How an Egyptian Scholar Won the Erasmus Mundus Full Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Marine Environment and Resources Across France, Spain, and Belgium

My name is Ahmed Salah Abdelmawla Elsayed Mohamed, and I am originally from Egypt. With a strong academic and professional background in marine sciences, I have developed expertise in biotechnology, bioinformatics, molecular ecology, and the sustainable management of marine resources.

Between 2022 and 2024, I was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue a Joint Master’s Degree in Marine Environment and Resources (MER2030). This interdisciplinary program provided me with a unique international academic experience across three European countries. I completed my first semester at the University of Bordeaux (France), the second at the University of the Basque Country (Spain), the third at the University of Liège (Belgium), and conducted my master’s thesis during the final semester at AZTI – Marine Research, part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), in Spain.

Educational Background 

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I had a solid academic foundation in marine and aquatic sciences. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Fish Processing and Biotechnology from the Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, graduating in 2017 with a GPA of 3.415 out of 4.00. I then pursued a master’s degree in Biological Oceanography at the Faculty of Sciences, Alexandria University, which I completed in 2021 with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.00. Both programs deepened my knowledge in marine biology, aquatic ecosystems, and biotechnology, and helped me develop strong research and analytical skills that were essential for succeeding in an interdisciplinary and international academic environment like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program.

In preparation for studying across multiple countries in Europe, I proactively equipped myself with practical knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges of living and learning in different cultures. I dedicated time to learning about intra-European travel, cost-effective transportation options, language tools, and mobile applications that could facilitate communication and daily logistics. I also sought guidance from individuals who had previously studied or travelled across Europe. Their insights helped me better understand how to adapt to different systems, cultures, and environments, which proved invaluable throughout my Erasmus Mundus journey.

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

When I first began applying for international study opportunities, my primary goal was to gain admission to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Norway. Although NMBU did not offer scholarships covering living or travel expenses at the time, it had no tuition fees, which made it an attractive option. I put significant effort into preparing my application, especially in meeting the English language requirements. The language proficiency standards were high; an IELTS score of 7.0 or a PTE score of 65. Coming from a non-English-speaking country, this was a major challenge. However, I successfully achieved a PTE score of 68 on my first attempt.

I was accepted to NMBU, but unfortunately, my visa application was rejected due to financial constraints and my inability to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Norway.

The following year, I turned my attention to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs. I was drawn to Erasmus Mundus for several reasons: it offered a prestigious, fully funded joint degree across multiple European countries, covered all essential costs including tuition, living expenses, travel, health insurance, and accommodation, and provided a highly international and interdisciplinary learning environment. I applied to three Erasmus Mundus programs:

1. MSc in Marine Environment and Resources (MER2030)
2. MSc in Food Innovation and Product Design (FIPDes)
3. MSc in Biorefinery (BIOREF)

Given the global recognition and competitive nature of these programs, the selection process was highly rigorous. Out of 717 applicants for the MER2030 program, only 23 students, including me, were awarded the scholarship. I was not selected for the FIPDes and BIOREF programs.

I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of my academic background, relevant professional experiences, and a strong, tailored motivation letter. In my letter, I clearly expressed my passion for marine sustainability research and my desire to contribute to solutions for ocean conservation, an area that aligns closely with European research priorities. This alignment between my goals and the program’s objectives likely played a key role in my successful selection.

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

The Erasmus Mundus program I pursued was the Joint Master’s Degree in Marine Environment and Resources (MER2030). This interdisciplinary and international program is jointly offered by a consortium of five prestigious European universities: the University of the Basque Country (Spain), the University of Bordeaux (France), the University of Liège (Belgium), the University of the Azores (Portugal), and the University of Southampton (United Kingdom). Each student follows a mobility pathway through at least three of these institutions, depending on their academic background and research interests.

The MER2030 program provides a comprehensive education in marine sciences, covering diverse fields such as marine biology, physical and chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, marine ecology, and environmental modelling. My personal academic path within this program was strongly oriented toward marine biotechnology, bioinformatics, and molecular ecology.

• In the first semester at the University of Bordeaux (France), I took core courses in physical oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, and environmental data analysis and modelling.
• In the second semester at the University of the Basque Country (Spain), I specialized in marine genomics and bioinformatics. My coursework included marine resources genomics, environmental genomics, chemometrics, cellular and molecular biomarkers, advanced instrumental analysis, research in marine environments, and marine microbial ecology.
• During the third semester at the University of Liège (Belgium), I focused on marine physiology and ecology. I studied subjects such as marine animal physiology and biochemistry, aquariology, marine plant ecology, functional and molecular marine microbiology, and environmental mathematical modelling.
• In the final semester, I returned to Spain to complete my master’s thesis at AZTI – Marine Research (Basque Research and Technology Alliance). My thesis, titled “Diversity, Composition, and Abundance of the Gut Microbiome of Mesopelagic Fish Revealed by 16S rRNA Metabarcoding,” focused on marine microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques applied to deep-sea fish.

Overall, the MER2030 program provided me with advanced, multidisciplinary training and hands-on research experience across various subfields of marine science, with a particular emphasis on biotechnology and genomics.

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?

The cost of living varied significantly across the countries I studied in during the Erasmus Mundus program, and managing finances largely depended on both the nature of the country and the lifestyle of each student.

For me, France was the most affordable. I stayed in university accommodation, and thanks to the French government’s housing assistance program (CAF), I was reimbursed for nearly half of my accommodation cost. Additionally, a local student organization called Linkee provided free groceries and fresh produce twice a week, which helped cover most of my food needs. The only notable expense in France was transportation, which was relatively costly compared to other essentials.

In Spain, food prices were generally low and affordable. However, accommodation and transportation were significantly more expensive. Despite these higher costs, I was able to manage by budgeting carefully and taking advantage of student discounts wherever possible.

Belgium was the most expensive country overall, with both accommodation and food prices being quite high. Fortunately, I received a free public transportation card provided by the university for the duration of my studies, which helped offset some of the daily expenses.

Overall, financial management requires planning, taking advantage of local support systems, and adapting to each country’s cost structure. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship was instrumental in helping cover these expenses and allowed me to focus on my academic and professional development.

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 did encounter several language barriers, particularly in everyday situations outside the university. In many of the countries I studied in, most people in public spaces, such as shops, public transport, or local services, did not speak English fluently. While there were occasional individuals who could communicate in English, this was not common. To manage these situations, I relied heavily on mobile translation applications, which helped me communicate effectively and navigate daily tasks.

Learning multiple new languages within just two years, alongside a demanding academic workload, was quite challenging. As a result, I focused on basic phrases and practical tools rather than trying to achieve fluency in each local language.

Inside the university, however, I did not face any significant language barriers. The language of instruction across all partner institutions in the Erasmus Mundus program was English. While accents varied depending on the country, I was able to follow lectures and engage in academic discussions without difficulty.

Overall, although there were challenges in daily life due to language differences, the academic environment remained accessible and supportive throughout the program.

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

Yes, I highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus Master’s program to other students. It is truly a life-changing experience that not only offers high-quality education but also exposes you to diverse cultures, international networks, and professional opportunities across Europe. You genuinely feel valued and supported as a scholar.

For anyone considering this scholarship, my main advice is to be persistent. Rejections can happen, but they should not shake your self-confidence. Keep applying, refine your approach, and learn from each experience.

One of the most important aspects of your application is the motivation letter; this is your opportunity to stand out. Be original, honest, and show how your goals align with the program's objectives. Let your passion and uniqueness shine through your writing.

Also, pay close attention to your academic performance. Your bachelor’s degree results play a significant role in the evaluation process, as Erasmus Mundus programs place strong emphasis on academic excellence.

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

Looking back, I am grateful for everything I experienced during the Erasmus Mundus program, both academically and personally. Alongside developing advanced research skills in bioinformatics and marine biotechnology, I also experienced major life events. I got married during the program and brought my wife with me while studying in Europe. Toward the end of my studies, we welcomed our son, Elias, a moment that made this journey even more meaningful.

If I were to do anything differently, it might be to plan even more intentionally for balancing the demands of an intensive academic program with the responsibilities of starting a family abroad. While it was incredibly rewarding, it also came with unique challenges. However, these experiences taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of support systems, lessons just as valuable as those learned in the classroom.