Are you interested in international security, intelligence, terrorism studies, strategic affairs, conflict, or global politics?
The International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) is an opportunity worth exploring if you want to develop specialist knowledge in these fields while studying through an international university consortium in Europe.
The IMSISS programme welcomes applications from students worldwide for its September 2027 intake. Eligible applicants can apply for consideration for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, which offers a competitive funding route for students who want to pursue advanced studies in security and intelligence.
However, getting admitted to a master’s programme and winning a competitive scholarship are not the same thing. Applicants need to understand the entry requirements, prepare the correct documents, choose their preferred study pathway carefully, and submit a convincing application before the scholarship deadline.
In this guide, I will walk you through the important details of the IMSISS Scholarship 2027, including the application deadline, scholarship selection criteria, study pathways, required documents, admission process, and practical ways to strengthen your application.
Rather than treating the application as a form to complete at the last minute, I recommend approaching it as a case you must build: your academic background, research interests, professional experience, and future plans should all help explain why advanced study in security and intelligence is the right next step for you.
Erasmus Mundus IMSISS Scholarship 2027: Overview
Here are the key details to know before beginning your application.
| Opportunity detail | Information |
| Programme name | International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) |
| Degree level | Master’s degree |
| Programme intake | September 2027 |
| Scholarship route | Erasmus Mundus scholarship consideration |
| Eligible applicants | Students from around the world, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements |
| Scholarship application deadline | 7 January 2027, at 13:00 UK time |
| Scholarship outcome announcement | April 2027 |
| Application administrator | University of Glasgow |
| Study pathway preference | Applicants must indicate their preferred pathway |
| Study Pathway B | Trento; additional language requirements apply |
| Deposit for admitted students | £2,000 |
| Deposit for scholarship applicants | Payment is deferred until after scholarship results are announced |
| Self-funded application decisions | Communicated on a rolling basis |
| Programme commencement | September 2027 |
| Official application information | IMSISS application website |
Important: The scholarship deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time. This is a specific time, not simply the end of the day. Applicants should confirm the equivalent deadline in their local time zone and aim to submit well in advance.
The official website should be your primary source for the current entry requirements, application documents, scholarship conditions, and any updates to the admissions process.
What Is the International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies?
The International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies is an international postgraduate programme designed for students interested in understanding security challenges, intelligence, strategic affairs, and related issues in contemporary international relations.
These subjects have become increasingly important as governments, international organisations, researchers, and private-sector institutions respond to changing security threats and geopolitical developments.
Students interested in this area may want to investigate questions such as:
How do governments identify and respond to security threats?
What role does intelligence play in national and international decision-making?
How do international conflicts influence political stability?
How should societies respond to terrorism, extremism, and emerging security challenges?
How do technology, information, and strategic communication influence security policy?
What can intelligence analysis contribute to international relations and conflict prevention?
These are examples of the wider questions associated with the field, rather than a confirmed list of individual modules in the 2027 curriculum.
IMSISS may be particularly relevant to graduates whose interests extend beyond general political science and into specialised research, policy analysis, intelligence, international security, or strategic studies.
The best way to determine whether the programme suits your goals is to review the official curriculum, entry requirements, and study pathway descriptions before applying.
Who Should Consider Applying for the IMSISS Scholarship?
The programme welcomes applications from students around the world. Nevertheless, being interested in international security does not automatically mean that you meet the academic admission requirements or the conditions for scholarship consideration.
Your first task should be to check whether your academic qualifications satisfy the programme’s requirements. Potential applicants may include graduates with backgrounds in fields such as:
International relations
Political science
Security studies
History
Law
Sociology
Economics
Peace and conflict studies
Intelligence or strategic studies
Other relevant social sciences or related disciplines
This list is intended to help you assess the possible relevance of your background. It is not a substitute for the programme’s official eligibility criteria, and applicants should not assume that every degree listed will automatically qualify.
A degree in a different discipline does not necessarily mean that you should abandon the opportunity. Instead, check the official admissions guidance and determine whether your academic preparation meets the stated requirements.
Your application should also explain why you want to specialise in security, intelligence, and strategic studies.
For example, a political science graduate might be interested in how intelligence influences foreign policy. A law graduate might want to examine national security legislation and human rights. A history graduate might want to investigate the relationship between historical conflicts and modern security policy.
The important point is to establish a credible connection between your previous studies and the programme you want to pursue.
IMSISS Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The deadline for scholarship applications is:
7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time.
Applicants seeking Erasmus Mundus scholarship consideration must ensure that their application and the necessary supporting documents are submitted by the stated deadline.
Do not confuse this date with the later dates that may appear on an admission offer. Some applicants may receive an offer containing an 31 August document deadline, for example.
According to the programme’s guidance, such a date concerns the submission of final documents needed to satisfy offer conditions. It is not the scholarship application deadline.
For scholarship consideration, the required documents, including proof of English-language proficiency where required, must be provided by the scholarship deadline.
How I would organise my application timeline
If I were preparing an application for the September 2027 intake, I would divide the process into several stages.
Stage 1: Confirm eligibility.
I would begin by reading the entry requirements and checking my academic qualifications, English-language requirements, and any additional conditions connected to my preferred pathway.
Stage 2: Gather the documents.
I would identify every required document and make a checklist. This would include the scholarship form, academic records, and the other supporting documents specified by the University of Glasgow.
Stage 3: Develop the personal statement.
Because the personal statement accounts for 40% of the scholarship scoring, I would start drafting it early rather than leaving it until the final few days.
Stage 4: Complete the online application.
I would fill in the University of Glasgow’s application form, indicate my pathway preference, and upload the required documents.
Stage 5: Upload the scholarship form correctly.
I would complete the separate IMSISS form, save it as a PDF, and upload it to the appropriate document section of the online application.
Stage 6: Review everything before submission.
I would check that the documents open correctly, the information is consistent, and the application has actually been submitted.
Stage 7: Keep a record of the submission.
I would save the application confirmation and monitor my email for correspondence from the admissions team.
This approach gives you time to correct missing information before the deadline becomes an emergency.
How Is the IMSISS Scholarship Application Scored?
One of the most important details in the programme’s application information is the scholarship assessment breakdown.
The stated scoring criteria are:
| Scholarship assessment criterion | Weight |
| Academic merit | 30% |
| Personal statement | 40% |
| Other relevant experience and achievements | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
This breakdown tells applicants something important: academic grades matter, but they are not the only factor in the scholarship decision.
Your personal statement carries the largest individual weighting. Meanwhile, relevant research, professional experience, internships, extracurricular academic activities, and publications fall under the additional 30% category.
The programme does not provide a guaranteed score or a formula that allows applicants to predict the outcome. Nevertheless, understanding the published weighting can help you decide where to concentrate your preparation.
1. Academic merit: 30%
Academic merit accounts for 30% of the stated scholarship assessment. Your academic record helps the selection team evaluate whether you are prepared for postgraduate-level study.
Before applying, make sure you understand what academic evidence the programme requires. Follow the official instructions for transcripts, degree certificates, grading information, translations, or other academic documents where applicable.
If your academic record includes particularly relevant coursework or a research project, consider how it connects to your proposed interests in security and intelligence.
For example, a dissertation on regional conflict, international law, intelligence oversight, or foreign policy may help demonstrate that you have already begun exploring questions relevant to the programme.
However, do not assume that a particular dissertation topic automatically earns additional points. The published information identifies academic merit as a scoring category but does not provide a detailed scoring rubric.
My practical approach would be to make the academic evidence easy to assess. I would submit the requested records in the correct format and make sure that any information needed to interpret my qualifications was included.
2. Personal statement: 40%
The personal statement is the largest component of the stated scholarship assessment, accounting for 40%. That makes it one of the most important parts of your application to prepare carefully.
A weak personal statement often reads like a general expression of interest. It may say that the applicant wants to study international security because the world is facing many challenges, but it does not explain what the applicant has actually studied, what questions they want to investigate, or why IMSISS is a suitable next step.
A stronger statement connects your background, intellectual interests, programme choice, and future direction.
For example, instead of writing only that you are passionate about international relations, explain which issue has shaped your interest and what you have done to explore it.
You might discuss a relevant university project, a research paper, a professional responsibility, an internship, or an independent investigation. The key is that the example should be genuine and should help the reader understand your development.
How to structure a convincing personal statement
I would organise the statement around four questions.
First: What is your academic or professional background?
Briefly explain what you have studied or done and identify the experiences most relevant to the programme.
Avoid spending the entire opening paragraph repeating information that already appears in your CV. The statement should explain the significance of your background rather than simply reproduce it.
Second: What specific area of security or intelligence interests you?
This is where you can demonstrate that you have thought seriously about the subject. Rather than naming every possible security issue, choose a focused area that connects to your experience and academic interests.
Possible examples include intelligence analysis, conflict prevention, security policy, terrorism studies, international strategic competition, or the relationship between security and civil liberties.
These are illustrative areas of interest, not a claim that every topic is available as a dedicated IMSISS specialisation.
Third: Why is IMSISS the right programme for your next step?
Your answer should show that you have researched the programme.
Refer to relevant elements of the curriculum or learning opportunities only after verifying them on the official website. Explain how they relate to your learning needs and goals.
A statement that could be sent unchanged to ten unrelated universities is unlikely to demonstrate the same level of programme-specific preparation as one written with IMSISS in mind.
Fourth: What do you intend to do with the knowledge you gain?
Explain how the master’s degree fits into a realistic academic or professional direction.
You might aim to work in policy research, international organisations, public service, security analysis, journalism, research, or further academic study, provided the goal genuinely reflects your plans.
You do not need to claim that the degree will immediately make you an expert. A more credible statement explains which skills and knowledge you want to develop and how you intend to use them.
Common personal statement mistakes to avoid
Because the personal statement carries a substantial weighting, I would pay particular attention to the following issues:
Writing only about passion: Explain what you have done to explore your interests, not merely that you find the subject fascinating.
Repeating your CV: Use the statement to interpret your experiences and connect them to the programme.
Making unsupported claims: If you describe research, professional work, or a project, make sure the description is accurate.
Choosing an unrealistic career goal: Explain a credible direction rather than promising an immediate senior position.
Ignoring the programme itself: Demonstrate why this particular master’s degree fits your plans.
Submitting generic writing: Replace broad claims with specific examples from your own academic or professional background.
Leaving proofreading until the final hour: Check names, dates, programme references, and consistency across your documents.
Follow the programme’s official personal statement instructions if they specify a format, word limit, or questions. Do not exceed any stated limits.
3. Relevant experience and achievements: 30%
The final 30% of the stated scholarship scoring covers other relevant factors, including research, professional experience, internships, extracurricular academic activities, and publications.
This is encouraging for applicants whose strongest evidence may extend beyond their examination results.
However, relevance matters. The goal is not to make your CV as long as possible. It is to help the selection team understand what you have learned, contributed, investigated, or achieved. Relevant evidence could include:
A research project connected to security, intelligence, or international relations.
An internship involving research, policy, law, public affairs, or a related area.
Professional work that required analytical thinking or an understanding of political and security issues.
A publication, research paper, or academic presentation.
Participation in a relevant academic conference or structured learning activity.
A project involving conflict analysis, governance, international development, or public policy.
These are examples of potentially relevant experience, not a list of mandatory achievements.
If you have limited professional experience, do not invent responsibilities or exaggerate a short placement. Instead, identify genuine evidence of your preparation, such as a substantial university project, research assignment, or relevant voluntary activity.
When describing an experience, explain three things:
- What the activity involved.
- What you personally contributed or learned.
- How it relates to the master’s programme you want to pursue.
For example, simply listing a research project on your CV provides less context than briefly explaining the research question, the methods you used, and what the work taught you.
The objective is to demonstrate relevance and substance, not to manufacture an impressive-looking biography.
IMSISS Study Pathways: How to Indicate Your Preference
Applicants for September 2027 are recruited to the IMSISS programme generally and are asked to indicate their preferred study track or pathway on the application form.
The programme’s guidance explains that the University of Glasgow Admissions team assesses applicants for the programme generally, using the base entry requirements for Study Tracks A and C when making offers.
Applicants should understand that their preferred pathway is not guaranteed.
This distinction matters because indicating a preference does not mean that you have secured a place on that particular track.
What if I want Study Pathway B at the University of Trento?
Applicants who want to be considered for Study Track B, associated with the University of Trento, must provide proof that they meet the additional language requirements described in the programme’s entry requirements section.
Do not leave this check until after submitting your application.
If Pathway B is your preferred option, read the language requirements carefully and identify the exact evidence accepted by the programme. If you are unsure whether your existing qualifications satisfy the requirement, seek clarification from the admissions team before the deadline.
A common application risk is assuming that meeting the general entry requirements automatically satisfies every pathway-specific condition.
The programme’s instructions make clear that the additional language requirements for Study Track B must be addressed.
How to select your pathway correctly
When completing the IMSISS application form:
- Read the descriptions of the available pathways.
- Decide which pathway best matches your academic interests and circumstances.
- Indicate your preference on the required form.
- Check whether your preferred pathway has additional requirements.
- Provide the required evidence for those additional requirements.
- Remember that the final pathway allocation is not guaranteed.
The programme indicates that the process of confirming study tracks is repeated at set points during the recruitment cycle.
Therefore, make your preference clear, but do not treat it as a guaranteed placement.
Required Documents for the IMSISS Scholarship Application
The programme requires applicants to submit the necessary supporting documentation through the online application managed by the University of Glasgow.
The information provided for this guide specifically highlights the IMSISS application form, academic and supporting documents, and proof of English-language proficiency where required.
The complete list of required documents and the accepted formats should be checked on the official application website before submission.
Depending on the programme’s current instructions and your circumstances, your preparation checklist may include the following items.
| Document or requirement | What to check |
| University of Glasgow postgraduate application | Complete the online application accurately. |
| IMSISS application form | Complete the form and indicate your preferred study pathway. |
| PDF copy of the IMSISS form | Save the completed form as a PDF for uploading. |
| Academic records | Follow the official requirements for transcripts, certificates, and other academic evidence. |
| English-language proficiency evidence | Submit the required proof by the scholarship deadline if applicable to you. |
| Additional pathway evidence | Provide proof of the additional language requirements if applying for Study Pathway B. |
| Other supporting documents | Follow the complete checklist published by the programme and admissions team. |
This table is a preparation guide, not a replacement for the official document checklist. Applicants should not assume that every possible document listed in general postgraduate application advice is required for IMSISS.
The separate IMSISS form is particularly important
The programme states that all applicants must complete the IMSISS form, not only those seeking a scholarship.
After completing the form, save it as a PDF and upload it to your International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies application through the standard University of Glasgow postgraduate application system.
The specified location is the “Scholarship Form” document section.
This instruction deserves attention because completing a form and successfully attaching it to the correct application are two different tasks.
I would verify the uploaded file after attaching it and confirm that it is the final version, not an earlier draft. Also make sure that your pathway preference is indicated as requested.
Do not assume that your application is complete because you filled in the online form
The programme asks applicants to submit all necessary supporting documents with their online application.
Before submitting, I would compare the uploaded files against the official checklist one by one. Check that:
Every required document has been uploaded.
The files are readable.
The correct version of the IMSISS form is attached.
The pathway preference is recorded as instructed.
Required English-language evidence is included by the scholarship deadline.
Any additional language evidence for Study Pathway B is supplied.
The application has been submitted successfully.
If a document is unavailable or your circumstances make a requirement unclear, contact the admissions team early rather than assuming that it can be provided after the scholarship deadline.
How to Apply for the IMSISS Scholarship 2027: Step-by-Step Guide
The University of Glasgow manages applications to the programme. Applicants are instructed to apply online and submit the required supporting documents by the relevant deadline. Here is a practical walkthrough of the process.
Step 1: Visit the official IMSISS application website
Start with the official programme application page:
Official application website: https://www.securityintelligence-erasmusmundus.eu/apply/
Read the information on that page before beginning the application.
The programme specifically advises applicants to consult its application information and FAQs. Doing this first can help you identify requirements that might otherwise interrupt your application later.
Pay attention to eligibility, documents, deadlines, pathway preferences, and scholarship conditions.
Step 2: Check the academic entry requirements
Before investing time in the application, confirm that your qualifications meet the current entry requirements.
Do not rely only on the fact that the programme welcomes applicants from around the world. International eligibility and academic eligibility are separate questions.
Review the official requirements and compare them with your own qualifications.
If the programme specifies particular degree standards or English-language conditions, make sure you understand what evidence is required.
Step 3: Review the study pathways
Read the pathway descriptions and decide which option best fits your interests.
If you want to be considered for Study Pathway B at Trento, check the additional language requirements and prepare the necessary proof.
Because pathway preferences are not guaranteed, you should understand both your preferred option and the programme’s overall allocation process.
Step 4: Prepare your academic and supporting documents
Gather the documents required by the official checklist. Use a simple tracking sheet with three columns:
| Requirement | Status | Action needed |
| Academic records | Ready / Pending | Obtain or verify documents |
| English-language evidence | Ready / Pending / Not applicable | Check official requirement |
| IMSISS application form | Ready / Pending | Complete and save as PDF |
| Pathway-specific language evidence | Ready / Pending / Not applicable | Check Study Pathway B requirements |
| Other required documents | Ready / Pending | Follow official checklist |
This approach is more useful than keeping the requirements in your head, particularly when several documents need to be obtained from different institutions.
Step 5: Write and review your personal statement
Because the personal statement carries 40% of the stated scholarship assessment, give it enough time.
Build the statement around your background, relevant experiences, specific interests, reasons for choosing IMSISS, and future direction. Use concrete examples to explain your preparation.
For instance, if you completed a research project on political instability, explain the question you investigated and how it shaped your interest in security studies. If you have worked in a relevant professional setting, describe the responsibilities you genuinely held and what you learned.
Then check the official instructions for the statement’s format and length.
Step 6: Complete the University of Glasgow online application
Follow the application instructions and provide accurate information.
Enter your academic and personal details carefully. Make sure names, dates, qualifications, and other information are consistent with your supporting documents.
When asked to indicate your IMSISS pathway preference, follow the programme’s instructions.
Avoid rushing through the application simply because the deadline is approaching. Incorrect information can create avoidable problems.
Step 7: Complete and upload the IMSISS form
All applicants must complete the IMSISS form. Save the completed form as a PDF and upload it to your online application under the “Scholarship Form” document section, together with the other required supporting documentation.
After uploading, check that the correct document appears in the application.
Step 8: Submit all required documents before the scholarship deadline
The scholarship application deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time.
The programme specifies that all documents needed for scholarship consideration, including English-language proficiency evidence where required, must be provided by the scholarship deadline.
Do not assume that a later deadline on an admission offer gives you extra time to complete your scholarship application.
Submit early enough to address technical problems or missing documents.
Step 9: Monitor your email and application correspondence
After submitting, keep an eye on your email for messages from the University of Glasgow or the programme.
Check spam and junk folders periodically, especially if you are expecting an application update. If the admissions team requests further information, read the message carefully and follow its instructions.
Step 10: Wait for the scholarship outcome in April 2027
Scholarship applicants are expected to be informed of their scholarship application outcome in April 2027.
The programme states that applicants put forward for scholarship consideration will receive an offer of admission following the announcement of scholarship awards.
If you receive a scholarship, follow the instructions in the award and admission correspondence.
If you are unsuccessful in securing the scholarship, you may still have the option to take up your place as a self-funded student, subject to the terms of your offer and your ability to meet the financial requirements.
What Happens After You Apply?
Understanding the post-application process is important, especially if you need to make financial decisions about studying abroad.
The programme distinguishes between scholarship applicants and self-funded applicants.
If you apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship
Scholarship applicants should expect their scholarship outcome in April 2027.
The programme advises scholarship applicants to wait until after the scholarship announcement before paying the admission deposit.
If you receive the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you will not be required to pay the deposit to secure your place on the programme.
If you are unsuccessful in the scholarship selection process, however, and decide to accept your place as a self-funded student, you will be required to pay the deposit by the deadline stated in your offer letter.
This means that scholarship applicants should plan ahead for both possible outcomes.
If self-funding would be impossible for you, it is sensible to establish that clearly before making financial commitments. Do not assume that admission alone means your study costs will be covered.
If you apply as a self-funded student
Self-funded applications submitted after the scholarship deadline are assessed on a rolling basis.
The programme states that self-funded applicants have a 28-day rolling deposit deadline from the date they receive an offer.
This is different from the process for scholarship applicants, who are advised to wait until after the April scholarship announcement before paying a deposit.
If you receive an offer, read it carefully. The offer letter will specify the applicable deadline and any conditions you must meet.
What is the required deposit?
The programme states that a £2,000 deposit is required to secure a place. Scholarship applicants do not need to pay the deposit before the scholarship results are announced.
If you are unsuccessful in the scholarship competition and decide to continue as a self-funded student, the deposit will be due by the deadline set out in your offer letter.
Because this is a substantial payment, make sure you understand the payment instructions, applicable deadline, and terms stated in your offer before making arrangements.
Can I defer my admission?
The programme states that it does not accept deferral requests before the start of studies. Applicants planning to begin in September 2027 should therefore consider their readiness to enrol before accepting an offer.
If you anticipate a possible scheduling, employment, financial, or personal issue, consult the official programme guidance rather than assuming that you can defer your place to a later intake.
Is the IMSISS Scholarship Fully Funded?
The application information provided for this guide confirms that Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available and explains how scholarship selection and admission deposits work.
However, the information supplied here does not specify the complete scholarship funding package, including the exact stipend, travel allowance, tuition coverage, insurance arrangements, or other benefits for the September 2027 intake.
For that reason, applicants should not rely on an unverified funding figure or assume that every expense will automatically be covered.
Before applying, consult the official IMSISS website and the current Erasmus Mundus scholarship information to confirm:
Whether tuition fees are covered and under what conditions.
The scholarship’s living allowance, if applicable.
Whether travel and installation costs are included.
What insurance arrangements apply.
Whether there are additional conditions attached to receiving the scholarship.
Which expenses, if any, scholarship recipients must cover themselves.
The distinction between a scholarship award and the total cost of studying abroad is important. Even where a scholarship covers major expenses, applicants should understand its precise terms before making travel or relocation arrangements.
Accommodation and Mobility Information for Students on Study Pathway B
The programme provides additional information for students on Study Pathway B at the University of Trento.
According to the application guidance, students on this pathway receive priority access to modern, university-run accommodation during their second mobility period, subject to availability.
Priority access does not mean that accommodation is guaranteed. Students should follow the university’s instructions and confirm the arrangements applicable to their circumstances.
The programme also notes that self-funded students may apply for UniTrento’s Erasmus+ Study mobility grant (KA131 Individual Support) as a contribution towards travel and subsistence costs during their stay at Charles University in the third mobility period.
This is an opportunity to investigate, not a guaranteed payment for every self-funded student. Applicants should confirm the eligibility criteria, availability, funding conditions, and application process directly with the relevant university.
If you are considering the Trento pathway, include accommodation and mobility arrangements in your planning. These practical details can affect your budget and your ability to organise your studies across different locations.
Understanding the August Document Deadline on Your Offer Letter
Some applicants may see a date of 31 August on their offer letter as the deadline for submitting final documents.
The programme makes an important distinction: where this date appears, it concerns the submission of final documents required to meet the conditions of the offer.
It is not the deadline for submitting documents for scholarship consideration.
For scholarship applicants, all documents required for scholarship consideration, including English-language proficiency evidence where required, must be submitted by the specified scholarship deadline.
This distinction is worth repeating because missing the scholarship deadline can affect scholarship consideration even if an applicant has a later date for satisfying the conditions of admission.
Always read the purpose of each deadline rather than assuming that every date on an offer letter applies to the same stage of the process.
Practical Tips for Building a Strong IMSISS Scholarship Application
The published scoring breakdown provides a useful basis for deciding where to focus your efforts. Here are several practical steps I would take when preparing an application.
Make the personal statement the centre of your preparation
The personal statement accounts for 40% of the stated scholarship assessment, making it the largest individual component.
Do not treat it as a short explanation of why studying abroad appeals to you.
Instead, explain the academic or professional questions you want to investigate and show how your experience has prepared you to study them.
A useful way to test your statement is to ask whether a reader could understand your specific interests after reading it.
If the statement only says that you want to contribute to a safer world, it may not reveal enough about your intellectual preparation. If it explains the issues you have studied, the questions you want to explore, and the knowledge you hope to develop through IMSISS, it gives a clearer picture of your goals.
Use relevant experience as evidence
Research, professional experience, internships, academic activities, and publications make up 30% of the stated scoring.
Identify the experiences most relevant to the programme and explain their significance.
You do not need to include every activity you have ever undertaken. Prioritise experiences that show analytical ability, research preparation, professional responsibility, or sustained engagement with relevant subjects.
If you have no formal publication, do not invent one or imply that a class assignment was published work. Present your genuine achievements accurately.
Check pathway requirements before selecting your preference
Applicants who want Study Pathway B at Trento must meet additional language requirements.
Confirm these requirements before submitting your application. Do not rely on assumptions about which languages or qualifications will be accepted. If the programme’s instructions are unclear, seek clarification early.
Treat document preparation as part of your application strategy
A strong personal statement cannot compensate for an avoidable failure to submit a required document.
Use the official checklist to track each item, and verify that the files have been uploaded correctly. Pay particular attention to the separate IMSISS form and its required upload location.
Work backwards from the scholarship deadline
The deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time.
Set your own completion date earlier than that. This gives you time to deal with problems involving transcripts, language evidence, file formats, or the online application system.
The goal is to submit a complete application while there is still time to correct mistakes.
Understand the financial implications of both outcomes
If you apply for the scholarship, you should know what happens if you receive it and what happens if you do not.
The programme advises scholarship applicants to wait until the April announcement before paying the deposit. If you are unsuccessful and choose to study as a self-funded student, you must meet the deposit deadline in your offer letter.
Before committing to the application process, consider whether self-funded study is a realistic alternative for you.
You do not have to assume that you will win the scholarship, and you should not make major financial commitments based solely on an expectation of receiving an award.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IMSISS Scholarship 2027
1. What is the deadline for the IMSISS Scholarship 2027?
The scholarship application deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time. Applicants should submit the required documents by this deadline.
2. When will IMSISS scholarship results be announced?
Scholarship applicants are expected to be informed of their application outcomes in April 2027.
3. Who can apply for the IMSISS programme?
The programme welcomes applications from students around the world. Applicants must still satisfy the programme’s academic entry requirements and any other applicable conditions.
4. Is the IMSISS Scholarship available for September 2027?
Yes. The application information covers recruitment for the September 2027 intake.
5. How are IMSISS scholarship applications scored?
The stated scholarship assessment breakdown is 30% academic merit, 40% personal statement, and 30% other relevant experience and achievements, including research, professional experience, internships, extracurricular academic activities, and publications.
6. Is the personal statement important?
Yes. It accounts for 40% of the stated scholarship scoring, the largest individual component. Applicants should follow the official instructions and explain their background, relevant interests, reasons for choosing IMSISS, and future goals.
7. Do all IMSISS applicants need to complete the programme form?
Yes. The programme states that all applicants must complete the IMSISS form, indicate their pathway preference, save the completed form as a PDF, and upload it to the appropriate section of their University of Glasgow application.
8. Where should I upload the IMSISS form?
The completed PDF should be uploaded to the “Scholarship Form” document section of the standard University of Glasgow postgraduate application, alongside the other required supporting documents.
9. Is my preferred study pathway guaranteed?
No. Applicants are asked to indicate a pathway preference, but the programme states that the preference is not guaranteed.
10. What additional requirements apply to Study Pathway B?
Applicants seeking consideration for Study Pathway B at the University of Trento must provide proof that they meet the additional language requirements stated in the official entry requirements.
11. How much is the admission deposit?
The programme states that a £2,000 deposit is required to secure a place.
12. Do scholarship applicants have to pay the deposit before results are announced?
No. Scholarship applicants are advised to wait until after the scholarship results are announced in April 2027 before paying the deposit.
13. What happens if I do not receive the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
If you are unsuccessful, you may choose to take up your place as a self-funded student, subject to the conditions in your offer and your ability to meet the financial requirements. The deposit must then be paid by the deadline specified in your offer letter.
14. What is the deposit deadline for self-funded applicants?
Self-funded applicants have a 28-day rolling deposit deadline from the date they receive an offer, according to the programme’s guidance. Always follow the actual deadline stated in your offer letter.
15. Can I submit my scholarship documents by 31 August if that date appears on my offer?
No. Where 31 August appears as a checklist deadline on the offer, the programme says it is for final documents required to meet offer conditions. It is not the scholarship application deadline.
16. Can I defer my admission to a later intake?
The programme states that it does not accept deferral requests before the start of studies. Applicants should review the official guidance before accepting an offer if they are uncertain about their ability to enrol.
17. Are accommodation and mobility grants available for students at Trento?
The programme states that students on Study Pathway B receive priority access to university-run accommodation during their second mobility period, subject to availability.
Self-funded students may also apply for UniTrento’s Erasmus+ Study mobility grant as a contribution towards eligible travel and subsistence costs during their stay at Charles University. Conditions and availability should be confirmed with the relevant university.
18. Where can I find the official application form and guidance?
Visit the official IMSISS application website: https://www.securityintelligence-erasmusmundus.eu/apply/
Review the current entry requirements, application information, FAQs, deadlines, and supporting-document instructions before submitting your application.
Summary: Is the IMSISS Scholarship Worth Applying For?
The International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies offers a route for students who want to develop specialised knowledge in international security, intelligence, and strategic affairs.
For applicants interested in the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, the most important dates and requirements are clear: the scholarship deadline is 7 January 2027 at 13:00 UK time, and scholarship outcomes are expected in April 2027.
The published scoring criteria also give applicants a useful indication of how to prepare. Academic merit accounts for 30%, the personal statement accounts for 40%, and relevant experience and achievements account for the remaining 30%.
I would use those figures to guide my preparation without assuming that any one part guarantees success. A strong academic record is valuable, but the application should also communicate a clear intellectual direction and provide credible evidence of relevant preparation.
Before submitting, make sure that you understand the entry requirements, select your preferred study pathway carefully, provide any additional language evidence required for Pathway B, and upload the completed IMSISS form as a PDF in the correct section of the University of Glasgow application.
Finally, understand the financial arrangements. Scholarship applicants are advised to wait until the April results before paying the £2,000 deposit, while unsuccessful scholarship applicants who choose to proceed as self-funded students must follow the deadline in their offer letter.
Start your application early, follow the official instructions, and make every document contribute to a clear picture of why you are prepared for this programme.
Official Application Website
Visit the official IMSISS application page to review the current requirements and begin your application.
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About Scholars Africa Editorial Team
Scholars Africa Editorial Team is dedicated to researching and publishing verified scholarships, jobs, and global opportunities. Our content is built on extensive analysis of application trends, eligibility criteria, and selection patterns to help applicants succeed at every stage. Our team has reviewed hundreds of scholarship programs and application processes across multiple countries.