Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship Scholar Alejandro from Venezuela Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Ghent University, Belgium

My name is Alejandro, and I am from Venezuela. I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Business at an American university, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I decided to pursue further education in the field of Law and Economics, with a specialization in Innovation and Intellectual Property, because I am very passionate about understanding the regulatory frameworks that drive SME resilience by forging a multidisciplinary path equipped with transversal innovative skills that are ready to handle the multidimensional challenges of the world.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship Details

I am a recipient of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Scholarship for the European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE). This is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship provided by the European Commission, covering 100% of the tuition fees, travel costs, installation costs, insurance, and a monthly living stipend of €1,400.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. In addition to the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, I have also been awarded another 5 fully funded scholarships: Indonesian Government scholarship (KNB), Romanian Government scholarship, Hungarian Government scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum), Chinese Government scholarship (CSC), and a full-ride scholarship in the United States.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business with a focus on Business Informatics. I graduated with a strong GPA (3.83/4.00).

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

Finding Information

I spent months researching official government/university databases and the Erasmus Mundus catalogue. I also engaged in digital communities and followed educational content creators who focused on academic mobility.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I focused on demonstrating English proficiency through my academic record and professional experience. My background in a 100% English-medium institution was key to meeting institutional requirements without the need for additional tests in several instances.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship?

I approached the application as a strategic project. I spent significant time tailoring my Statement of Purpose (SoP) to align my professional background as a Sales Manager with my research interests. I also ensured my recommendation letters came from professors who could attest not only to my grades but to my leadership and grit.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the "Dual Profile" was the key. On one hand, I showed academic excellence (High Honors). On the other hand, I demonstrated real-world leadership as a Sales Manager leading international teams. Furthermore, my voluntary work creating educational content to help other migrants and first-generation students access scholarships showed the selection committee that I was committed to social impact and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. My profile was quite unconventional, and I believe that made me stand out, also.

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

Maybe the only thing I would have made different is not to overthink much about the process. I trusted my applications, and I was sure I did my best; however, thinking about external factors that might affect the outcome of the results might not be worthy, since there are lots of things that you cannot change, so thinking about them, most of the time, is a waste of time!

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Build a Story, Not Just a CV: Selection committees don’t just want to see high grades; they want to see a person with a mission. Connect your past, your current work, and your future goals.

Research the "Fit": Don’t just apply to every scholarship. Find the one that matches your specific research interests.

Resilience is Key: Coming from a country in crisis, I had every excuse to give up. Use your challenges as a testament to your strength rather than a barrier to your success.