Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the MEME programme?

First, carefully read all information on this website, most importantly all pages in the  Admission section. Next, prepare all required documents (please note the naming conventions) and fill out the online Application form on the Application  page (point 8).  Don’t forget to send reference forms to your referees.

How do I apply for he Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Select ‘yes’ in the MEME application form where it says: ”I would like to apply for an EMJMD scholarship”.

My background is not in evolutionary biology. Can I still apply?

You are always welcome to apply to the MEME programme if this is what interests you. Your motivation is a very important factor for selection.  Please follow the link more detailed information about the Letter of Motivation.

Please be aware however, the reason that we ask for a BSc in Biology or a closely related field with a background in evolutionary biology or neighbouring disciplines (e.g. ecology or systematics) has a reason. The pace of the courses is very high and there is simply no time to repair any missing ecology/biology knowledge.

For any applicants that wish to apply but are concerned about any knowledge gaps, please visit Evolutionary Biology Crash Course,  an initiative created by current and former MEME students to provide courses for students from the Global South who wish to pursue a career in evolutionary biology. The Crash course is supported by the MEME programme.

Generally there are many applicants that so have the required background and therefore have a greater chance of getting selected.

I don’t have my BSc diploma yet. What do I do?

If you do not yet have a diploma, you must provide us with a copy of a certified document that convincingly proves that you will complete your BSc degree before the start of the following academic year (September 1st).

My English test is scheduled after the MEME application deadline. Can I still apply?

Yes. Sometimes logistic reasons prevent students from obtaining proof of sufficient proficiency in English before the application deadline has passed. If such students can provide other convincing proof of proficiency in English (e.g. by an official letter of their university stating that the complete BSc programme of the student was taught in English) their application will be taken into consideration.

Alternatively, applicants can:

  1. mention their test date on the application form
  2. mention when we can expect the test result, and
  3. add any proof that you have applied for a test (i.e. email of registration) to your Application package, and
  4. send a screenshot of the results to meme@rug.nl as soon as they are available.

Please be aware that in above cases, admission to the MEME programme will typically be conditional upon passing an English language test before the start of the MEME programme.

My transcript doesn't state my rank or GPA. What do I do?

You can calculate your GPA yourself:

(grades * credits)/ credits = GPA

Please also mention the grading scale.
So if the grading scale is 1-10 and your GPA is 8, please fill out 8/10 in the application form.

Is it a problem if my references arrive before my application?

No

How could I get into contact with current MEME students or Alumni?

The MEME programme has a Facebook  and Twitter (@MEME_Evobio) that is maintained by current students and alumni. For specific questions related to your country of application, please contact the MEME office at meme@rug.nl, so that you might be put in contact with a suitable current student.

Are there funding opportunities for the MEME programme other than EMJMD scholarships?

Yes, there are other funding opportunities available for students at the MEME partner universities.  Some examples of funding opportunities include Erasmus + grants (travel within Europe) and Marco Polo grants (travel outside of Europe). This page at the University of Groningen (RUG) provides an example of the type grants that are available at each of the MEME partner universities. These grants need to be applied for by the individual, as only the EMJMD scholarship application is a part of the MEME programme application.

Also,  regardless of scholarship status, MEME Master students conducting research at University of Montpellier are paid for their research. The working contract and wage of each research project is dependent on the length of the project and the lab. For more information, please contact the University of Montpellier MEME Coordinators or current students.