The GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus programme—Global Markets, Local Creativities—is accepting applications for its 2027–2029 intake. The two-year international master’s programme studies how global economic processes interact with local cultures, industries, entrepreneurship and creative economies.
For Kenyan applicants from business, economics, history, development studies, sociology, cultural studies, media, entrepreneurship or related fields, GLOCAL can be a strong option because it combines social science and humanities perspectives with real-world economic and cultural change.
Scholarship deadline
The official GLOCAL programme lists the Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline as 14 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time.
Official scholarship page: GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
What does GLOCAL study?
The programme looks at globalisation through the relationship between markets and local creativity. This includes questions around business, cultural industries, regional development, entrepreneurship, heritage, innovation and the way local communities respond to global economic change.
Students study across a consortium of universities and follow a defined track. The international mobility is central to the programme rather than an optional study-abroad component.
How the scholarship works
The official programme currently gives scholarship recipients two payment options. One option includes advance payments to support travel and installation, followed by a lower monthly subsistence amount. The other provides €1,400 per month across the programme without separate advance travel/installation payments.
Applicants should read the official scholarship page carefully before choosing an option because the payments are structured differently even though both are part of the scholarship package.
Published scholarship selection criteria
One advantage of GLOCAL is that the programme publishes its scholarship scoring breakdown. Current criteria are:
- Personal statement – 40%
- Academic merit – 30%
- Relevant research/professional experience and other factors – 20%
- References – 10%
This tells applicants exactly where to focus. The personal statement is the single largest component of scholarship scoring.
How to write a stronger GLOCAL personal statement
Do not write a general essay about wanting international exposure. Use a specific issue that connects global markets with local realities. A Kenyan applicant could explore themes such as creative industries, agricultural value chains, tourism, digital entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, regional trade or the growth of technology-driven markets.
The best statement should explain what you have already observed or worked on, what academic questions remain unanswered and why GLOCAL’s interdisciplinary structure is the right next step.
Academic merit: what it really means
Strong grades help, but academic merit is broader than a GPA. Research projects, dissertation quality, analytical writing, awards and evidence of intellectual depth can strengthen an application. If your transcript contains weaker periods, your statement should focus on your strongest recent evidence rather than making excuses.
References matter
Because references account for a published portion of the scholarship score, choose referees who can provide concrete evidence. A referee who can explain your research ability, analytical thinking, leadership or professional growth is more useful than a senior person who barely knows your work.
Eligibility considerations
The programme states that applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer from the University of Glasgow to be eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarship consideration. Applicants who are still “holding for documents” at the scholarship deadline are not considered for the scholarship.
This makes early application important. Do not submit your main programme application at the final minute and assume scholarship processing will happen automatically.
Practical application strategy
- Choose the GLOCAL track that best matches your academic and career direction.
- Submit the programme application early enough for admissions review.
- Prepare a personal statement specifically for GLOCAL.
- Select referees who can give evidence rather than generic praise.
- Verify that all requested documents have been accepted before the scholarship deadline.
JobScholarship.com assessment
GLOCAL is particularly attractive because applicants can see the selection weighting in advance. Kenyan candidates who have strong professional experience but are worried they do not have a “perfect” academic profile should note that personal statement quality and relevant experience together make up a large share of the scholarship assessment.
Deadline: 14 January 2027, 13:00 UK time.
Official source: Use the GLOCAL scholarship page linked above.
Eligibility checklist before you apply
- Check that your academic background fits the programme and selected track.
- Confirm current English-language requirements.
- Prepare complete academic records early enough for admissions review.
- Choose referees who can speak specifically about analytical ability, research or professional growth.
- Make sure your programme application reaches a stage that allows scholarship consideration before the published deadline.
Career paths after GLOCAL
Graduates can pursue work in international business, development, entrepreneurship, cultural industries, policy, research, consulting, heritage, tourism and regional economic development.
For Kenyan applicants, the programme can be especially relevant to creative economies, SME development, export markets, digital entrepreneurship, cultural tourism and regional trade.
How to use the published scoring to your advantage
Because the personal statement carries the largest share of the scholarship score, do not treat it as a final administrative step. Draft it early, test whether every paragraph answers a programme-specific question, and remove generic language that could fit any university.
Likewise, use your CV and references to reinforce the same story. If your statement focuses on creative entrepreneurship, your referee and experience section should provide evidence that supports that direction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply with a business degree?
Yes, provided your background fits the programme and chosen track. Applicants from humanities and social sciences may also be competitive.
Do I need international experience?
No. Strong local experience can be highly relevant if you explain its connection to global-local economic dynamics.
Can professional experience compensate for weaker grades?
It can strengthen the overall profile, but published academic merit still forms a significant part of scholarship selection.
Why apply early?
Because scholarship consideration depends on your admissions status, late submission can reduce the time available for processing and document resolution.