How a Bangladeshi Civil Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Smart Cities Across Spain, Belgium, and Finland

My full name is Nadim Ahmed. I was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (CGPA-3.57/4.00) from the University of Dhaka.

I'm currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD) in Smart Cities and Communities (SMACCs:2024-2026). My academic and professional interests centre on climate adaptation, environmental projects, and innovative technologies such as desalination and energy systems. I am particularly focused on how these innovations can be applied to urban infrastructure and resource management to create smarter, greener cities for the future.

Educational Background

I studied science in school and later chose Civil Engineering for my bachelor’s at the University of Dhaka. During my undergraduate years, I actively engaged in research with professors and peers, participated in seminars and conferences, and collaborated on volunteer projects with national and international teams. These experiences helped me gain confidence and prepared me for studying abroad. I was also inspired by alumni from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) network, which motivated me to pursue my dream of higher education in an international environment.

Preparation Journey

As I entered the final year of my bachelor's in Civil Engineering, my dream of higher studies became stronger. I had always been inspired by my university seniors who had received the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Erasmus felt different; it wasn’t just about earning a master’s degree but also about travelling across Europe, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and experiencing different cultures. The idea of learning in multiple countries while being part of an international academic community fascinated me.

At the same time, I also considered opportunities in the United States and started preparing for the GRE while listening to California Dreamin’ on repeat. However, life doesn’t always go as planned. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything, delaying my graduation by a year. Despite the setback, I didn’t give up. In 2021, after completing my degree, I applied to UNIST in South Korea and received an offer for a fully funded Integrated PhD. I also applied for the Erasmus Mundus MAEH program, and my chances of selection looked promising. However, due to personal reasons, I withdrew from UNIST. Unfortunately, that year, Erasmus didn’t work out for me either.

Instead of feeling discouraged, I kept moving forward. I joined an institute as a lecturer while simultaneously reaching out to professors in the U.S. for funding opportunities. In 2024, I applied to Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Padova in Italy. Sapienza offered me a merit-based scholarship, and I had also secured partial funding from two Erasmus programs in 2023, but without full funding, I chose not to go.

Then came 2024, and with it, a turning point. I received an Erasmus+ REALMATH offer, but I was still waiting for the SMACCs (Smart Cities and Communities) program—the one that truly aligned with my passion for sustainable development goals. And finally, the long-awaited email arrived: I had been selected for SMACCs! It was the moment I had been working toward for years.

Looking back, my preparation wasn’t just about academic achievements; it was about patience, resilience, and persistence. I never stopped trying, never let failures define me. My experiences in research, professional work, seminars, and volunteering helped strengthen my application over time. As the journey was so competitive. Even though I had funding offers from two U.S. professors, I chose Erasmus because it was the key to fulfilling my childhood dream, studying at world-class universities, exploring different cultures, and embracing a truly global learning experience.

Erasmus was more than just a scholarship for me. It was the door to a journey I had always dreamed of, and now, I’m finally living it. I'm living in my dream.

About SMACCs

I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Smart Cities and Communities (SMACCs) (2024-2026). This program focuses on sustainable urban development, digital transformation, and intelligent infrastructure. It combines engineering, data science, energy management, and urban planning to create smarter and more efficient cities.

As part of the program, I study in multiple European universities, gaining hands-on experience in renewable energy systems, smart mobility, and urban sustainability strategies till now (2nd semester). The interdisciplinary approach helps me develop solutions for modern urban challenges, making cities more sustainable, resilient, and technologically advanced.

Cost and Funding

I started my journey in Spain for the first semester, while some of my classmates began in Finland. In the second semester, I moved to Mons, Belgium, while others went to Greece.

In terms of living costs, Greece was the most affordable among the countries in our program. Finland had relatively cheaper accommodation, while Spain was more affordable compared to Belgium, though slightly more expensive than Finland and Greece. Belgium had the highest cost of living overall.

Fortunately, I received a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship, which covered my tuition fees, insurance, living expenses, and travel costs. This financial support allowed me to focus on my studies and experience different cultures without financial stress.

Language Barriers

The language of instruction for the Erasmus Mundus SMACCs program is English, and it remains the same across all countries throughout the course.

However, I did face language barriers, especially in Spain, as I didn’t speak Spanish. At first, it was challenging to rely on a translator for daily conversations. To overcome this, I joined a free Spanish course offered by UPV/EHU, my first mobility university. This helped me develop basic Spanish skills, though it wasn’t mandatory since university communication was in English.

In Belgium, there was also an opportunity to take free French courses, but the experience was different. Unlike Spain, where Spanish is dominant in daily life, many people in Belgium speak English, making communication much easier.

Recommendations

highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone considering higher studies abroad. It’s more than just a scholarship—it’s a gateway to global opportunities. With top universities and industry partners, it opens doors to exciting career paths. The program also offers a multicultural experience, allowing students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, work in international teams, and develop a global perspective.

For those interested in applying, my advice is simple:

• Have a clear study plan – Choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
• Build relevant skills – Strengthen your academic and professional background to stand out.
• Stay patient and persistent – The journey might be challenging, but perseverance pays off.
• Trust the process – Believe in yourself and, above all, trust that things will fall into place at the right time.

Erasmus is not just an academic experience—it’s a life-changing adventure. If you’re determined and prepared, it can be the key to an incredible future!

Thank you for reading! If you’d like to connect, feel free to reach out.