Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Aleezay Anjum Ahmed from Pakistan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Biomass and Bioproducts Engineering Across Poland, Spain, and Finland

I am Aleezay Anjum Ahmed from Pakistan, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Sustainable Biomass and Bioproducts Engineering. This two-year joint degree programme was offered collaboratively by Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Poland), the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), and LUT University (Finland).

Educational Background 

During my bachelor’s studies, I developed a strong interest in nanotechnology, which led me to specialize in physical chemistry. However, I soon realized that addressing complex scientific challenges requires an interdisciplinary approach. To broaden my academic foundation, I complemented my specialization with extensive coursework in organic chemistry and mathematics. This combination allowed me to develop both theoretical depth and analytical versatility. Upon graduation, I was awarded two gold medals and had one publication, reflecting my academic performance and early engagement with research.

While my academic background alone did not directly prepare me for the multi-country experience, it helped me develop adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across disciplines. These qualities proved essential when transitioning between different academic systems, teaching styles, and cultural environments within the Erasmus Mundus programme.

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

In preparing my applications, I focused on identifying programmes and scholarships that aligned closely with my academic interests and long-term goals. I primarily applied for two major scholarships: Erasmus Mundus and Fulbright. The Fulbright application required standardized tests such as the TOEFL and GRE, while the Erasmus Mundus programme did not require additional examinations. I was fortunate to be selected for both opportunities.

Ultimately, I chose the Erasmus Mundus programme because the Fulbright program involves a mandatory one-year waiting and placement period before the start of studies. In contrast, Erasmus Mundus offered a more immediate and structured academic pathway. Additionally, the opportunity to study across multiple European countries was particularly appealing to me. Each host country has its own academic culture, language, and social environment, and I saw this as a valuable challenge that would push me beyond my comfort zone and contribute to both my personal and professional growth.

I believe my application was competitive due to its coherence and clarity of purpose. My motivation letter articulated my interest in the programme rather well and demonstrated how my academic background aligned with its interdisciplinary nature. In addition, my academic record, including a high CGPA and multiple awards, supported my preparedness for graduate-level study. However, I do not believe these factors alone secured my selection, especially since I was transitioning from a chemistry background toward chemical and bioproduct engineering. I think my application stood out because it demonstrated academic excellence alongside adaptability, interdisciplinary engagement, and active involvement in extracurricular and research activities, presenting me as a well-rounded and motivated candidate.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme in Sustainable Biomass and Bioproducts Engineering, a specialized subfield of chemical engineering. The programme progressed from fundamental chemical principles related to biomass and biobased materials to engineering approaches for thermochemical and biochemical valorization, process design, and scale-up. In addition, it covered tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and design of experiments (DoE) to provide a systems-level perspective on developing and assessing biomass-based technologies.

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 across the countries where I studied. Poland was the most economical, particularly in terms of accommodation and daily expenses, while Finland was the most expensive, with rent being the largest cost factor. Despite these differences, the monthly stipend was sufficient to cover essential living and travel expenses.

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?

Language is something you truly learn through immersion. For example, buying a six-pack of sparkling water when you actually wanted still is a mistake you only make once, and you quickly learn phrases like “niegazowana”. That said, our cohort consisted of about twenty students, and we primarily interacted in English with both classmates and faculty. The language of instruction was consistently English; while accents and fluency varied, communication was always effective, and the academic content was clearly conveyed.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Erasmus Mundus programme to others. It was a rewarding experience, particularly because of the opportunity to interact with people from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Living and studying in different countries helped me better understand how communication styles, daily life, and academic environments vary, and it greatly strengthened my adaptability. Language barriers can seem intimidating at first, but they are manageable in practice.

From an academic perspective, my main advice would be to plan ahead. Transitioning from one discipline to another can be challenging, and while applying to multiple programmes may increase your chances, it is important to keep your letter of motivation realistic and coherent. Avoid forcing connections between past experience and future goals; honesty and clarity are far more convincing. Online courses can certainly be useful for building specific skills or exploring new topics, but they work best as a complement to your academic foundation rather than as a substitute for it.

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

Looking back, I would have worried less and trusted the process more. Many of the challenges I initially found stressful, such as adapting to new academic systems, resolved themselves with time and experience. In hindsight, being more confident and allowing myself to enjoy the learning experience would have made the journey even more rewarding.