How an Indian Fisheries Graduate Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Marine Biological Resources Across Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, and France

Hello! I, Lokesh Pawar, am currently an Erasmus Mundus Scholar enrolled in the International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) program.

I completed my first semester (Fundamental Modules) at the University of Algarve, Portugal, followed by my second semester (Minor in Fisheries) at the same university. For my professional practice, I worked at the Atlantic Technological University in Ireland. I then pursued my third semester (Major in Ocean Literacy) at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Presently, I am conducting my Master’s thesis at the University of Brest, France.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science from Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India. After graduation, I worked as a Junior Research Assistant at the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) for six months.

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in international programs like IMBRSea, mainly because of the multicultural and multidisciplinary exposure they offer. I was particularly drawn to the idea of experiencing diverse academic environments and working with people from around the world. With this goal in mind, I actively worked on enhancing my competencies - focusing on interpersonal communication, presentation skills, and cross-cultural collaboration - to prepare myself for an international academic and professional journey.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

 Since the second year of my undergraduate studies, I have been deeply interested in the Erasmus Mundus program. I dedicated time to researching various Erasmus opportunities in detail - carefully examining program structures, specializations, partner universities, and potential career pathways. This early curiosity motivated me to take a proactive approach toward building a well-rounded and competitive profile.

I actively participated in both academic and extracurricular activities, including conferences, workshops, and student-led initiatives, and enrolled in online courses beyond my curriculum to broaden my knowledge base. These experiences helped me develop a holistic skill set, including critical thinking, intercultural communication, and teamwork - qualities essential for thriving in a global, multidisciplinary environment like IMBRSea. My goal was not just to strengthen my CV, but to genuinely grow as a student and a future researcher prepared for international collaboration.

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

I applied to a few highly competitive international programs—one at the University of Oxford and three Erasmus Mundus programs. I was fortunate to be selected for two fully funded scholarships: one for IMBRSea (International Master in Marine Biological Resources) and the other for ACES (Aquaculture, Environment and Society).

After careful consideration, I chose IMBRSea for three key reasons: the opportunity to live and study in multiple countries, the chance to build both professional and personal connections across cultures, and the privilege to learn from top institutions in the field of marine sciences.

The selection process was extremely competitive—if I remember correctly, there were over 700 applicants at the time. I believe what helped my application stand out was a combination of the right academic background, practical skills aligned with the curriculum, a well-rounded CV, and above all, a genuine passion and clear motivation for what the program stands for. I’ve always tried to stay grounded, but I also put in the effort to align my goals with the expectations of such global opportunities.

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

I am pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea), a multidisciplinary program that brings together leading European universities in the field of marine sciences. The program focuses on the sustainable use, management, and conservation of marine biological resources. It offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines, including marine ecology, fisheries science, ocean literacy, aquaculture, and conservation biology. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to study and train in multiple countries, gaining both academic and cultural perspectives, and now my work is focusing on the junction of natural and social sciences, and I will be working in marine spatial planning and marine policy in the future.

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 varied significantly across the countries I studied during the IMBRSea program. Portugal, where I spent my first two semesters, was the most affordable—daily expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation were relatively budget-friendly. In contrast, Ireland and Sweden had a noticeably higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and general living expenses. France, where I’m currently based for my thesis, falls somewhere in between- manageable but not as inexpensive as Portugal.

Fortunately, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship was more than sufficient to cover all my expenses, including travel, relocation, accommodation, and day-to-day living costs. I was able to manage comfortably without needing to spend from my personal savings. Careful budgeting and the structure of the scholarship allowed me to focus fully on academics and cultural immersion throughout the program.

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 was English throughout the IMBRSea program, which made the academic transition smooth across all partner universities. However, each country had its own local language, and navigating daily life sometimes required extra effort.

In Portugal, although Portuguese is the official language, I found people to be very friendly and generally open to speaking English, so I didn’t face major communication barriers. I did make an effort to learn some basic Portuguese, but with a short six-month stay, there wasn’t enough time to gain real fluency.

Ireland posed no language barrier since English is widely spoken, and Sweden was also very accommodating—most Swedes speak excellent English, both in academic and everyday settings.

Here in France, it has been a bit more challenging. French is predominantly spoken, and not everyone, especially in smaller towns, speaks English fluently. This has pushed me to adapt quickly and learn essential French for day-to-day communication, which has actually been a rewarding part of the experience.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others. It’s a life-changing opportunity that offers not only high-quality education but also cultural exchange, personal growth, and a truly global network.

For those considering this scholarship, my biggest advice is to start preparing early. Take time to research the programs that genuinely align with your interests and goals, and tailor your CV and motivation letter accordingly. Focus on building a well-rounded profile—academics, relevant experience, extracurriculars, and soft skills all matter.

Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, alumni, or current scholars - they can offer insights that really help your application stand out. Most importantly, be consistent and patient. Even small steps taken every day - whether it's learning a new skill, writing your SOP, or practicing interview questions - can make a big difference.

And finally, stay optimistic and authentic throughout the journey. Passion and persistence are just as important as credentials.

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

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my time in the program. Every experience -academic, cultural, and personal - contributed to my growth. Even the challenges taught me valuable lessons and helped shape who I am today, but maybe learning the local language a bit in advance would have been better. I'm truly grateful for the journey as it unfolded.