Erasmus Mundus- A Great Scholarship
How would you like to study in Europe? Wait, here's a better question- how would you like to study in Europe on an amazing scholarship? Well, the Erasmus Mundus program, managed by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union, can help.
Lesson Summary:
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 What is Erasmus
Mundus?Erasmus Mundus is the European co-operation and mobility programme which supports academic excellence and the attractiveness of European higher education worldwide and fosters cooperation with various countries. The expected budget for Erasmus Mundus will be an indicative amount of â'¬950 million from 2009 to 2013, which means there's a lot of money to go round. Some money goes to developing exchange programs and relationships between European and non-European educational institutes, some money goes to promoting European education, and some money goes to scholarships. In the period between 2004-2008, Erasmus Mundus offered more than 10,000 scholarships to students and academics from all over the world. What's the nature of the scholarships? The Erasmus Mundus programme offers scholarships to students of exceptional quality to follow an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course at two or more European universities. The scheme is open to students throughout the world, excluding those from the countries of the European Economic Area. The Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) provides a forum for the recipients of Erasmus Mundus scholarships and offers a wealth of information about the programme from a student perspective. EMA programmes are highly selective programs at the postgraduate (Masters and Doctorate) level that offer specialized education in important disciplines. A few examples include the European Joint Master in Water and Coastal Management and the EMBC - Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. You might also be interested to know that in 2008/09, 164 out of the 456 EM students came from India. |
 Why is the scholarship
being offered?The European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner emphasised the importance of this programme in building a more united world: "Erasmus Mundus enables the brightest students inside and outside the EU to fulfill their potential and maximise their opportunities in life. It ensures academic excellence and helps students forge a shared vision for the world. With this programme, the EU promotes knowledge transfer and multiculturalism in action, key factors of progress and development for all. Thus we are adding a crucial component in our external cooperation programmes, going beyond support for government reform programmes by strengthening people-to-people contacts in this very particular area. These contacts might be useful in the future given our globalized world." How will Erasmus Mundus affect studying abroad? The programme offers the opportunity to third-country students to obtain a degree in Europe, and to academics to share know-how and to contribute to study programmes through teaching or research activities whilst avoiding the brain drain and favouring vulnerable groups. Thanks to these exchanges and through cooperation with non EU partner countries the programme also made a significant contribution to the enhancement of intercultural dialogue and to the sustainable development of higher education in third countries. In short, Erasmus Mundus will strengthen the intellectual ties between European and third countries, providing both sides of the world with an opportunity for advancements in many areas. Scholarships will ensure that the best students can get the best education possible by removing the financial boundaries to higher education. This will make Europe a more competitive choice for the world's top students. |
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What are the
requirements? Requirements vary according to which EM programme you choose. Here are the requirements for one of the programmes:
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How do I apply? Students who wish to follow an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course must apply directly to an Erasmus Mundus consortium offering such a course:
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