Erasmus Mundus Application Journey For MaFarooq
Erasmus Mundus Application Journey
You’ve Got This!
What is the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program?
Erasmus Mundus is a fully-funded scholarship program that offers joint master’s degrees across Europe. This means you’ll study in a different country each semester, gaining both academic and cultural exposure.
Does GPA Matter?
The short answer is: yes. But is it everything? No. GPA is just one part of the equation, and its importance varies by program. Some programs prioritize GPA in the selection process, while others consider a mix of factors. Many programs even share their selection criteria on their websites. For example, some may shortlist candidates based on grades first, then evaluate work experience and the Letter of Motivation (LOM). Others use a weighted scoring system where GPA, work experience, and the LOM all count toward your application. This means you can still stand out even if your GPA isn’t top-tier by highlighting other strengths.
While the application requirements may differ slightly between programs, here’s an overview of the essential documents and steps you’ll need to follow:
Required Documents
- IELTS or TOEFL
- Passport
- Bachelor’s Degree and Transcripts
- Europass CV (mandatory for most programs)
- Recommendation Letters (usually 2 per program)
- Letter of Motivation (LOM)
- Course Catalogue
- Relevant Online Courses (MOOCs)
Let’s break these down:
IELTS or TOEFL
Most programs require proof of English proficiency. For IELTS, the minimum requirement is usually 6.5. A score of 7 is considered good, 7.5 above average, and anything higher than 8 is excellent. Some programs even include your language test score in their evaluation, so a strong score can be a boost.
I recommend using resources like [IELTS Liz](https://www.ieltsliz.com/) to prepare, especially for the listening and writing sections, even if you’re confident in English.
Passport
You’ll need a valid passport to show that you’re serious about studying abroad and ready to travel for the Erasmus Mundus program.
Bachelor’s Degree and Transcript
Your degree and transcripts are essential for verifying that you’ve completed the necessary coursework. Transcripts also show the courses you’ve taken, which is important as each master’s program has prerequisites. Make sure you’ve completed the relevant courses.
Europass CV
This format is required by most Erasmus programs. It’s easy to create via the Europass website. A strong CV should include:
- Contact information (email, LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub)
- Work experience (use the STAR method to describe your roles)
- Education
- Technical skills
- Achievements (hackathon wins, awards)
- Projects (publish on GitHub or similar platforms)
- Extracurricular activities (show leadership or management roles)
- Volunteering (especially related to SDGs or community work)
- Languages
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are crucial. You’ll typically need 2–3 letters from professors or managers who can speak about your skills and align your experience with the program’s goals. Avoid generic letters — ask for specific examples of your qualities and potential.
Letter of Motivation (LOM)
Your LOM is arguably the most critical part of your application. Spend at least a week refining it. Research your program thoroughly — learn about the curriculum, partner universities, and even cultural aspects. Your LOM should connect your past experiences with the program’s goals. Avoid generic phrases like “I am interested in…” Instead, showcase concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to the program.
For instance, write:
”I participated in [specific event], which enhanced my understanding of [relevant topic] and motivated me to pursue further studies in [specific area].”
Also, highlight your awareness of the global and local context of your field. Since Erasmus is a joint degree, mention your enthusiasm for experiencing diverse European cultures. Finally, when outlining your future goals, don’t just state them — explain how you plan to achieve them.
Course Catalogue
Some programs require a course catalogue, which is essentially a list of all the courses you took during your bachelor’s. It provides details on the content you’ve covered. If your university doesn’t provide this, Pakistani students can check the course outlines available through the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
MOOCs (Online Courses)
Online courses related to your field can strengthen your application, demonstrating your passion for continuous learning. You don’t need to overload on them — 2 to 10 relevant courses should suffice. If financial aid is available, as on Coursera, you can apply for it. They typically ask two questions:
- How will this course help you with your goals?
- Why are you applying for financial aid?
You can reuse your answers for multiple courses — don’t stress too much here.
Final Tips
When you put in the effort to research, it creates a deeper connection to your application, and that passion will shine through in your writing. Authentic motivation is key to writing a strong, convincing application.
Important Videos:
