FAQ ABOUT Applications
If you have questions about the applications, please make sure you check the questions below before sending us any queries by e-mail.
ABOUT APPLICATIONS IN GENERAL
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.
What should I include in the personal statement?
In the personal 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.
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.
When I will receive results of my application?
Applicants will receive the first feedback by the end of January. They will be notified about whether they are shortlisted for an interview in March. Final offers are sent out by March 23rd.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for a scholarship, and you must indicate so in the personal 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.
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_Qualifications_2026 (for merged diplomas and transcripts)
- LastName_Identification_2026 (for Passport or Birth Certificates)
- LastName_English_2026 (for proof of English proficiency if needed)
When is the deadline for applications?
January 9th, 2026
What is the timeline for the selection process?
Phase 1: Applications are open from the 1st October 2025 and close on the 9th January 2026. Between 12th and 22nd January 2026 evaluators review applications. On 23rd January the Governing Board meet to shortlist applicants. Phase 2: Between 26th and 30th January applicants are informed by email of shortlisting result: rejected, waiting list and top candidates. The top candidates from each path will receive a link from University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies to apply. Please upload qualification transcripts and English proficiency documents by deadline 13th February. By the 27th February documents are verified, and the Governing Board meet to review candidates for interview. Interviews are scheduled between 2nd and 6th March 2026. Phase 3: Between 9th and 13th March interviews take place and candidates are ranked by path and funding type. Governing Board meet to agree offers and offers are sent by email by 23rd March 2026.
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?
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 personal 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. If you apply but aren’t eligible, you will receive a rejection note and won’t continue in the application process.
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. For the cohort of 2025-2027, more than 500 people applied in the first application period alone.
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.