How a Pakistani Chemical Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a Master’s in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development

My name is Fiza Butt, and I’m from Pakistan. I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from NUST, and in my final semester, I received confirmation of my acceptance into the Erasmus Master’s program in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development - MESD. I’ve long aimed to move beyond research to develop skills in project management and practical engineering implementation, and this master’s aligns perfectly with that goal.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Scholarship for the MESD program, fully funded by the European Union. It covers my full tuition and grants the standard monthly stipend for Erasmus scholars, which I use to cover my living and travel expenses. My mobility track includes the University of Zaragoza in Spain, the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague in the Czech Republic, the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and a summer school at the University of Montpellier in France.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was also selected for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship to pursue a Master’s at Dalian University of Technology. This scholarship would have covered full tuition and provided a monthly stipend, although I ultimately chose the Erasmus Mundus award instead.

Educational Background

I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, earning a 3.7 CGPA. To line up with MESD’s focus on membrane technology for water purification, I chose internships and my final-year project in that area. Outside the classroom, I took on leadership roles in various student clubs, building planning and teamwork skills, and my SUSI exchange program at the University of Massachusetts gave me hands-on experience in an international, multidisciplinary setting.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

I joined a few scholarship-guidance groups on Facebook, where current and past applicants share deadlines, tips, and sample applications. Beyond that, a quick web search gave me everything I needed on eligibility rules, required documents, and key dates.

I took the IELTS the summer before applying. To prepare, I worked through free mock tests available online, timing myself and then reviewing every mistake. That routine helped me get comfortable with the format and build my pacing.

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

As I neared my final year, I reviewed each program’s website and picked those that best matched my background (degree, internships, final-year project) and my career goals. Next, I drafted my motivation letter and CV, then asked my final year project supervisor and the department dean for recommendation letters, as strong recommendations do count. Finally, I reached out to current students in those programs to get feedback on my CV and motivation letter before submitting.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing the Native Language of the Countries?

Since the Erasmus Mundus Master’s curriculum is delivered entirely in English, not knowing the local language won’t hold you back academically. If you’d like to pick up the native tongue for daily life or personal interest, most host universities also offer courses.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It wasn’t a single factor but the combination of my directly relevant background and strong interpersonal skills that made my application stand out. While others might have had more work experience, I wasn’t just bringing grades; I also brought the ability to connect and collaborate across cultures. My US exchange kept coming up in the interview, showing I can thrive in an international, multidisciplinary environment. And even though I knew I still had more to learn than other candidates, I made sure to show genuine excitement and a willingness to learn.

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

I’d ask my professors for recommendation letters sooner, around deadlines, they get really busy, and I nearly missed one because it took longer than I thought to get their signatures.

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

When you’re picking programs, don’t just match your past experience; think about where you want to go next and pick a course that will take you there. In your motivation letter, spend more time on what you hope to learn and how you’ll contribute, not just on what you’ve already done. Show that you understand the program’s strengths and explain how your skills and ambitions fit into what they offer; make it a two-way story, not just a list of your achievements.