In a remarkable achievement, Indian students have emerged as the largest recipients of the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship, with 146 students awarded the scholarship for the 2024 academic year. This highly competitive scholarship, celebrating its 20th anniversary, provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue a two-year master’s program in Europe.
The scholarship, which covers tuition fees, travel costs, and includes a living allowance has been awarded to 75 women and 71 men from India, making the country the largest beneficiary of the program globally. The selected students will begin their study programs in various European countries including France, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Greece, Hungary and partner countries like the UK, Israel, Turkey, and Serbia.
This achievement is a testament to the growing appreciation for European academic offerings among Indian students. According to the EU’s delegation to India, over 2000 Indian students have received the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship since its inception in 2004, with more than 6,000 Erasmus+ scholarships awarded to Indian students for short and long-term programs.
The Ambassador of the European Union to India, Hervé Delphin, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Over 80,000 Indian students are studying in Europe, reflecting a growing appreciation for the continent’s diverse academic offerings, rich cultural heritage and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
The Erasmus+ program, created in 1987, has enabled over 10 million people to participate in exchange programs over the past three decades. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is a highly competitive program that offers students a unique opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Europe. The selection of 146 Indian students for this scholarship is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the country’s growing academic excellence and its students’ aspirations for global education.