146 Indian students have been awarded the highly esteemed Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the 2024 academic year. This group includes 75 women and 71 men, positioning India as a top beneficiary of this prestigious program.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's degree program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, is a notable international initiative that provides a two-year study program across various European universities. This year, 2,603 students from 137 countries were selected, reflecting the program's global reach and impact.
Since the Erasmus Mundus program opened to international students in 2004, it has transformed students and educational institutions worldwide. India is the largest beneficiary, with over 2,000 students receiving these scholarships. In total, more than 6,000 Erasmus+ scholarships have been awarded to Indian students, granting them access to advanced educational and research opportunities, as well as professional networks that broaden their career prospects.
An event organized by the Delegation of the European Union to India celebrated this milestone, highlighting the strengthening of educational and cultural bonds between the EU and India. The scholarship recipients are set to commence their studies in Europe in September, attending at least two universities in different countries. Their studies will span sustainability, pharmaceuticals, engineering, quantum computing, data science, and social sciences.
Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, praised the Indian students for their achievement. He pointed out that over 80,000 Indian students currently study in Europe, attracted by its diverse academic offerings and rich cultural experiences. Delphin emphasized the competitive nature of the scholarships and the high standard of Indian applicants. He encouraged the students to make the most of this opportunity and act as ambassadors for the EU-India relationship.
The Erasmus program, initially established by the European Union in 1987, aims to support global education and foster partnerships between universities and countries. The program's long-standing success is reflected in its continued expansion and the significant number of students it has supported worldwide.