Erasmus+ and Eiffel Excellence Scholar, Anika Muneer from Pakistan, Completed Dual Master’s Degrees in International Economics and Economic Analysis & Policy in Germany and France

My name is Anika Muneer, and I come from the northern region of Pakistan. By profession, I am an economist with a creative passion for sketching and interior design. I pursued the EPOG+ Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program, completing my first Master’s in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) and my second Master’s in Economic Analysis and Policy from a consortium of prestigious French institutions, including Sorbonne University, University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC), and University Paris Cité.

I chose this program because it uniquely combines rigorous economic theory, heterodox economics with policy-oriented and global perspectives, aligning perfectly with my academic interests and long-term goal of contributing to sustainable economic development in emerging economies.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive Erasmus+ funding arranged by the International Office at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. Later, I was awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship by Campus France, one of the most prestigious scholarships in France. For that year, I was the only recipient from Pakistan to receive this award for a Master’s program in Paris. The scholarship provided a monthly stipend of €1,181 and was hosted by the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC).

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Economics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, graduating with a CGPA of 3.9/4.0, which placed me among the top of my cohort. My undergraduate studies, especially my focus on applied economics in the final semesters, provided me with a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative analysis. Additionally, my internships at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the State Bank of Pakistan enriched my practical understanding of policy research and development economics, making my profile stronger for international master’s programs.

Preparation for Applying to Institutions

I began by brainstorming my academic and professional aspirations, identifying programs that aligned with my career goals, and consulting seniors and mentors who had successfully pursued similar paths.

Finding Scholarship and Institution Information

I relied primarily on senior guidance, official scholarship websites, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD) catalogue to find suitable programs and funding opportunities.

Standardized Tests

I took the IELTS and scored well. My preparation was entirely self-paced, utilizing free online resources over the course of one month.

Preparation for the Scholarship Application

I dedicated significant time to crafting a strong motivation letter, which I refined through multiple rounds of feedback. I also focused on gaining relevant professional experience through internships and volunteer work to strengthen my overall profile.

Experience at the Institution

My experience across the Erasmus Mundus universities was academically enriching and culturally diverse. The program exposed me to multiple learning environments and international cohorts, broadening my understanding of global economic systems.

Language of Instruction

All my courses were conducted entirely in English.

Language Barriers

While classes were in English, learning some of the local language (French or German) helped in daily interactions and integrating into the local culture. However, academically, there were no difficulties for non-native speakers.

What Made My Application Stand Out

My strong academic record (3.9 GPA), combined with highly relevant internships at UNDP and the State Bank of Pakistan, helped my application stand out. Moreover, my motivation letter reflected a clear sense of purpose and alignment with the program’s objectives.

What I Would Have Done Differently

If I were to go through the process again, I would take a few additional online courses to strengthen my research profile and perhaps gain a year of professional experience before pursuing my master’s — to add more practical insight to my academic knowledge.

Advice for Future Applicants

Never lose hope. The process can be long and challenging, but persistence pays off. Keep applying, refine your motivation letters, seek feedback, and most importantly, believe in your potential — every application brings you one step closer to success.