How Uday Rijal, a Nepali Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Hi! I’m Uday Rijal from Nepal. I’m currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Global Change Ecology and Biodiversity Management. The program's mobility structure allowed me to begin my first semester in Spain at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, complete my second semester at Bangor University in the UK, and continue my third semester in Portugal at Universidade de Lisboa.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Forestry Science from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. My undergraduate thesis focused on the trends of harvesting losses in the Terai region of Nepal, which sparked my interest in forest management. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a facilitator for the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) in Makawanpur. For one year after graduation, I worked at the Red Angel Academy in Makawanpur as a teacher. Having this hands-on experience significantly strengthened my academic foundation and helped me qualify for the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Universidade de Lisboa?

The idea of applying for this scholarship came to me during the third semester of my bachelor's program, after attending a random online scholarship information session. Since then, I have worked diligently to maintain a strong GPA, develop a competitive CV, and gain relevant experience. Additionally, I sought advice from seniors who had previously been awarded the scholarship in order to avoid common pitfalls. I prepared for the IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency and completed a one-year stint in the teaching profession to improve my public speaking. 

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

There have been multiple programs I have applied to, including graduate research assistantships in the U.S., the DAAD EPOS scholarship in Germany, and even several Erasmus Mundus programs, but I have been rejected from all of them. In fact, I did not give up hope, but instead I reviewed my application and tried to make my motivation letter as effective as possible. As a result, I received a positive response from the GLOBE Erasmus Mundus scholarship program, which had always been my first choice for its academic quality and cross-cultural exposure. The selection process was highly competitive, with applicants from all over the world. As a candidate, I believe my research background, practical skills, and alignment with the program's objectives helped me stand out from the crowd.

GLOBE Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Details

The Erasmus Mundus program I’m enrolled in focuses on Global Change Ecology and Biodiversity Management. It emphasizes ecology and biodiversity management approaches, including climate change, environmental policy, and conservation biology, aiming to assess and mitigate environmental issues arising from Global Change. As a person who is enthusiastic about environmental management, this program also focuses on that aspect, which will give me the opportunity to delve more into the world of biodiversity and experience the research happening in the European context.

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 terms of living costs, I found Spain and the UK to be quite manageable and affordable, especially with the monthly scholarship stipend. Portugal, where I’m currently studying, has a similar cost of living. Careful budgeting and the consistent financial support from the program made it relatively easy to manage my expenses in mobility countries.

Did the Language of Instruction Change From One Country to Another?

In Europe, not everyone speaks English, which made language a challenge at first, especially in everyday interactions. Despite this, I took the initiative to learn basic Spanish (A1 level), which greatly helped me. I was able to carry out daily tasks more confidently, such as shopping, ordering food, and navigating around my surroundings.

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

The Erasmus Mundus program is a perfect fit for anyone interested in gaining international academic experience. The program offers more than just education; it gives you a chance to meet diverse people, make meaningful connections, and gain cultural exposure that will shape your future. The best way to maximize your chances is to start early, build a strong profile, and seek guidance from alumni.

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

As part of my course, I had to learn many languages. I wish I had learned them sooner, looked for a summer internship, planned my thesis earlier, and been more proactive in networking.