How a Nigerian Erasmus Mundus Scholar Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Applied Cybersecurity Across Europe

My name is Elvis Njoku, and I am a Nigerian scholar. I have an academic background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with my undergraduate studies completed at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in Nigeria. I was fortunate to be selected for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program in Applied Cybersecurity (CYBERMACS), which gave me the opportunity to study across multiple countries. During the course of the program, I have already studied at Kadir Has University, Turkey, and will be visiting Ohrid, North Macedonia, for an international conference, even though some of us will be studying at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University-Skopje, North Macedonia, but I would be completing my program at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, gaining not only academic knowledge but also rich cultural experiences. This international exposure will significantly broaden my horizon and deepen my commitment to working in a global context.

Educational Background

My academic training gave me a solid foundation in problem-solving, research methods, and specific technical skills. During my undergraduate years, I also took part in several international conferences and collaborative projects, which sparked my interest in global education. This background prepared me well for the Erasmus Mundus experience, where adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and academic rigor across different countries were essential.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

To apply for the Erasmus Mundus program, I started by thoroughly researching the available programs that matched my academic interests and career goals. I carefully reviewed the eligibility criteria, course structure, and partner universities. I also reached out to alumni through LinkedIn and online forums to get first-hand advice on the application process.

In terms of scholarships, I considered a few others, such as the DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), Commonwealth (UK), and other applications to various American and Australian universities. I actually got a few offers from American and Australian universities, but while all offered great opportunities, I ultimately chose Erasmus Mundus because of its unique structure, allowing me to study in multiple countries and institutions under one integrated program. This multicultural and multidisciplinary approach, and the prospect of a dual degree in Applied Cybersecurity, was exactly what I was looking for.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants from around the world. I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of strong academic performance, relevant work or research experience, a well-written motivation letter tailored to each program, and clear goals on how the program aligned with my future plans. I also made sure my recommendation letters highlighted not only my academic strengths but also my adaptability and cross-cultural skills, which are essential for a joint international degree.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in CYBERMACS, Applied Cybersecurity. The program focused on advanced topics in cybersecurity, embedded systems, and smart technologies, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications in areas such as critical infrastructure protection, IoT security, and intelligent control systems.

The program was highly interdisciplinary, covering subjects like network security, machine learning for cyber-physical systems, secure system design, and real-time systems. It was delivered across multiple European universities, which allowed me to study in diverse academic environments and experience different perspectives on cybersecurity and automation.

CYBERMACS not only deepened my technical expertise but also prepared me for global challenges in digital security and smart system integration.

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?

For now, I am still in Turkey, and to be frank, the stipend is more than enough in Turkey. However, we heard from other international students that the 1400 euros would still be enough to live a comfortable student life in Germany and North Macedonia. After making a few inquiries, I believe that Life in North Macedonia may be the most comfortable, considering the stipend given, but we are most likely going to spend more in Germany.

As a Nigerian student, I was well equipped with basic food items and necessities, and I stayed in a shared apartment even though I got a room for myself, so I saved more in those aspects. Once in a while, I treated myself to Turkish meals and enjoyed their culture, doing so within my means.

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?

The language of instruction throughout the CYBERMACS program was English, so academically, I didn’t face any major language barriers. However, outside the classroom, living in Turkey came with its challenges. I believe I was a bit prepped mentally for the challenge, and I also envision the same problem with Germany, especially when dealing with local services, public transportation, or administrative processes in the local language.

To overcome this, I have made a conscious effort to learn basic phrases in each country's language and used translation apps when needed. I also engaged with local students and communities, which helped me adapt more quickly. Overall, these experiences improved my communication skills and cultural adaptability, which were just as valuable as the academic lessons.

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

Yes, I would highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone looking for a world-class education combined with international experience. It offers not just academic excellence but also the chance to live and study in multiple countries, build a global network, and grow personally and professionally.

My advice to anyone considering this scholarship is to start early. Research programs carefully, tailor your motivation letter to each one, and clearly explain how the program fits your goals. Focus on your strengths, both academic and personal, especially your adaptability, motivation, and international outlook. Also, reach out to alumni if possible; their insights can be incredibly helpful. Finally, don’t be discouraged by how competitive it is; a strong, honest, and well-prepared application can truly stand out.

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

Overall, I have no major regrets, except for putting in more effort to learn more than the basic phrases, as I would have been able to connect more deeply with local communities and adapt to their culture seamlessly. I hope to correct that before I get to Berlin. Also, I hope to be involved in more collaborative research projects going forward. This would help strengthen my profile and put me in a better position to achieve my set goals.