Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Janus Master’s Program

The Master’s program offers a unique approach at the heart of the internationalization and mobility within European and global higher education, leading to:

• An international and joint approach to security and defense, fostering strong intercultural sensitivity.
• A balance between professional training and research options, designed to meet the competencies demanded by employers.
• A cross-disciplinary set of skills that will be acquired over the course of two years, with lasting impacts throughout one’s career.

Graduates of the JANUS Master are prepared for a wide range of careers in the fields of security and defence, at both national and international level. The programme combines academic excellence with strong professional exposure, opening access to positions in ministries, international organisations, armed forces, intelligence and security agencies, think tanks, NGOs and the private sector (risk analysis, strategic consultancy, defence industry, cybersecurity, etc.). Thanks to its international consortium and multi‑campus experience, JANUS also develops key transversal skills (multilingualism, intercultural communication, project management) that are highly valued by employers in the security and defence ecosystem.

JANUS develops advanced analytical skills in international relations, security and defence, including the ability to assess complex crises and strategic issues using interdisciplinary approaches. It also strengthens professional competences such as project management, work in multicultural teams, and interaction with institutional and operational actors, while enhancing key transversal skills like multilingual communication, critical thinking and ethical decision‑making.

Employability is at the core of the JANUS curriculum, through specialised courses, case studies and close links with professional partners in the security and defence sector. Students benefit from mandatory international mobility, potential internship opportunities, and regular interactions with practitioners (guest lectures, conferences, networking events) that help them build a clear professional project and first contacts with recruiters. The future alumni network of JANUS, spread across several countries and institutions, will also be a major asset for job searches and career development.

The consortium is eager to integrate new professionals and experts into the network of associated partners, particularly those with relevant experience in security/ defence and a complementary expertise that aligns with the program’s focus. To this end, the consortium is considering the creation of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) specifically dedicated to the themes of security and defense.

Companies or professionals interested in joining this network may submit a letter of intent outlining their project. It is important to note that the roles of associated partners within the consortium are diverse, including: promoting the program, offering advice and support, participating in teaching, engaging in student selection and governance processes for the degree, organizing and leading conferences, recruiting interns, providing financial support, and participating in the evaluation of the program.

Language proficiency:

• A B2 level of proficiency in French
• A TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5,
• A B2 level in Spanish

Academic requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate a solid academic background in the fields covered by the EMJM JANUS program (particularly in concepts in international relations, at the undergraduate or Bachelor level) and provide documented evidence of their academic performance. They will also need to clearly explain the alignment of their professional project, or research ambitions, with the field of strategic studies.

Applications are submitted exclusively online via the JANUS application platform, accessible from the official JANUS website and the e-candidat system of Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3. Candidates must create an account, select “M1 Relations Internationales – JANUS Joint Master”, and upload all required documents (ID/passport, diploma or enrolment certificate, transcripts, language certificates, recommendations, essay, etc.) before the deadline. As long as the application has not been formally submitted, candidates can log back in to complete or modify their file.

For the first cohort, applications open on 9 January 2026 and close on 6 March 2026. Administrative eligibility checks are carried out as files arrive, with eligibility results published around 9 March and academic evaluation of eligible applications taking place from 10 to 19 March 2026. The pre‑selection for interviews is announced on 24 March, interviews are organised between 30 March and 11 April, and the final joint selection committee meets on 14 April 2026.

It is essential to meet all the admission requirements for your application to be considered. Make sure to gather all necessary documents in advance and try to plan ahead as much as possible, rather than waiting until the application phase begins.

No, it is not necessary to provide original documents, as the application process is conducted entirely online. You must submit the original documents if you are selected for the admission process.

If your native language is English: If you are a native English speaker, you are not required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores. Instead, you may provide a sworn statement confirming your status as a native English speaker.

For non-native English speakers: It is mandatory to take an English proficiency test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) and submit the test scores as part of your application.

All applicants are notified of the outcome by email, sent to the address provided in the online application form. Scholarship students who are admitted receive an official letter of admission, self-funded applicants receive a selection letter with instructions for paying fees, and applicants on the waiting list or who have been rejected receive a standardized notification email.

Due to the limited number of places in the program, the selection committee chooses the most suitable applicants from the applications received. Eligible candidates who are not selected will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if any places become available, particularly in the event of a withdrawal by an accepted applicant.

Unfortunately, deferring your acceptance to the next academic year is not possible due to European Commission policies. If you are unable to accept your place this year, you will need to reapply the following year. However, if you have previously been accepted to the program, you can mention this in your new application.

If your application was not successful, it may be due to factors such as how well your profile matches the program’s requirements, your experience, or the competition from other applicants. We encourage you to reapply in the future.

There are several reasons why an application might not be successful, such as how closely your qualifications align with the program’s expectations, the level of experience required or the high competition among applicants. We encourage you to try again next year, as your profile may be a better fit at that time.

No, the scholarship application process is part of the same application procedure. Thus, each application submitted will be reviewed to determine eligibility for a scholarship award.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship can cover all costs associated with your education, including tuition fees and living expenses for the two years of the Master’s program.

The student must open a euro-denominated bank account in order to receive the scholarship.

By applying to the JANUS master’s program, you are also applying for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. You will receive the selection results for both the program and the scholarship. If you are admitted but do not receive a scholarship, you can apply for an Erasmus Master Loan under specific conditions.