application separated from the program application?
No, if you would like to apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you apply for the scholarship as part of your regular application. You indicate in your supporting statement if you’re applying as an Erasmus Mundus scholar or as a self-funded student. Please indicate in the supporting statement if you’re applying as an Erasmus Mundus scholar as well as a self-funded student. That way, if your application for the scholarship was not succesful, we can still consider your application as a self-funded applicant.
Please note that Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants need to apply before January 10th, 2025. Only applicants who apply as self-funded students can apply in the second application round, with the final deadline on April 10th, 2025.