How a Pakistani Psychology Graduate Won the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Clinical Linguistics Across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Finland

My name is Iqra Ali Mirza, and I’m from Pakistan. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2024. After that, I was selected for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), a multidisciplinary program that takes place across three countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, and Finland.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in cognition and brain sciences, which naturally aligned with the interdisciplinary nature of Clinical Linguistics. My academic background also included research work and exposure to an international exchange program funded by the US Department of State, all of which helped me adapt to the diverse academic environments and teaching styles across the three countries in the EMCL program.

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

While preparing for Erasmus Mundus, I also explored other scholarship opportunities such as the DAAD and Fulbright programs. However, Erasmus Mundus stood out to me because of its unique structure, allowing students to study in multiple countries, and its strong academic collaboration across Europe. I found the application process to be highly competitive, with applicants from all over the world competing for merely 15 scholarships per program. I believe what made my application stand out was a clear alignment between my academic background and the program’s focus, a well-structured statement of purpose, strong recommendation letters, and relevant research experience demonstrating my commitment to the program.

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

I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the scientific study of language and its disorders. The program combines insights from psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and clinical practice. It is jointly offered by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Ghent University in Belgium, and the University of Eastern Finland. As part of the program, I had the opportunity to work on a popular science article with Dr. Adrià Rofes, which allowed me to translate complex clinical linguistics research into accessible language for the general public. This experience strengthened both my academic and science communication skills, and I am forever grateful to the program for offering me such opportunities.

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?

The cost of living has varied across the countries I’ve studied in so far. The Netherlands has been the most expensive, especially in terms of rent and daily necessities, while Belgium has been relatively more affordable. I haven’t yet been to Finland, so I can’t comment on the costs there. I cover all my expenses using the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, which has been essential in supporting my studies and living costs. I live independently, so careful budgeting has been important, like cooking at home and prioritizing essential spending.

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?

Fortunately, I did not face any language barriers so far, especially in the Netherlands. The Dutch have been extremely kind, and they always switch to English whenever they see me struggling to speak in Dutch.

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

I would absolutely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others, especially to students who are open to cultural diversity and excited by the idea of studying in multiple countries. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that offers top-tier academic training, international exposure, and a strong professional network.

For anyone considering this scholarship, my advice would be to start preparing early, especially your statement of purpose and recommendation letters. Make sure your application clearly reflects why you’re a good fit for the program and how your goals align with what it offers. Also, be ready to adapt to different academic systems and cultural settings. Flexibility and curiosity go a long way in making the most of this journey.

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

Since I’m currently only halfway through the program, it feels a bit early to look back with full hindsight. However, if there’s one thing I might have approached differently, it would be giving myself a bit more time to adjust during the initial weeks, both academically and mentally. The pace can be intense from the start, and taking some extra time to settle in might have made the transition smoother. That said, I’m still learning and growing through the experience, and I’m sure I’ll have more reflections by the end of the program.