How a Pakistani Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems Across Spain, Croatia, and the Netherlands

 My name is Sawera Yaseen from Pakistan. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS) through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program. Through this program, I’ve studied in three countries: Spain (University of Girona), Croatia (University of Zagreb), and now the Netherlands, where I’m completing my Master’s thesis at the Saxion Smart Mechatronics and Robotics research lab.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Pakistan, where I consistently ranked as a high achiever and graduated with a silver medal. My degree laid a strong foundation in robotics, control systems, and automation. Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I worked as a Research Assistant at the National Center of Robotics and Automation (NCRA), Pakistan.

My strong academic foundation in robotics, control systems, and automation played a significant role in preparing me for this multidisciplinary and multi-country academic experience.

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

I began by researching the program structures, course content, and the program’s goals and requirements. I didn’t apply for any other scholarships; Erasmus Mundus was my sole goal. However, I did apply to two other Erasmus Mundus programs alongside IFRoS. Although I was accepted into both, they only offered partial funding. While that was initially disheartening, those experiences taught me where my earlier applications fell short. I took those lessons seriously, and when applying to IFRoS, I ensured every aspect of my application was strong and well-aligned, from the motivation letter to recommendation letters and CV. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is extremely competitive, with thousands of candidates applying globally. What I believe made my application stand out was the clarity of purpose and coherence throughout. I tailored my motivation letter to show not only my academic achievements, but also how my background and research experience as a Research Assistant at the National Center of Robotics and Automation had prepared me for the IFRoS program. In short, I approached the application with preparation, personal insight, and a clear narrative that connected my past, present, and future goals. And that made all the difference.

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

The Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS) program is a prestigious two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree, coordinated by the University of Girona (UdG, Spain), in collaboration with the University of Zagreb (UNIZG, Croatia) and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE, Hungary) as partner institutions. IFRoS provides a multidisciplinary education focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, with core topics including SLAM, motion planning, manipulation, autonomous exploration, and robot perception. The first year at UdG provides foundational theory and hands-on experience with both ground and underwater robots. In the third semester, students pursue a specialization, either in autonomous systems at ELTE or in multi-robot systems and aerial robotics at UNIZG. I chose the University of Zagreb, where I focused on aerial robotics and multi-robot coordination. The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, carried out at one of the consortium universities or in collaboration with an industrial or academic partner.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In?

Among the countries I lived in, Spain (Girona) was the most affordable. Croatia (Zagreb) was relatively more expensive compared to Girona, but both were still manageable, and the monthly Erasmus Mundus stipend was sufficient to comfortably cover living expenses in both locations. The Netherlands, however, has been the most expensive, especially when it comes to housing and transportation. To manage my finances, I relied on careful budgeting, cooking at home, and making the most of student discounts and Erasmus grants.

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?

Yes, especially in daily life outside the classroom. Academically, there were no language barriers as the language of instruction was English across all institutions. Day-to-day interactions, especially in Spain, often require basic knowledge of the local language. I found it easier to communicate in Zagreb, as most locals spoke English fluently. To navigate daily life, I used apps like Duolingo, took basic language classes, and relied on a translation app, which greatly helped overcome communication barriers.

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

Without hesitation, YES. Erasmus Mundus is not just a scholarship; it’s a gateway to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and personal growth. For those considering the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, my advice is don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or think you need to be extraordinary to apply. What matters most is clarity of purpose, consistency, and the willingness to learn from failure. Focus on crafting an application that reflects who you are, where you come from, and where you hope to go. Start early, especially with your motivation letter, it’s your voice in the application, so make it personal and purpose-driven. It’s your chance to tell your story beyond grades and CVs. Highlight what excites you about the program, how your background has prepared you, and what you hope to contribute and gain.

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

Honestly, no. Every step, even the tough ones, taught me something valuable. Each challenge shaped my perspective and added depth to my experience. I wouldn’t change a thing.