Pakistani Energy Engineer Wins Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Sustainability Across Europe

My name is Wasif Jan, and I’m originally from Pakistan. I hold a background in Mechanical Engineering from the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), which is one of the top-ranked engineering universities in Pakistan, with a specialization in energy-efficient solutions for buildings. Before starting my master's, I worked as an Energy Engineer at NESPAK for three years, where I contributed to several national projects focused on sustainable energy infrastructure.

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Transition, Innovation, and Sustainability Environments through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus program, which I chose from several opportunities thanks to its unique interdisciplinary approach. This fully funded scholarship has been a long-standing dream of mine, and it has allowed me to study across multiple countries while engaging with diverse academic and cultural perspectives. Currently, I am working as a Summer Intern at EY (Ernst & Young) in Dublin, Ireland in the climate change & sustainability services division.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Different Scholarships?

Applying for scholarships wasn’t just a task—it was a mission. I had multiple prestigious opportunities on the table, and choosing just one was anything but easy. Here's a snapshot of the scholarships I was fortunate enough to be offered:

• TISE Erasmus Mundus (Currently Enrolled – Fully Funded)
• KAUST Fellowship – MS to PhD Track, Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded - monthly stipend of around $1700 per month, health insurance, free accommodation, free tuition, and airfare)
• Other Erasmus Mundus Programs: REM, SMACCs, EMSHIP
• EIT InnoEnergy Master Scholarship (Master in Sustainable Energy for Smart Cities. Joint Master's Degree of KU Leuven and Eindhoven University of Science and Technology - Tuition and 300-400 Euros per month)
• Finland Government Scholarship – Aalto University (5,000 euros per year with full tuition fee waiver )

Each of these scholarships was highly competitive and selective, but I approached the application process with a strategy that was both personal and powerful. I call it my “Four Dots” strategy—my way of telling a compelling story that connected deeply with the selection committees:

1. Dot 1: My academic and career goal in life
2. Dot 2: What I have done so far to reach that goal
3. Dot 3: How the specific program will help bridge the gap
4. Dot 4: How I envision my future after completing the program

Rather than just listing achievements, I focused on crafting a clear narrative. Every statement of purpose, motivation letter, and CV I submitted was aligned to these four dots—each one tailored uniquely to the program and its values. This storytelling approach turned my application into a journey the reviewers could follow and believe in.

Out of 700+ applicants for the TISE Erasmus Mundus program, only 21 were selected. Being one of them was not just an achievement—it was the result of years of dedication, reflection, and strategic preparation.

Why did I choose the TISE program? Because it offers a dynamic blend of system sciences, sustainability, economics, and cutting-edge digital technologies like AI. It’s not just a degree—it’s a platform that prepares me for the rapidly evolving world and equips me with a truly interdisciplinary toolkit. For someone passionate about energy transitions and innovation, it was the perfect fit.

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

The Erasmus Mundus TISE (Transition, Innovation and Sustainability Environments) program is a unique, transdisciplinary master's that addresses complex global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, digital rights, and data privacy. It combines system sciences with social sciences, AI and digital technologies, economics, and business to provide a holistic understanding of interconnected societal issues. With an innovative curriculum and hands-on workshops, the program equips students to tackle real-world environmental, social, and digital problems through a systems-thinking lens.

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’ve studied in Portugal and Ireland, and the difference in the cost of living between the two has been significant. Portugal was relatively affordable, with the Erasmus Mundus stipend comfortably covering living expenses. However, Ireland was considerably more expensive—in fact, the stipend alone wasn’t enough to make ends meet. To manage financially, I had to take up a remote part-time job to cover additional costs like rent, utilities, and transportation. It was a challenge, but it also taught me resilience and effective time management.

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?

In Portugal, I did face a language barrier since English is not widely spoken in daily life. However, Google Translate—especially its speech translation feature—was a lifesaver and made communication much easier. On the bright side, the language of instruction in all my courses was English, so I didn’t face any academic challenges related to language.

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

I would highly recommend aspiring students to apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship—it’s truly a life-changing opportunity. Beyond academic excellence, it offers a rich intercultural experience and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world. My advice to future candidates is to define a clear goal or purpose in life, and use your application to tell that story—back it up with concrete examples from your academic, professional, or personal journey. Authenticity and purpose-driven storytelling can really make your application stand out.