About 43 Ghanaian tertiary students have been awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study various Master’s degree programmes in at least two top-grade European universities established in two different countries.
The scholarship programme, which is offered by the European Union, is a fully funded initiative that covers full tuition fees, accommodation, stipends and flight.
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme, which is in its 35th year, has been one of the most successful European education support programmes in the world to create bonds among people from various continents and countries.
The 43 beneficiaries of this year’s joint Master’s degree initiative are an increase over the 35 people awarded last year and the 21 people who received the scholarship in 2020.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, at a pre-departure session for the beneficiaries, mentioned to them that the selection process was highly competitive; therefore, being selected among the many applicants means they are true scholars and should strive to make the country proud.
He added that studying in a multicultural environment was a life-changing experience that would broaden their scope of comprehension, open their mind to global ideologies, and also enrich their lives.
“This year, we have selected more students from Ghana than ever. This is a demonstration of the partnership between Ghana and the EU; we want more Ghanaian students in European universities.
“By supporting these jointly recognised Master’s degrees, the EU aims at fostering quality enhancements, innovation, excellence and internationalisation in higher education institutions,” he said.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Ghana, Peter Smith, who was a beneficiary of the Erasmus programme some 22 years ago, urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity and strive to excel in their respective programmes above their peers from other countries and continents, adding that they should also show good behaviour so that the relationship will continue to offer more opportunities to other youths in the country.
The pre-departure information session organised for the Ghanaian beneficiaries was aimed at offering them the opportunity to connect, and provide relevant orientation, advice and precious tips to fully benefit from their stay in Europe.
Over the past decade, several Ghanaians have been studying in Europe under different scholarship schemes. Between 2004 and 2021, about 1,200 students and staff from the country moved to Europe for short-term mobility – out of which about 450 benefitted from scholarships for joint Master’s degree.
