From India to Europe: How Raghavendra Nomula Won the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Bio and Pharmaceutical Materials Science (BIOPHAM)

Hello! I'm Raghavendra Nomula from Andhra Pradesh, India. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Currently, I'm pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Bio and Pharmaceutical Materials Science (BIOPHAM). The program started at the University of Pisa in Italy, followed by a semester at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain. For my third semester, I studied at the University of Lille, France.  I chose France over Poland as my study destination.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate studies at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) Jaipur, one of India's premier institutes. Studying among some of the brightest minds in the country was a deeply enriching experience. It laid a strong foundation in materials science, sharpening both my academic and research skills.

Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I worked as an Engineer Trainee at Reliance Industries Limited. During that time, I actively searched for higher education opportunities abroad. My academic background, coupled with industry experience and a strong desire to upskill, prepared me well for the challenges of studying in a multi-country, multicultural environment.

How Did you Prepare to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?

Initially, I was exploring Ph.D. opportunities in the U.S. within the field of materials science. In Europe, my focus was primarily on German universities. I received several offers from U.S. institutions, mostly for Master's programs. I also applied to the “Advanced Materials and Processes” (MAP) program at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany, a prestigious program offering merit-based scholarships. Although I didn't get any scholarships from the institution, the institution had no tuition.

During this time, I discovered the Erasmus Mundus programs and applied to multiple options, including BIOPHAM. I was selected for interviews for both BIOPHAM and another Erasmus program, as well as for the MAP program. In the end, I chose BIOPHAM due to its unique cross-country learning experience and the financial support it offers, which allows students to focus fully on their studies without worrying too much about finances.

These programs are highly competitive, and I believe my strong academic foundation in materials science, along with a well-crafted CV and Statement of Purpose (SOP), helped me stand out. Presenting oneself authentically during interviews also plays a crucial role.

Could you briefly discuss the Erasmus Mundus program you pursued and the specific field of study it focused on?

The BIOPHAM program focuses on the application of materials science in the bio and pharmaceutical sectors. It offers two tracks, and I chose the condensed matter physics track, with specialization in molecular dynamic simulations. My academic interests lie in thermodynamics and solid-state physics, so this path aligned perfectly. The coursework covers topics like phase transformation kinetics, molecular dynamics simulations, and advanced characterization techniques for pharmaceutical molecules.

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?

From my experience, Italy and Spain were quite affordable compared to France, which was relatively more expensive. However, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is generous enough to cover essential expenses such as accommodation, food, and travel. By cooking at home, budgeting smartly, and avoiding unnecessary expenses, I managed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and even travel across Europe during breaks.

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?

Language was initially a challenge, as I wasn’t fluent in Italian, Spanish, or French. However, in Spain and France, we had basic language courses included in the curriculum, which helped me learn foundational skills and interact with locals. Fortunately, all academic instruction was in English, so I didn’t face any barriers in the classroom. Socially, I made efforts to adapt and engage with peers, which helped me feel more comfortable over time.

Would you recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others? What advice would you give to someone considering this scholarship?

Absolutely. Erasmus Mundus is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Studying alongside students from around the world and experiencing different academic environments each semester is incredibly rewarding. I strongly encourage students to find a program that aligns with their goals and to put genuine effort into the application process. The experiences gained are well worth the investment.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time in the program?

Looking back, I wish I had focused more on improving my programming skills at the beginning of the program. It would have made certain aspects of coursework smoother. Additionally, during the early months, I felt quite anxious about living and studying abroad for the first time. If I could, I would reassure my past self not to overthink and to embrace the experience with confidence and curiosity.