MSc Sustainable Forest and Nature Management Student Shilpi Kundu from Bangladesh Shares Her Journey of Studying at Georg-August University, Germany

My name is Shilpi Kundu, and I am from Bangladesh. I am an academic working in the field of agricultural extension, climate resilience, and sustainable development. My academic journey began at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka, where I completed my Bachelor of Agriculture and a Master’s in Agricultural Extension.

A turning point in my career was receiving the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, a highly competitive European Union program. Through this opportunity, I pursued an MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) at Georg-August University in Germany and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden. Studying in these international institutions exposed me to interdisciplinary approaches to environmental management, sustainability, and natural resource governance.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship played a transformative role in my academic and professional journey. It not only enhanced my research capacity but also reinforced my commitment to contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience through research, teaching, and international collaboration.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the period 2013–2015, one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships funded by the European Union to support international academic mobility and excellence. Through this scholarship, I pursued my Master’s degree in Biology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden, and also studied Sustainable Forest and Nature Management at Georg-August University, Germany, as part of the program’s multi-country academic structure.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship provided full financial support, which included tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €1,000, travel costs, and settlement costs of €4,000 per year and insurance coverage for the duration of the program. A total of €50,000 for two years. This support allowed me to fully focus on my studies and research while gaining valuable international academic exposure.

My first scholarship opportunity in Europe was the VLIR-UOS Scholarship at Ghent University, Belgium, in 2011. However, I declined this offer because I had just received a job offer as a lecturer at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

After joining the university as a lecturer, I applied for several international scholarships. In 2013, I was awarded the Danish Government Scholarship at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark (2013–2015). During the same period, I was also selected for the SUTROFOR programme under the Erasmus Mundus Programme (2013–2015). As a student can enroll in only one programme at a time, I ultimately accepted the SUFONAMA programme under the Erasmus Mundus Programme for the 2013–2015 period.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, where I obtained a CGPA of 3.91 out of 4.00 and ranked second among 195 students in my cohort. This strong academic performance reflects my dedication to agricultural sciences and my commitment to academic excellence. After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension at the same university, where I ranked first in my cohort.

How Did You Find Information About Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences / Georg-August University Göttingen?

I got information regarding scholarships from my seniors, and later on, searched on websites.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

My bachelor’s and master’s degree programs were conducted entirely in English as the medium of instruction. Therefore, I did not take any additional English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, as my previous academic training already demonstrates my ability to study and communicate effectively in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Preparing to apply for the scholarship involved careful planning, reflection, and alignment of my academic and professional experiences with the program’s objectives. To make my application stand out, I highlighted my strong academic record, my Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a CGPA of 3.91 (ranked second), and my Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension (ranked first), alongside my professional experience. I ensured that my motivation statement clearly connected my past experiences and future goals to the scholarship’s focus areas, demonstrating both relevance and commitment.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, if I were to go through the process again, I would dedicate more time to engaging with program alumni and faculty to better understand expectations and strengthen my application. I would also start drafting and refining documents earlier, particularly my personal statement and CV writing, to ensure they clearly convey my objectives and potential contributions.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For prospective applicants, I recommend aligning your achievements and experiences directly with the scholarship’s priorities, crafting a focused and compelling motivation statement, and seeking feedback from mentors or previous recipients to refine your submission. Clear, targeted preparation and strategic presentation can make a significant difference in standing out.