Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholar, Nomin from Mongolia, Shares the Story of How She Secured the Fully Funded Scholarship to Pursue Her Master’s in Biopharmaceutical Materials Science across Italy, Spain, and Poland

I’m Nomin, born and raised in the capital city of Mongolia. My curiosity about the world around me and the desire to push the limits of what humans can achieve with science led me to pursue academia. I completed the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Materials Science (BIOPHAM), in which I studied in Italy, Spain, and Poland. Currently, I’m a PhD fellow at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Germany.

Educational Background

I graduated from a public high school and got my bachelor’s degree in Nanoscience and engineering from the National University of Mongolia. I was part of the second-ever cohort to graduate from the newly established nanoscience program at the university. Since nanoscience is highly interdisciplinary, I got a chance to study the essentials of physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, and participate in interesting research projects that helped me branch into different disciplines in science. Some of my classmates have gone on to pursue master's and PhDs, doing research in nanoelectronics, solar cells, or medicine. I decided to continue my journey exploring the possibilities of bio & pharmaceutical materials science.

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

Pursuing graduate studies abroad has always been part of my long-term plan. To strengthen my academic and professional profile, I spent several years building relevant experience by undertaking internships, engaging in research projects, presenting at academic conferences, and completing online courses to broaden my knowledge.

When I was preparing my application, I reached out to students who had already been accepted into the program for advice. I also maintained good relationships with my undergraduate professors, whose recommendation letters played a vital role in my success.

The BIOPHAM program is highly competitive. Only 25 students were selected from over 500 applicants, which makes the acceptance rate less than 5%. I believe early preparation, good GPA and iBT TOEFL score, research experience, and genuine interest in the program’s research focus were key factors that helped my application stand out.

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

Erasmus Mundus program in Biopharmaceutical Materials Science (BIOPHAM) is a joint master’s program by the University of Pisa (Italy), Polytechnic University of Catalunya (Spain), University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland), and University of Lille (France). The program offers multiple academic pathways, allowing students to tailor their studies based on their interests. During the studies, I completed 2 internships focusing on manufacturing and using nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes.

Upon graduation, I was awarded three master’s degrees from the partner universities:

• Master's in Materials and Nanotechnology from the University of Pisa (Italy)
• Master's in Bio & Pharmaceutical Materials Science from Polytechnic University of Catalunya (Spain)
• Master's in Biophysics from the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland).

The Erasmus Mundus programs evolve regularly, so I encourage prospective applicants to visit the official BIOPHAM website for the most up-to-date information.

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?

In my experience, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship provides sufficient financial support to cover basic living expenses. The included health insurance is also excellent, covering doctor visits, medical tests, and prescriptions. Among the countries I lived in, Spain (Barcelona) was the most expensive due to its popularity and tourist nature, while Poland (Katowice) was the most affordable. In Italy and Spain, I rented a room in a shared apartment, but in Poland, I was able to afford a small studio on my own for a similar price. Careful budgeting and planning made it possible to have a decent lifestyle throughout the program.

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?

The program is entirely in English, and I managed to live in Italy, Spain, and Poland with only basic Italian, Spanish, or Polish. But it’s useful to know the local languages for a more comfortable experience. Language barriers also depend on what languages you speak: if you speak Romance languages such as Spanish, it could be easier to figure out other Romance languages such as Italian; meanwhile, if you speak Slavic languages such as Russian, you may have more familiarity with Polish, which is also a Slavic language.

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

I wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to students passionate about materials science and academic research. It offers world-class education, international exposure, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Before applying, I suggest that prospective students:

• Explore the research interests and publications of professors involved in the program.
• Ensure their academic and research goals align with the program’s focus.
• Start preparing application materials well in advance.

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

Looking back, my Erasmus Mundus journey was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, learned from diverse cultures, and took advantage of the Schengen Agreement to travel across Europe. If I could change one thing, I would have reviewed certain topics in advance, particularly physics, to be better prepared for the intensive coursework. Overall, I am deeply grateful for the experience and the personal and academic growth it brought me.