How a Pakistani Gold Medalist in Polymer Engineering Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Textile Innovation Across Europe and Japan

My name is Abdul Moeed, and my story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Born into a middle-class family, I was an average student in my early schooling years, scoring just 78% in high school. However, I made a firm decision to change my future—I committed myself to relentless effort, aiming to achieve something remarkable in life.

I enrolled in Polymer Engineering at the National Textile University, where I dedicated myself to my studies day and night. My perseverance paid off—I graduated with an outstanding CGPA of 3.91/4.0, honoured with a Gold Medal for academic excellence. During this journey, I also had the incredible opportunity to complete a fully funded international internship in Turkey, an experience that broadened my perspective. At that time, I set a goal to pursue the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. I made up my mind—I would go with the flow and secure that opportunity no matter what.

I have always believed that “success comes to those who think differently and work tirelessly”. With the blessing of Allah almighty in 2021, I was selected for the WE-TEAM program under the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which allowed me to travel, learn, and grow beyond my imagination. I visited over 25 countries and 100 cities, from Europe to the Middle East and then Asia (Japan), gaining invaluable skills and experiences along the way. Today, by the grace of Allah (Alhamdulillah), I am working with a leading International company in Europe.

If someone like me, who once gave home tuitions during school just to earn 1k PKR a month, could completely transform their life, then I firmly believe anyone can.

“Your background does not define your future; your effort and belief in yourself do”.

Educational Background 

Prior to joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I earned my BS in Polymer Engineering from Pakistan's National Textile University (NTU), where I developed a strong foundation in material science, textiles, and industrial applications. Graduating with a 3.91/4.0 CGPA and honoured with a Gold Medal.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

I took a fully self-directed approach to prepare my application. Recognizing the competitive nature of the program, I meticulously researched the Erasmus Mundus requirements, carefully reviewed each partner university's curriculum, and aligned my academic background with their expectations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

My scholarship preparation was entirely self-driven. I independently researched application strategies, studied YouTube videos from successful candidates, and critically analyzed my own profile to identify strengths and gaps.

The Erasmus Mundus program was highly competitive—only 13 candidates were selected worldwide from hundreds of applicants. Remarkably, I secured the 5th highest ranking among those chosen.

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?

Pursued the WE-TEAM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's program, specializing in advanced textile engineering and sustainable material technologies. This unique multi-country program took me across three continents: I studied smart textile manufacturing at Ghent University (Belgium), sustainable textile processes in Athens (Greece), high-tech fiber science at a leading institute in Japan, and completed my thesis research back in Europe. The curriculum blended technical innovation with global industry perspectives, preparing me for international challenges in textile R&D.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In? Which Country Was the Most Affordable or Expensive, and How Did You Manage Financially?

Living costs varied significantly across countries—Belgium was the most expensive, Greece the most affordable, and Japan fell somewhere in between. Thanks to the Erasmus Mundus scholarship stipend, I managed comfortably by adjusting my spending habits in each location, prioritizing essentials while still enjoying the cultural experience.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers, and if So, How Did You Overcome Them? Did the Language of Instruction Change From One Country to Another?

Yes, I encountered language barriers in both Greece and Japan. While English worked for academics, daily life required some adaptation. In Greece, I picked up basic Greek phrases for shopping and transport, while in Japan, I relied on translation apps for complex situations.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering This Scholarship?

wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program – it transformed my perspective and career trajectory. For those considering this scholarship, my key advice is: apply fearlessly but prepare strategically. Research your chosen program thoroughly, craft application materials that highlight your unique academic journey and cross-cultural adaptability, and embrace the challenges ahead as growth opportunities.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

Yes, I worked part-time to earn some extra money, because as I mentioned, I belonged to a middle-class family.