European Master’s in Translation (EMT) – Eligibility and selection criteria

How to join the EMT network 

Eligible university programmes can apply to join the EMT network through regular ‘calls for applications’, organised by DG Translation every 5 years. The last call for was for 2024-2029.

The eligibility and selection criteria are designed to ensure that selected programmes provide high-quality translator training. 

Eligibility criteria 

Your university programme is eligible to apply if 

• it leads to an officially recognised master’s degree in translation or equivalent
• at least 2 cohorts have graduated from the programme
• it is authorised (formally approved and licensed) by the relevant authorities in any of the following
  • an EU country
  • an EU candidate and or potential candidate country (possible future EU member countries) 
    Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo (this designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice's opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence), Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine.
  • a European neighbourhood policy (ENP) country 
    Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine (this designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States), Syria, Tunisia.
  • a European Economic Area (EEA) country 
    Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway. 

Selection criteria 

Programmes must demonstrate compliance with EMT standards in these areas 

• programme structure – objectives, course content, number of credits and learning outcomes.
• coverage of key skills (‘competences’) – in alignment with the EMT competence framework.
• sustainability – staffing policy and number of graduates in recent years.
• career support and monitoring – career guidance for students, internship opportunities, graduate tracking and employment data. 

Additional assets 

Applications may also highlight 

• cooperation with national or international higher education networks
• an effective internal quality assurance system
• research activities.