146 Indian students have been selected for the esteemed Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the 2024 academic year. 75 women and 71 men will pursue two-year Master’s programmes across Europe, making India one of the top recipients of the scholarship.
The Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan reported that globally, 2,603 students from 137 countries have been granted scholarships for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree. This program offers a unique study experience delivered collaboratively by an international consortium of higher education institutions.
“India has consistently been the largest beneficiary of the programme, with over 2,000 students receiving the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship since its inception in 2004,” the EU Delegation said. The program has awarded more than 6,000 short- and long-term scholarships to Indian students since opening to international participants in 2004.
To celebrate this achievement and the growing people-to-people connections between the EU and India, the EU Delegation to India hosted an event for the grantees. The scholars are set to begin their international degree programs in Europe this September.
The selected students will study and conduct research at a minimum of two universities in different European countries. They will earn joint or double degrees in diverse fields including sustainability, pharmaceuticals, engineering, quantum technologies, data science, and various STEM and social science disciplines. The fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living allowances.
Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, congratulated the winners, saying, “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.” He added that India’s consistent top recipient status for Erasmus+ scholarships “speaks volumes about the calibre of Indian students.”
The event brought together Indian students, Erasmus and Research Alumni, and representatives from EU Member States including the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium. It provided an interactive platform for sharing information about living and studying in Europe.
Erasmus, an acronym for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, was established in 1987 by the European Union. The program aims to support global education and encourage partnerships between universities and countries.
(Inputs from ANI)