How a Pakistani Metallurgy Graduate Secured the Highly Competitive Erasmus Mundus BioPhAM Scholarship to Study Biological and Pharmaceutical Materials Science Across Europe

My name is Muzammil Tasleem, and I am originally from Pakistan. I completed my undergraduate education in Pakistan and am currently enrolled in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (BioPham) and studying in Italy and Spain. Now I am going to France next month to start my third semester there.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from NUST. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on several projects related to biomaterials, which aligned closely with the focus of the Erasmus Mundus program. Additionally, I held leadership roles in various student societies, which helped me develop strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. These academic and extracurricular experiences not only strengthened my technical foundation but also prepared me well for the challenges of a multi-country program

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?             

Having set my sights early on a specific Erasmus Mundus program, I began preparing for the IELTS during the summer break of my final undergraduate year. Additionally, I undertook research projects related to biomaterials to strengthen my application, as I had learned from my seniors that alignment with the program’s focus greatly enhances the chances of securing the scholarship

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

I applied to just one Erasmus Mundus program and was fortunate to be selected. To be honest, the competition was intense. 105 students from Pakistan applied, and there was only one fellowship seat available. I believe what made my application stand out was how I presented myself to the admission committee through a well-crafted CV, a compelling motivational letter, and a confident interview

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

The Erasmus Mundus program I pursued is BioPhAM (Biological and Pharmaceutical Materials Science), which primarily focuses on understanding the behavior of pharmaceutical drugs. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, combining elements of physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, and materials science. The program offers two distinct tracks: Soft Matter and Pharmaceuticals and Condensed Matter and Pharmaceuticals, with students choosing between them in their third semester. In each semester, we have the opportunity to take courses related to either advanced experimental techniques or modeling and simulations that allow us to tailor our learning experience based on our interests and career goals.

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?

So far, I have studied in Pisa, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain. The cost of living largely depends on the city. Pisa is a relatively small and quiet city with limited tourist activity, making it quite affordable. My monthly expenses there, including rent, utilities, and food, were around €550. In contrast, living in Barcelona is significantly more expensive. As a major tourist hub, especially during the summer, the cost of living rises considerably. Here, my monthly expenses average around €900.

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 haven’t faced any significant language barriers so far. Since the language of instruction for our program is English, all our courses in both Italy and Spain have been taught in English. When interacting with locals who don’t speak English, I usually rely on Google Translate, which has worked well for everyday communication. However, it’s worth noting that language barriers may become more relevant when starting a professional career, especially in roles that require frequent interaction with local clients or teams. In student life, where English is the primary medium, language doesn’t pose much of an issue.

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

The Erasmus Mundus program offers a truly unique and culturally enriching experience. You get the opportunity to study in multiple countries and build friendships with people from around the world, which broadens your perspective and adds immense value to both your personal and professional life. However, one challenge of the program is the frequent mobility. it can be difficult to leave a place just when you start feeling settled. Additionally, staying in one country might allow for more focused research and long-term academic projects, which can be advantageous when aiming for competitive PhD positions. Like any mobility program, Erasmus has its pros and cons. It’s important for each individual to evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the challenges based on their personal goals and circumstances

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

Since joining this program, I’ve significantly developed my intellectual abilities. While I occasionally struggled to grasp some of the technical aspects of certain subjects, those challenges ultimately pushed me to grow. Going through difficult moments has sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and in the end, that’s what truly matters.