Erasmus Mundus AMIR Student Mian Husnain Iqbal from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling Across Hungary and Germany

My name is Mian Husnain Iqbal. I am a Polymer Engineer currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) under the Erasmus Mundus program, with a specialization in Polymer and Functional Materials Recycling.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Pakistan at UET Lahore. For my master’s studies, I studied in Hungary at the University of Miskolc and am currently studying in Germany at the Technical University of Darmstadt. In addition, I attended a summer school in Belgium at the University of Liège, which further enriched my international academic experience.

Educational Background 

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Polymer and Process Engineering (2017–2021). After graduation, I worked in the industry and collaborated with multiple stakeholders across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

This professional exposure, combined with my technical background, prepared me well for a multi-country academic experience, as I was already accustomed to working in multicultural environments and adapting to different professional and cultural settings.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

I carefully reviewed the program structure, course content, partner universities, and learning outcomes. I aligned my academic background, professional experience, and future goals with the program objectives and clearly highlighted this alignment in my motivation letter.

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

I applied for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship because of its diverse, multi-country approach, which allows students to study in different countries and learn alongside peers from varied academic and cultural backgrounds. This exposure significantly enhances personal growth, adaptability, and learning capacity.

The scholarship is highly competitive, especially for applicants from Pakistan, where many talented candidates apply each year. I believe my strong academic background, relevant industrial experience, and clear motivation toward sustainability and recycling helped my application stand out.

Additionally, Erasmus Mundus provides strong financial support, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies without worrying about daily living expenses, which was an important factor in my decision.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships? 

I was selected for three Erasmus Mundus programs:

• AMIR – Fully funded
• MESD – Fully funded
• FRP – Partially funded

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

I chose the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program with a specialization in Polymer Recycling and Functional Materials Recycling. The program strongly focuses on practical solutions for societal challenges and aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
I particularly appreciated the hands-on and application-oriented approach, which is why I chose this program over others.

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 in Hungary was relatively affordable, while Germany is significantly more expensive, especially in terms of accommodation. Finding suitable housing in Germany was particularly challenging.
The Erasmus Mundus stipend helped me manage expenses effectively despite these differences.

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?

Yes, language barriers were quite significant in both countries. Although the language of instruction was English, daily life requires knowledge of the local language.

I addressed this by learning basic local language skills and actively engaging with the local community, which helped me adapt better both socially and professionally.

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

I would definitely recommend Erasmus Mundus to individuals who are prepared for a challenging yet rewarding journey. Moving between countries every six months can feel like a roller-coaster, as managing visas, accommodation, and legal requirements is not easy.
My advice is to stay organized, proactive, and mentally prepared for frequent transitions.

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

Overall, the experience was very positive. The cultural activities, sports competitions, and social events were memorable, and academically, the program provided excellent opportunities for growth and success.
If anything, I would try to engage even more in extracurricular and networking activities to further maximize the experience.