How a Pakistani Engineer Received the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Hydrogen Systems Across Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands

I am Ali Hamza, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore. I was awarded a scholarship under the Erasmus Mundus HYSET (Hydrogen Systems and Enabling Technologies) program, the first hydrogen-focused Erasmus Mundus program in Europe.

As part of this program, I pursued a Master of Science in Energy Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, where I completed my first two semesters. I then moved to Norway (NTNU) for my third semester, specializing in Hydrogen Safety as part of my Master of Science in HYSET. Currently, in my fourth and final semester, I am conducting my internship and master’s thesis at TNO in the Netherlands, focusing on hydrogen technologies.

Educational Background

I come from a mechanical engineering background, having completed my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UET Lahore. My undergraduate studies provided me with a strong foundation in mechanical principles, thermodynamics, and energy systems, which later helped me transition into the field of hydrogen technologies during my master’s.

Studying at UET Lahore also exposed me to a diverse academic environment, where I collaborated with peers from various backgrounds. This experience helped me adapt to different perspectives and work in multicultural teams, making the transition to a multicountry Erasmus Mundus program smoother. Moving across Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands was a significant shift, but my prior experience of engaging with diverse academic and cultural settings prepared me well for this international journey.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

Preparing for my application to the Erasmus Mundus HYSET program required a strategic approach. Since my background is in mechanical engineering, I focused on highlighting my technical expertise, academic achievements, and interest in hydrogen technologies in my application.

I carefully researched the HYSET program structure, course content, and partner universities (Politecnico di Milano, NTNU, and TNO Netherlands) to ensure that my academic background aligned with their focus areas. Additionally, I tailored my Letter of Motivation to emphasize my experience in energy systems, my adaptability to international environments, and my motivation to specialize in hydrogen safety and technologies.

Beyond academics, my prior experience studying with diverse groups at UET Lahore helped me showcase my ability to adapt to multicultural and multidisciplinary settings, a key requirement for an Erasmus Mundus program. I also ensured that my academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and CV reflected my strengths and suitability for the program.

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

I applied for various scholarships, including Erasmus Mundus, Finland Government and University Scholarships, and several other scholarships in different countries. In total, I was awarded four scholarships: Erasmus Mundus HYSET, Erasmus Mundus AMIR (Advanced Materials Innovative Recycling), Aalto University Scholarship, and the Nordic Master’s Scholarship at Aalto University and KTH Sweden.

I ultimately chose Erasmus Mundus HYSET because it provided one of the most competitive scholarships for a master’s degree, offering financial support and the opportunity to study in multiple countries. This allowed me to gain international exposure, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and enhance my expertise in hydrogen technologies.

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants worldwide. I believe my application stood out due to my well-crafted motivation letter, strong recommendation letters, and structured CV. I ensured that my application clearly highlighted my passion for hydrogen technologies, my academic background, and my ability to adapt to international environments, which ultimately helped me secure the scholarship.

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

The Erasmus Mundus HYSET (Hydrogen Systems and Enabling Technologies) program is a specialized master’s program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of the hydrogen value chain, covering everything from hydrogen production to storage, transport, and utilization. As the first hydrogen-focused Erasmus Mundus program in Europe, it brings together top universities and research institutions to train experts in this rapidly evolving field.

The program follows a multi-country study structure, allowing students to gain diverse academic and industry perspectives. It covers key areas such as electrolysis for hydrogen production, hydrogen storage technologies (including compressed, liquid, and LOHC-based storage), fuel cells, safety and risk assessment, and hydrogen transport infrastructure.

Through a combination of theoretical coursework, laboratory work, and industry internships, HYSET prepares students to address real-world challenges in hydrogen technologies. The multidisciplinary and multicultural nature of the program provides an opportunity to collaborate with professionals and researchers from different backgrounds, fostering innovation in the hydrogen sector.

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 three countries I studied in. Norway and the Netherlands were the most expensive, with Norway being the most costly overall, especially in terms of food, transportation, and daily expenses. The Netherlands was slightly more affordable than Norway but still had high living costs, particularly in housing and utilities.

Italy, on the other hand, was the most affordable option, making daily expenses like food and transportation more manageable. However, housing in Milan was quite expensive, which increased overall costs compared to other Italian cities. Despite that, in terms of overall affordability, Italy was the most budget-friendly country, while Norway and the Netherlands required better financial planning to manage expenses effectively.

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 barriers varied across the three countries. In Italy, not knowing Italian made daily communication challenging, as many locals, especially in non-tourist areas, primarily speak Italian. This made tasks like shopping, asking for directions, or handling administrative work more difficult.

In contrast, Norway and the Netherlands had minimal language barriers, as the majority of people speak English fluently, making it much easier to communicate and navigate daily life.

The language of instruction remained English in all three countries, ensuring a smooth academic experience without any language-related difficulties in coursework.

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 Scholarship to anyone looking for a unique and enriching academic experience. It not only provides financial support but also allows you to study in multiple countries, gain international exposure, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Advice for Applicants

If you are considering this scholarship, my key advice is to write your motivation letter in your own words, reflecting your genuine experiences, aspirations, and passion for your chosen field. Avoid copying templates or generic statements—authenticity and personal experiences make a strong impact.

Additionally, take the time to research the program thoroughly, understand its structure, and align your application with your academic and career goals. Lastly, ensure your CV and recommendation letters effectively highlight your strengths, achievements, and adaptability to a multicultural learning environment.

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

Rather than focusing on what I could have done differently, I prefer to highlight what I actively did to maximize my Erasmus Mundus experience. From the start, I made a conscious effort to build a strong professional network, connecting with industry experts, researchers, and fellow students to explore opportunities in the hydrogen sector.

I also took full advantage of the program’s multinational structure, immersing myself in different cultures, adapting to diverse academic environments, and gaining hands-on experience through my internship and thesis work. Challenges like language barriers in Italy and adjusting to new ways of learning were part of the journey, but instead of seeing them as obstacles, I viewed them as opportunities for growth and adaptability.

Looking back, I am confident that I made the most of this experience, ensuring that it was not just about earning a degree but about developing the skills, knowledge, and connections that will shape my future in the hydrogen industry.