How a Nigerian Zoology Graduate Leveraged the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Earn an ACES‑STAR MSc in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society

My name is Divine Anjorin, and I’m from Nigeria. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

I had always dreamt of studying Medicine and becoming a doctor. But as is often the case in Nigeria, the university admission process can be unpredictable, and I ended up studying Zoology instead. In my third year, I interned at an aquaculture teaching and research lab, which was my first real introduction to aquaculture, and that experience completely shifted my perspective. I became genuinely curious about the field and decided to focus my final year thesis on aquaculture nutrition. That was when I truly fell in love with aquaculture and knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in the field.

Studying Zoology gave me a strong foundation in animal biology and how animals interact with their environment, while my thesis explored ways to reduce fishmeal dependence and environmental impact by using single-cell proteins. So I began searching for a master’s program that didn’t just focus on aquaculture in isolation, but looked at it through a broader lens, combining sustainability, environmental impact, and food production.

That was how I found the EMJM ACES-STAR program. Honestly, I was surprised that a program like that even existed. Most of the degrees I had come across were focused strictly on aquaculture, but this one connected aquaculture with environmental sustainability and societal well-being. I was thrilled.

Being accepted into the program was truly a dream come true. It’s everything I hoped for and more, and I’m incredibly excited about how it’s shaping my journey toward a meaningful career in sustainable aquaculture.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship to study Aquaculture, Environment, and Society (ACES-STAR). This fully funded program offers intensive, interdisciplinary training in aquaculture, environmental science, and the societal and policy dimensions of the sector. It spans four study countries, includes a three-month internship, and a six-month research dissertation that can be carried out anywhere in the world.

The program begins in Scotland, where we explore Scottish aquaculture systems, including salmon, micro and macroalgae (seaweed), and shellfish. We then move to Greece, where the focus is on Mediterranean aquaculture, learning about species like seabass, seabream, red porgy, and meagre. In France, we will dive deep into shellfish farming, particularly oysters, and wrap up with a six-month research placement focused on innovation in aquaculture.

The scholarship covers full tuition and a monthly stipend for the entire two-year duration of the program

Educational Background

I earned my undergraduate degree in Zoology and held the position of departmental scholar (the student with the highest CGPA) throughout my bachelor's program. I think this consistent performance made my professors take an interest in my academic growth; they encouraged me to apply for scholarships and pursue further studies.

I also completed an 8-month internship in aquaculture research, which gave me hands-on experience and provided the foundation I needed to build a strong scholarship application. After the internship, I started a small-scale fish farming business, which opened my eyes to the realities of aquaculture. It helped me understand the challenges in the industry and the misconceptions many, especially young people in my country, have about the sector.

My final year thesis deepened my passion even further. It helped me realize how fragile our ecosystem truly is, and how interconnected everything is, from production to consumption and back into the environment through waste. I began to understand how every choice we make in food production can either help or harm the environment, which was the insight I used to develop my statement of purpose for my scholarship application.

So, it was this growing passion for sustainable food systems, the experience from my internship and thesis, running a small aquaculture business, and my interest in youth engagement in the sector that all came together to inspire and prepare me to pursue a master’s degree in aquaculture

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I spoke to people who have received scholarships in the past. You can’t ignore the power of connections, and speaking directly with those who’ve walked the path is very helpful.

However, connections alone won’t get you the scholarship. You also need to put in the work and take time to understand the entire scholarship and admission process. There’s so much information out there, and YouTube, scholarship websites, and forums can be incredibly helpful.

For me, I started by carefully gathering information on the Erasmus ACES-STAR website to understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application timeline. I began preparing all my materials early, including requesting recommendation letters from my professor and studying for the IELTS exam.

Starting my Statement of Purpose (SOP) early also made a huge difference. It gave me time to truly reflect on my journey and write something meaningful and personal. Your SOP is your story; only you can tell it best. So take your time with it, be honest, and make it yours.

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

Yes, the IELTS was required for my program. To prepare, I joined the Cambridge IELTS Telegram group, where I had access to a wide range of study materials. At the time, I was quite introverted and barely spoke much, but preparing for IELTS changed everything for me.

I became very intentional about improving my speaking skills. I even signed up for a few acting gigs, just to force myself out of my shell and practice speaking more confidently. Around the same time, I was also taking online courses in data analysis, which surprisingly helped me a lot in the data interpretation section of the exam.

To strengthen my reading skills, I began reading books regularly and learning specific strategies for tackling comprehension passages. And of course, I cannot overstate the power of YouTube. As a visual learner, watching videos, especially hearing firsthand tips from past test-takers, helped me understand the exam format and significantly reduced my anxiety on test day

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

I started early, about three months before the application even opened. I used that time to gather all the necessary documents, including my academic certificates, transcripts, international passport, and began working on my Statement of Purpose (SOP). I also studied for and took the IELTS exam.

One thing I always emphasize is the importance of preparing for the interview after submitting your application. It’s just as important as the application itself. A strong interview can really set you apart, so don’t overlook it.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the Institution? 

So far, it’s been a wonderful experience, truly the best decision I’ve made. Studying at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) was incredibly student-focused. There were always professionals available to offer support, and each student was assigned a personal academic tutor whom we could meet with one-on-one to discuss academic progress and career plans. The learning environment was also exceptional; there’s a reason they call it the “university on the beach.”

The University of Crete was also a great place to study, and I particularly enjoyed the Greek language class. Right now, I’m doing a 3-month internship at VDS Premix Solutions in Belgium, and I’m learning a lot about feed production and the aquaculture industry. I’m really looking forward to the next phase of the program in France.

How Does the Institution Support International Students?

This program has dedicated student support personnel specifically for ACES students at each of the partner universities, and they are always kind and responsive to student queries. We also have access to our Personal Academic Tutors (PATs), whom we can reach out to whenever we need guidance or support.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country(ies)'s Native Language?

Yes, all classes are offered in English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Greek or French?

I don’t think it’s compulsory, as all the courses are offered in English. However, learning a bit of the local language can be very helpful for day-to-day conversations, integrating into the culture, and building connections with the locals. I really enjoyed learning Greek while studying in Greece; it was such a great experience to be able to communicate with locals using the few phrases I had learned. I’m also looking forward to learning French in France and having a similar experience there.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my hands-on experience in aquaculture and the clarity of my goals. I was specific about what I wanted to gain from the program. I identified a key problem in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector and expressed my desire to explore innovative solutions to address it. I also believe that having strong letters of recommendation added significant weight to my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I don’t think there is anything I would have done differently

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

Those who have won scholarships aren’t special; they just prepared better. So, make a plan and prepare thoroughly. Be honest and authentic in your statement of purpose and take time to build relevant experience and skills that strengthen your application.