R2 years, 4 semesters, universities in 3 or more countries, classmates-teachers from many different countries, opportunity to train in world-class institutes, 40 to 50 lakhs scholarship including course fee, insurance and monthly stipend; It is doubtful whether there is a better option for students seeking postgraduate studies in Europe. It is about Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs of the European Union.
During his MSW studies in Delhi, he met Sana Ahmad, a student who received an Erasmus scholarship, at a program organized by the German Embassy at the Indian Habitat Center. Everything she shared about the opportunities her two-year Erasmus study gave her was inspiring. Though inspired by the wonders of their experiences, Erasmus let it go, thinking that the Kerala syllabus was not something that ‘native children’ who studied in native schools should dream of. When Erasmus notifications appear on scholarship portals, I often check LinkedIn of Erasmus scholars and nip their efforts in the bud after seeing their ‘urban’ and ‘elite’ profiles.
This is the note of someone who came to the Erasmus program only as a result of being surrounded by many people who were optimistic and empathetic, even though the innate inferiority was present in academic and personal life as well. The purpose of this note is only to bring dear students to the point that most of the foreign fellowships including Erasmus Scholarships are very easy to get if you get the right information and at the right time.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme
Unlike regular postgraduate courses, Erasmus Joint Masters programs are joint Masters courses run by consortia of three or more universities. 171 courses are available under this scheme in various disciplines like Science, Social Science, Humanities, Information Technology, Legal Studies etc. This project, which started to attract bright students from different parts of the world to Europe, is financially supported by the European Union.
In these four-semester courses, students will get an opportunity to study at universities in various countries that are part of the consortium. Depending on the structure of the program, students can choose from two to four countries to be part of the consortium on a semester or annual basis.
For example, the ‘Migration & Inter-Cultural Relations’ program is run by a consortium of eight universities. Students can study in four universities according to their interest from these eight universities in European countries such as Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Asia and in India, African countries such as Uganda, Sudan and South Africa. Apart from this, the students will also get the opportunity to do internship in organizations including UN organizations that are part of the program.
A paradise of diversity
Another factor that differentiates Erasmus programs from other study abroad programs is the diversity in the classrooms. Our class consists of classmates from all continents except Antarctica and Australia. We will have a rewarding learning experience not only from their social, political, cultural and linguistic diversity, but also from their professional backgrounds. Studying immigration, multicultural relations, and refugees, our class includes people with work experience in various international organizations, psychologists, lawyers, and teaching experience, as well as a refugee from Ukraine. The experience they bring to classroom discussions and group work is invaluable.
Diversity in teachers is another highlight. You can study with professors from many countries in one semester. Imagine having a university professor in Sudan or Slovenia as your supervisor on a project in the first module, and another professor in England or Uganda taking your research class in the second module. Senior researchers and policy makers in research institutes are going to open up different experiences of knowledge production in front of you. It is also an opportunity to experience academic ‘culture’ from various political, social and cultural environments.
Erasmus Catalogue
The catalog containing the detailed information of the entire courses can be visited through the link https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en. Students can search for courses according to their interests. The first step is to go through this catalog and select the courses of interest. Once you go to the website of the respective programs through the link provided in the catalogue, you will get complete information about the course like application date, syllabus, countries that are part of the program.
Eligibility, Documents and Application Submission
A degree is the basic qualification for most courses, but there are courses that require work experience. Students can apply for any number of courses as per their eligibility and interest. Application submission is completely free. The application should be submitted completely online through the website of the respective programs. A single application is required for both the course and the scholarship. Statement of Purpose (SOP), CV, academic certificates, language proficiency certificate etc. are mainly required to apply. Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a note that you should write describing your academic-professional background, the skills you have acquired through it, what you expect from the course you are applying for, your career aspirations etc. A reference letter is written by a professor or supervisor who has worked closely with you about your academic and professional abilities. The usual application period is from October to February. New batch classes normally start in the month of September.
Is IELTS compulsory?
IELTS is one of the villains in front of many students who want to study abroad. This English language test is expensive and time consuming. But students who have completed university studies in English medium can apply for courses without IELTS in Erasmus. As university education in India is in English, this concession will make Erasmus accessible to the common man. Exemption from IELTS test is also possible by submitting a document issued by the university or institution head to prove that your degree is in English medium. Although many courses offer this exemption, most are courses where IELTS is mandatory. Eligibility related to language knowledge can be checked by visiting the respective program websites.
Method of selection
As mentioned earlier, each program is run by different consortia. This consortium determines the qualifications and determines the selection process. Along with your academic achievements, your non-academic involvement in a related field is also important. All this should be clearly stated in your statement of purpose.
Shortlisting is done by checking academic performance, statement of purpose/motivation letter, CV, reference letter etc. Depending on the nature of the programme, some courses may have an online interview as part of the selection process. Internships, certificate courses, winter/summer schools, workshops, and conferences in the field related to the program being applied for are common things that will increase your chances of success.
Scholarship
Erasmus Mundus is the world’s most generous scholarship for postgraduate studies. Full scholarship holders will also get health insurance for the duration of the program (24 months) and a monthly stipend of 1400 Euros in addition to a full waiver of course fees.
ഫർസീൻ അലി പി.വി
യൂറോപ്യൻ മാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് ഇൻ മൈഗ്രെഷൻ & ഇന്റർ-കൾച്ചറൽ റിലേഷൻസ്
Erasmus Mundus Batch 2022-24
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany