How a Pakistani Mechanical Engineer Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Across France, Italy, and Germany

My name is Mateen Iftikhar, and I am an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing an International Master’s degree through the Erasmus Mundus Meta 4.0 program. I have a background in mechanical engineering and research experience in wind energy optimization, resource assessment, and energy forecasting. My academic journey has taken me across multiple countries, allowing me to study in France, Italy, Germany, and other European countries as part of this prestigious program.

Educational Background

Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UET Lahore, Pakistan, graduating with a CGPA of 3.86/4.00. My undergraduate studies provided me with a strong foundation in engineering principles, optimization techniques, and data analysis, which proved beneficial for handling the multi-country academic structure of Erasmus Mundus. Additionally, my research thesis on Wind Farm Layout Optimization using Metaheuristic Algorithms helped me develop problem-solving and analytical skills that were valuable in my master’s studies.

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

Before deciding on Erasmus Mundus, I explored and considered other scholarships, including:

• DAAD (Germany)
• MEXT (Japan)
• Khalifa University

I ultimately chose Erasmus Mundus because:

1. Multi-Country Experience: Studying in different European countries provides exposure to diverse academic environments and cultures.
2. Full Funding: The scholarship covers tuition fees and a monthly stipend, making it financially feasible.
3. High Academic Reputation: Erasmus Mundus programs are known for their quality education, strong industry connections, and interdisciplinary approach.

What made my application stand out was:

• Strong academic record (High CGPA).
• Research experience in renewable and efficient energy, aligning with the program’s focus.
• A compelling motivation video demonstrates my motivation, career goals, and how the program fits my aspirations.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Meta 4.0 program, which focuses on Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and smart manufacturing. The program combines engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and optimization techniques, preparing students for the evolving technological landscape in industries.

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 in:

• France: Relatively cheaper, as I was not in a very big city, so I managed to save some money and used that to travel across different countries.
• In Italy, the expenses as a bit higher as I am living in Turin, so the accommodation expenses are very high. But still, it's manageable and I can live here easily with the stipend I am getting.

Financial Management: I managed my expenses by:

• Budget carefully each month. I usually keep a record of every cent I spend so that at the end of the month, I know how much money I spend on food, accommodation, outings, clothes, etc.
• Cooking at home instead of eating out frequently.

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?

I faced some language barriers, especially in daily life situations in France, where English is not widely spoken outside universities. However, I overcame them by:

• Learning basic French for daily communication with the locals (useful for navigation and communication).
• Using translation apps for quick assistance.
• Engaging with locals to improve language skills.

The language of instruction in my program was primarily English, so there was no issue academically, but adapting to different countries’ local languages was a challenge.

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

Absolutely! I highly recommend Erasmus Mundus to students who:

• Want a multi-country academic experience.
• Are looking for full financial support for their master’s studies.
• Want to expand their professional network across Europe.

Advice for Future Applicants:

• Start preparing your application early (at least 6 months in advance).
• Write a strong SOP that highlights your motivation and career goals.
• Choose recommenders wisely who can vouch for your research potential and academic performance.
• Apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programs to increase your chances.