How a Nigerian Forestry Graduate Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Sustainable Forest and Nature Management

My name is Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye, and I am from Nigeria. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Wood Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

In 2021, I joined the Erasmus Mundus program to study Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA). Through this program, I studied at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden. My focus in Sweden was on Forestry Science, while in Denmark, I specialized in Forest Ecosystems, Nature, and Society. As a result, I honed two certifications in these fields, further solidifying my expertise in sustainable forestry and nature management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

 During my application, I was required to submit several documents, including a statement of motivation, proof of residency, bachelor’s transcript, proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters, and my degree certificate. I carefully prepared and submitted all the necessary documents to meet the admission requirements.

How did you Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

I applied for both the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship simultaneously, and I was fortunate to receive both. I ultimately chose Erasmus Mundus because it offers a full two-year program, whereas the Mastercard scholarship covered a shorter 9–10-month program. Additionally, Erasmus provides dual honorary certifications, which I deeply admire.

Erasmus Mundus is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants worldwide. I believe my application stood out due to my strong academic background, graduating with a First Class (4.57/5.0) in Forestry and Wood Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, along with a well-articulated statement of motivation and relevant experience in forestry and sustainability.

Additionally, my recommendation letters played a crucial role. They were written from both a lecturer-to-student and a mentor-to-mentee perspective, offering the selection committee a holistic view of my academic capabilities, work ethic, and professional potential. This dual perspective effectively highlighted who I am both as a student and as a worker/mentee, making my application stronger.

Beyond academics, Erasmus stood out to me because of its unique mobility structure, allowing me to study in two different countries—Denmark and Sweden. This experience broadened my perspectives, cultural awareness, and adaptability while also providing an opportunity to learn in a diverse, multicultural environment.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA), a prestigious joint program focused on sustainable forestry, conservation, and ecosystem management. The program provided a multidisciplinary approach to forest ecosystems, nature, and society, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to address global forest and nature challenges.

As part of SUFONAMA, I studied at two leading institutions:

• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden) – where I focused on Forestry Science, gaining expertise in forest management, biodiversity conservation, modelling, global land use, and sustainable resource utilization.
• University of Copenhagen (Denmark) – where my studies centered on Forest Ecosystems, Nature, and Society, exploring the interplay between ecological processes, policy frameworks, economic valuation of forest land, conflict management, and sustainable land use.

This dual-country experience provided me with a broad international perspective, exposure to diverse research methodologies, and hands-on training in nature-based solutions for climate change and conservation.

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?

Hmm! As an Erasmus Mundus scholar, I received €1,000 per month, which covered my living expenses. Additionally, the program provided health insurance, covering medical bills. However, both Denmark and Sweden are generally expensive countries, with Denmark being the most expensive of the two.

To manage my finances effectively, I adopted several budgeting strategies:

• Housing: In Denmark, I rented student housing under a non-profit organization, which significantly reduced accommodation costs. In Sweden, I opted for student hostels, which were much cheaper than private housing.
• Transportation: I purchased a monthly student bus and train pass in Denmark, which offered a huge discount, allowing me to travel within 99 zones at an affordable rate. In Sweden, I used the Mecenat student discount card to get reduced fares on public transport.
• Food: I avoided frequent dining out and prioritized home-cooked meals, which helped me stay within budget.

These strategies allowed me to live comfortably within my means while maximizing my Erasmus experience.

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?

Well, In the academic environment, I did not face any significant language barriers. The medium of instruction in both Sweden and Denmark was English, which made learning and participation seamless.

Outside the classroom, I found that almost everyone in Sweden and Denmark speaks English fluently—I’d say the majority of the population is proficient. Whenever I spoke English, people effortlessly switched to it, making communication smooth and inclusive.

This language flexibility helped me integrate well into the local community, connect with people easily, and feel more at home in both countries.

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

I would highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others. It has been an incredible opportunity for both personal and academic growth, offering exposure to diverse cultures, world-class education, and an international network of professionals.

Advice for Prospective Applicants:

• Thoroughly research the program—understand the requirements, available courses, and mobility options to align them with your career goals.
• Craft a compelling motivation letter—be clear and concise about your aspirations and how the program fits into your long-term vision.
• Choose the right recommenders—they should know you well enough to highlight not just your strengths and achievements but also how you've worked to improve your weaknesses.
• Showcase your character—beyond academics and work experience, demonstrate who you are as a person. Passion, adaptability, and cultural openness matter.
• Be genuine and reflective—authenticity makes your application stand out. The selection committee values real stories and personal growth just as much as academic excellence.

Erasmus Mundus is a life-changing experience, and I encourage passionate individuals to apply with confidence!

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

Looking back, there are a few things I would have approached differently. One key aspect is that I wish I had actively pursued more internship opportunities in different parts of Europe. This would have given me the chance to gain hands-on experience in diverse biomes, such as the Mediterranean, which have distinct forest management systems.

While my studies covered these differences theoretically, I believe that practical exposure to their unique challenges and management strategies would have deepened my understanding. Experiencing various forest governance models and conservation practices firsthand would have provided a more holistic perspective on sustainable forest and nature management across Europe.

That said, my Erasmus Mundus journey was incredibly enriching, and I am grateful for the experiences I gained. If I had the opportunity to do it again, I would maximize international fieldwork opportunities to further enhance my global forestry expertise.