How an Egyptian Chemist Secured an Erasmus Mundus Bioref Scholarship to Study Industrial Biotechnology & Sustainable Chemistry at Troyes, Cracow, Lille, and Bari

My name is Sondous Ahmed, and I am currently pursuing a Joint Master’s degree through the Erasmus Mundus Bioref program, which specializes in Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry. As part of this program, I have completed my first semester in France (Université de Technologie de Troyes) and my second semester in Poland (Cracow University of Technology), and I will begin my third semester at the University of Lille in France. Before joining the master’s program, I participated in a fully funded one-year exchange program in Indonesia at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, which strengthened my adaptability and intercultural communication skills. My academic and international background reflect my strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, particularly in the cosmetics sector.

Educational Background 

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry, followed by a Professional Diploma in Biochemistry, both completed in Egypt. Throughout my academic journey, I consistently ranked among the top students and built a solid foundation in analytical chemistry, bioprocessing, and laboratory research. In parallel, I was selected for a fully funded one-year exchange program in Indonesia, which gave me the opportunity to engage with a new academic system, enhance my cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthen my adaptability—experiences that prepared me well for the international and interdisciplinary nature of the Erasmus Mundus master’s program.

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

From the beginning, I specifically targeted the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD) because of its prestige, academic excellence, and the unique opportunity to study at multiple European universities. With a double major in Microbiology and Chemistry, I identified several Erasmus Mundus programs aligned with my academic background and professional goals, particularly those focused on sustainable chemistry, biotechnology, and bio-based products. The interdisciplinary nature and mobility of these programs inspired me deeply, and I viewed them as the ideal platform to advance both academically and professionally in an international environment.

To prepare, I carefully selected programs matching my profile, refined my CV to highlight both academic excellence and practical experience, and tailored each application to the specific program’s objectives. I initially applied to several Erasmus Mundus programs and was fortunate to be shortlisted for interviews in almost all of them. However, due to the highly competitive nature of these scholarships, I did not receive a fully funded offer during the first round.

Despite this setback, I remained committed. Before moving to Indonesia for my one-year exchange program, I reapplied, this time focusing exclusively on the Erasmus Mundus Bioref program, which aligned most closely with my interests. I completed the entire application and interview process while in Indonesia and was thrilled to be awarded the scholarship.

What made the difference in my successful second application was thorough preparation for the interview. During my first round, stress affected my performance, and I wasn’t able to express my motivations and qualifications as clearly as I wanted. For the second round, I prepared extensively by practicing common interview questions, clarifying my motivation and goals, and gaining confidence in articulating my multidisciplinary background and international experience. Additionally, I emphasized my practical skills in laboratory research and cosmetics formulation and demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable innovation in the bio-based sector.

This combination of strong academic achievements, hands-on experience, and a calm, confident approach during the interview aligned well with the Erasmus Mundus program’s expectations and helped me secure the scholarship on my second attempt as the only arab for this cohort and the only Egyptian through the whole program.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Bioref, a specialized interdisciplinary program centered on sustainable biorefinery and the development of bio-based products. This program combines advanced studies in chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental sciences to address global challenges related to the sustainable use of renewable resources. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable processes, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the emerging bioeconomy sector. Studying at multiple European universities through this program also enriched my academic experience and expanded my international network. The Bioref program is delivered by top European universities, including Université de Technologie de Troyes (France), specializing in process engineering and biomass conversion; Cracow University of Technology (Poland), focusing on process optimization and pilot plant operations; Université de Lille (France), with strengths in environmental sciences and circular bioeconomy; and Università degli Studi di Bari (Italy), known for biotechnology and valorization of agricultural waste. Students study at two or more of these universities, gaining diverse academic insights, practical experience, and international exposure.

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?

So far, I have studied in France and Poland during the Bioref program. I found Poland to be more affordable and budget-friendly, especially when it comes to accommodation, food, and daily expenses. France, while offering excellent academic opportunities, tends to be more expensive overall. To manage financially, I focused on budgeting carefully, choosing affordable housing, cooking at home, and using public transport. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship also played a crucial role in covering most of my expenses, allowing me to concentrate on my studies.

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?

During my Erasmus Mundus Bioref program, the primary language of instruction was English across all partner universities, which ensured consistency in academic communication. However, in Troyes, France, we took a French language course as part of the program to help us better adapt to daily life and interact locally. This course was very helpful in building basic conversational skills.

In addition to the French course, I made efforts to learn basic Polish phrases while in Poland, which eased everyday activities like shopping and commuting. Although the academic language remained English, learning the local languages enriched my experience and helped me integrate more smoothly into each community.

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

I highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program for its excellent academic standards and the unique opportunity to study across multiple countries, gaining valuable cultural and professional experiences. For prospective applicants, my advice is to thoroughly understand the requirements of the program you’re applying to and tailor your CV accordingly to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Additionally, practice your interview skills to build confidence, be open-minded and adaptable to new environments, take advantage of language courses and networking opportunities, and stay organized and proactive throughout the process to make the most of this rewarding experience.

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

Looking back, one thing I would have done differently is to dedicate more time and effort to helping other students navigate the scholarship application process earlier on. Sharing my experience and insights about preparing strong applications and interviews could have made a positive impact and created a supportive community. While I did assist some students later during the program, starting this sooner would have not only benefited others but also enriched my own learning and leadership skills. Overall, I’m grateful for the experience and would encourage future students to both seek support and offer it to peers along the way.