How an Indian Student Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a Master’s in Health Management in Aquaculture in 4 European Countries

My name is Anagha Anilkumar, and I was born and raised in Kerala, India. I am a proud recipient of the 2023 Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the Master’s program in Health Management in Aquaculture (EMJM AQUAH). This prestigious program is jointly conducted by Ghent University in Belgium, Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Norway, and the University of Barcelona in Spain. As part of this exchange program, I completed my first semester at Ghent University and chose NTNU for my subsequent semesters due to its specialized focus on ecosystem and health management in aquaculture. Currently, I am preparing to begin my thesis semester at NTNU, collaborating with SINTEF, a renowned research institution in Norway.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I earned a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Fishery Science (Nautical Science) [BFSc (NS)] from the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training in 2022, graduating with a CGPA of 8.97. To expand my practical knowledge, I worked as a trainee at the National Fish Seed Farm and later pursued a certificate course in Health Management of Aquaculture at the National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, CUSAT.

The academic and practical experiences I gained during these years aligned well with the objectives of the Erasmus Mundus program. My background equipped me with the skills to confidently approach advanced topics, and my hands-on training provided a strong foundation for laboratory techniques and practical problem-solving.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Institutions?

From the beginning of my undergraduate studies, I aspired to pursue higher education abroad. To remain competitive on an international platform, I knew that academic excellence alone would not suffice. I actively participated in seminars, conferences, and field visits related to aquaculture, along with internships at two seed production centres in Kerala. These experiences enriched my understanding of the field and strengthened my motivation letter during the application process.

A critical part of the application was gathering all required documents, including academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and statements of purpose. I dedicated significant time to drafting and refining my motivation letter to ensure it effectively conveyed my passion and alignment with the program's goals. Letters of recommendation from esteemed professionals in my field further bolstered my application. I also maintained strong connections with professors and industry experts, which proved invaluable during this process.

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

I applied exclusively for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, targeting two programs: ACES-STAR and AQUAH. While I was offered a partial scholarship for ACES-STAR, I secured a fully funded scholarship for AQUAH. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is highly competitive and widely regarded as a prestigious opportunity within the aquaculture community in India.

I believe my application stood out due to the clear alignment of my academic and practical experiences with the program’s objectives. Even candidates from non-aquaculture backgrounds can excel if they demonstrate relevant experience and a compelling rationale for pursuing the program.

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

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Aquatic Animal Health (AQUAH) is designed to educate and train professionals in addressing health and welfare challenges within the aquaculture industry. This program aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions, ensuring food safety and fostering innovation.

The curriculum begins with a semester at Ghent University, focusing on genetics, fish pathology, and immunology. Students then choose their subsequent track from partner universities. Wageningen University offers courses on disease prevention and environmental health. The University of Barcelona emphasizes physiology and health, while NTNU provides a unique focus on ecosystem-based health and welfare management in aquaculture.

My chosen track at NTNU has been instrumental in developing a holistic understanding of ecosystem management. My track focuses heavily on ecosystem management and salmon welfare, a key focus area given Norway’s position as the world’s leading producer of salmon. Salmon aquaculture is a significant contributor to the Norwegian economy, and the expertise gained through this track is directly relevant to its sustainable growth.

At NTNU, I studied biotechnology, including biofilter design for Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), fish health and welfare (covering current diseases, treatments, welfare issues, and mitigation strategies), ecology, and other related topics. The program emphasized self-directed learning and research, incorporating group projects and presentations to foster collaborative and analytical skills. I also had the privilege of visiting several advanced aquaculture facilities in Norway, familiarizing myself with high-tech aquaculture technologies and systems. Norwegian aquaculture serves as a global model for sustainable and innovative practices, and I was particularly fascinated by how meticulously every aspect of aquaculture—from monitoring to maintenance—is managed and tracked. This experience deepened my understanding of best practices and inspired me to further explore the integration of technology and sustainability in aquaculture.

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?

During the program, I received a monthly stipend of €1,000 to cover living expenses. While this amount was sufficient, the cost of living varied significantly between countries. Belgium, for example, was more affordable compared to Norway, which is known for its high cost of living. Despite this, careful budgeting allowed me to manage expenses, including accommodation, groceries, and transportation.

Norway’s study-life balance is another noteworthy aspect. Many students, including myself, balanced academic commitments with part-time work in aquaculture and food processing companies, which provided additional financial security and practical experience.

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

For all my partner universities, English isn’t their first language. When it comes to academics, I haven’t faced any issues related to language, whereas when it comes to social life, to some extent, it is still a problem. All native students of Norway and the academic staff are very proficient in English, and it won't affect your studies. When it comes to Norway, they are linguistically proud and reserved and prefer to maintain close social circles. As an international student, I felt it a bit different compared to Belgium.

The university offers free Norwegian classes, which is a non-credit course but certificate-level. It wasn’t mandatory, but if you plan to continue in Norway for academic or professional needs, it is highly advised. Language barriers after academics are a reality, and you need to be highly skilled and extraordinary to be competent with native candidates.

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

I strongly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to aspiring students. This program is not only prestigious but also transformative. As a woman from a middle-class family in a small village, this opportunity has been nothing short of life-changing. With all expenses covered—including travel, installation costs, insurance, and personal expenses—this scholarship removes financial barriers and opens doors to unparalleled global exposure.

For prospective applicants, I advise focusing on crafting a strong motivation letter, building a professional network, and gaining relevant practical experience. Remember, the key to success lies in aligning your aspirations with the program’s objectives.

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

Looking back, I wish I had dedicated more time to enhancing my technological skills, such as statistical software, digital note-taking, and advanced MS Office proficiency. While my traditional study methods served me well, familiarity with modern tools would have further streamlined my academic journey.

Overall, my Erasmus Mundus experience has been incredibly rewarding, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the aquaculture industry.