How a Ghanaian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for an MSc in Rural Development (IMRD) Across Europe

My name is Kennedy Agyei-Manu, and I am from Ghana. I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD). This program has allowed me to study at Ghent University in Belgium and L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers in France, providing me with a unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives and expertise in rural development.

Educational Background

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agribusiness Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2019. This interdisciplinary program provided me with a strong foundation in agriculture, business, and management, with a particular focus on agricultural value chains. Additionally, the program included an internship component, which allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and gain practical industry experience. The diverse expertise of my professors during my undergraduate studies also played a crucial role in building the foundational knowledge that has significantly contributed to my success in the Erasmus Mundus program.

How Did you Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Securing the Erasmus Mundus scholarship was a journey of persistence and growth. It took me three attempts to finally achieve this goal. During my first application, I was denied admission because I did not meet the English language proficiency requirement. Determined to improve, I prepared thoroughly and took the IELTS exam. My second attempt resulted in admission to the program, but unfortunately, I did not receive the scholarship. It was only on my third try that I was granted both admission and the Erasmus Mundus funding to pursue the International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD).

Over the course of three years, I applied to several other programs and scholarships alongside the Erasmus program, including the Chevening Scholarship, the Orange Knowledge Program at Wageningen University, the DAAD scholarships etc. In most cases, I was offered admission but missed out on full funding. Despite these setbacks, I remained committed to my goal of pursuing a master’s degree in Europe with a full scholarship.

To strengthen my applications, I continuously worked on improving my CV and motivation letter. I spent countless hours researching on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google, learning from experts and successful applicants about how to craft a compelling application. I believe this dedication to self-improvement played a crucial role in my eventual success. As a Christian, I am also deeply convinced that divine guidance led me to the right resources and opportunities that ultimately made my application stand out.

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

I am currently (2023–2025) pursuing the Erasmus Mundus-funded International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD). This unique program involves mobility across six partner universities in Europe and an additional nine universities worldwide. Personally, I am following the Society Track within the IMRD framework, which has allowed me to spend a semester each at Ghent University in Belgium and L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers in France. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a mandatory Case Study in Italy, led by professors from the University of Pisa.

The two-year IMRD program is designed to equip professionals with multidisciplinary skills and knowledge to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing rural communities. A key focus of the program is teaching students how to adapt diverse rural development perspectives—both from the EU and non-EU contexts—to their specific countries and local contexts. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to sustainable rural development worldwide.

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?

From my experience in the IMRD program’s mobility track, I found that the cost of living varied significantly between the countries I studied in. For instance, rent in France was generally more affordable compared to Belgium. However, other factors also played a role in managing expenses, such as the ability to cook meals independently, shared amenities in student accommodations, and the proximity of essential services and shops. I would say that I found more autonomy in these factors in Belgium compared to France. Optimizing finances with a budget to fit the conditions of the different countries is helpful.

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?

During my time in Ghent, Belgium, Dutch was the primary language spoken by locals. However, I found that most people, including students, shopkeepers, and others I interacted with on campus and in public spaces, spoke fluent English. This made communication relatively easy throughout my stay in Ghent.

In contrast, communicating with locals in France proved to be more challenging for me. To overcome this, I took proactive steps to improve my French language skills. I used Duolingo for daily practice, enrolled in a beginner’s French class, and even joined a French-speaking church to immerse myself in the language. These efforts significantly improved my ability to communicate and connect with people during my time in France.

As for the language of instruction, it remained consistent across both countries, as the program was conducted entirely in English.

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

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus-funded IMRD program to anyone interested in rural development or related fields. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thanks to its well-structured curriculum and the expertise of the professors and universities involved. Additionally, it provides an incredible opportunity to learn from and network with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, enriching both your academic and personal growth.

For those considering this scholarship, my advice is to start preparing early. Ensure your application materials, such as your CV and motivation letter, are strong and tailored to the program. Be persistent and learn from each application cycle, as it often takes time and effort to secure such a competitive scholarship. Lastly, stay open-minded and embrace the diverse experiences and challenges that come with studying in multiple countries—it’s a truly transformative journey.