Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Meshack Jepter from Kenya, Pursues a Master’s in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production, and Food Technology in the Danube Region

My name is Meshack Jepter, and I am from Kenya. Currently, pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology in the Danube Region. Through this program, I will study across multiple European universities, including the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) in Hungary and the University of Zagreb in Croatia, to gain international exposure and experience in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Educational Background

Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I studied a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Extension and Education from Moi University, Eldoret City in Kenya, which gave me a strong foundation in agricultural systems, including Plant sciences, Livestock, research, extension, rural development, and education teaching. My four years of professional experience in the agriculture sector and community development helped me understand real challenges farmers face, especially in sustainability, food production, and climate change effects. This background prepared me well for the multi-country and interdisciplinary learning environment of Erasmus Mundus.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

I began by researching the universities and programs that aligned with my interests in sustainable agriculture, crop, and plant production. I carefully reviewed the course modules, partner institutions, and career outcomes. Then, I prepared my documents early, two to three months in advance, such as academic transcripts, reference letters, and motivation letters, as well as sought feedback from mentors and friends to refine them.

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

The Erasmus Mundus program is highly competitive, offering numerous master’s projects across different disciplines, not just the DAFM Agri-food program. Out of 1,434 non-EU applicants, I was among the 198 shortlisted for interviews and later one of only 62 students awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Specifically, I was selected among the 44 students who received a tuition waiver. It is an extremely competitive yet prestigious European Union-funded scholarship that recognizes academic excellence, local and global potential.

During my application, I took time to understand what the Erasmus Mundus program values: academic excellence, professional experience, leadership, local impact, and a global mindset. In my application, I emphasized my achievements, particularly my work with farmers in Kenya. During my former internship at PlantVillage Kenya Limited in Kisii County, I reached over 3,000 individual farmers in just three months. I also built on this experience through my roles as a Research Extension Associate at PlantVillage and over 173 as a Business Relationship Officer at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, my former employer. Throughout, I showcased my passion for sustainability and ensured my motivation letter clearly linked my local experiences to the program’s international goals.