How a Pakistani Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Circular Economy Across Finland, Spain, and the Czech Republic

Hi! I’m Muhammad Adnan from Pakistan. I have a background in Chemical Engineering and am currently completing my Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Technology and Management for Circular Economy (IMATEC). As part of the program, I’ve had the opportunity to study in Finland (Åbo Akademi University), Spain (University of Oviedo), and the Czech Republic (University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague). It’s been an incredible experience, both academically and culturally enriching.

Educational Background

Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I completed my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Punjab in Pakistan. The curriculum included core chemical engineering principles, environmental technologies, and process modeling, which gave me a solid foundation. During my undergraduate years, I also did industrial training in water treatment and effluent management, which sparked my interest in sustainability. That background really helped me adapt quickly to the technical and interdisciplinary nature of IMATEC.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

I spent a lot of time researching programs that combined sustainability with technical depth. I carefully reviewed course structures, faculty, and potential research opportunities in each partner university. I also connected with alumni through LinkedIn and university webinars, which helped me get a clearer picture of what to expect and how to tailor my application.

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

I had also looked into DAAD (Germany) and CSC (China) scholarships, but Erasmus Mundus stood out because of its unique mobility feature and the chance to study in multiple countries with a full scholarship. To prepare, I focused on crafting a strong motivation letter that reflected my passion for sustainability and highlighted my academic achievements, work experience in wastewater treatment, and commitment to global challenges like climate change. I believe what made my application stand out was a mix of a clearly defined career goal, relevant work experience, and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Program and Field of Study

The IMATEC program is a perfect blend of engineering, circular economy principles, and management. It focuses on sustainable material flows, green technologies, and systems thinking, exactly what I was looking for. The academic diversity across the three universities gave me a broader perspective on how sustainability is approached in different parts of Europe.

Cost of Living

The cost of living varied quite a bit. Finland was definitely the most expensive, especially in terms of rent and food. Spain was relatively affordable, and the Czech Republic struck a balance between cost and quality of life. The monthly Erasmus Mundus stipend helped a lot, and I managed my finances by budgeting carefully and sometimes sharing accommodation with other students.

Language Barriers

Yes, at times! While the program was entirely in English, navigating everyday life, especially in supermarkets, public offices, or while traveling, was challenging at first. I picked up basic Spanish and Finnish phrases to get by, and most people were supportive when they saw I was trying. Over time, it got easier.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program?

Absolutely. It’s more than a degree, it’s a life experience. You don’t just learn in classrooms; you grow through cultural exchanges, travel, and adapting to new environments. My advice? Be clear about your goals, research the programs thoroughly, and take the motivation letter seriously; it’s your biggest chance to show who you are beyond grades.

Would You Do Anything Differently?

Maybe I’d start learning the local languages earlier. It would have made the transition smoother, especially during the initial months. Also, I would have networked more actively with professors and peers for future collaborations. But overall, I wouldn’t change much—I’ve grown so much both personally and professionally.