Hi everyone!

I'm curious to hear about your experiences applying for different types of academic scholarships and international educational opportunities, whether in your home country or abroad.

I'm currently exploring various opportunities to continue my education, gain international experience, and participate in academic activities outside my home university.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have applied for:

• Bachelor's or Master's scholarships, either at universities in their home country or abroad.
• Study exchange scholarships, such as Erasmus+, bilateral university exchanges, or other international mobility programmes.
• Short-term academic mobility opportunities, such as attending a course, summer school, winter school, or intensive programme at a host university.
• Research and academic conference grants, particularly scholarships or funding opportunities that allow students to present their research, projects, or papers at international student conferences, symposiums, or academic events.
• Other university-funded opportunities, including international competitions, workshops, training programmes, or collaborative academic projects.

I'd love to know more about your experiences:

1. Finding opportunities

• Where did you discover these scholarships or academic opportunities?
• Did you apply through your home university, directly to the host institution, or through an external organisation?
• Are there any websites, platforms, or databases you would recommend for finding scholarships and academic mobility opportunities?

2. Application and selection process

• What type of scholarship or programme did you apply for?
• What documents were required (CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, research proposals, etc.)?
• How competitive was the selection process?
• Did your GPA or previous academic achievements play a significant role?
• Did you need to attend an interview or take a language proficiency test?
• How long did it take to receive a decision?
• Were you successful on your first attempt, or did you have to apply multiple times?

3. Funding and financial support

• Was the opportunity fully funded or partially funded?
• Did the scholarship cover tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, meals, and other expenses?
• Did you have to contribute financially from your own savings?
• Were there any hidden or unexpected costs?

4. Academic and personal experience

• How was your experience at the host university or international event?
• Did you find it academically challenging or difficult to adapt?
• Did the experience help you develop new skills, build international connections, or improve your career prospects?
• Would you recommend applying for similar opportunities?

5. Advice for future applicants

• What do you wish you had known before applying?
• What were the biggest challenges during the application process?
• What mistakes should applicants avoid?
• Do you have any tips for improving the chances of receiving a scholarship?

A little about me:

I'm from Romania, I have a background in software engineering, and I already hold a Master's degree. I'm currently pursuing further studies and would love to take advantage of more international academic opportunities.

I'm especially interested in study exchanges, short-term courses at foreign universities, international student conferences, and scholarships for additional degree programmes.

I'd also love to know whether any of you have successfully received funding to present a personal academic project or research paper at an international student conference, even if you weren't enrolled at the host university.

I'm trying to understand how accessible these opportunities actually are, especially for students who don't necessarily have outstanding GPAs but have relevant professional experience, extracurricular activities, or strong motivation.

I'd love to hear both successful and unsuccessful application stories! I think learning about rejections and challenges can be just as valuable as hearing about successful experiences.

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and advice! 😊

Hello,
I'm currently in my 3rd semester of Data Science engineering degree from Poland and I think of going for an Erasmus exchange for the Spring/Summer semester.

Right now, my top two considerations are Milan (Universita degli Studi di Milano) and Vilnius (VILNIAUS KOLEGIJA / Higher education institution), but I'm open to other recommendations (from people who did an exchange in the same field) and also stories with experiences from mentioned universities.

Hi everyone!

I'm currently researching Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EMJM) programmes and considering applying for a scholarship for the next academic year.

I'd love to hear from people who have applied, whether they were accepted, rejected, or are currently studying in an Erasmus Mundus programme.

I'm particularly interested in understanding how competitive the scholarships are, what the overall experience is like, and whether the financial support is enough to live comfortably while studying abroad.

I have a few questions:

1. Application process and selection

• Which Erasmus Mundus programme did you apply to, and were you awarded a scholarship?
• How competitive was the selection process?
• What was your academic and professional background when you applied?
• How important were your GPA, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and previous work experience?
• Do you have any tips for making an application stand out?

2. Academic and international experience

• How has your overall Erasmus Mundus experience been?
• Which countries and universities did you study at?
• How demanding was the academic workload?
• Did you have enough free time to travel, explore the countries, and enjoy student life?
• Was moving between countries stressful, particularly when it came to finding accommodation?

3. Financial situation and scholarships

• Was the Erasmus Mundus scholarship enough to cover your accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses?
• Did you need additional savings before starting the programme?
• Were there any unexpected expenses that weren't covered by the scholarship?
• Did you manage to save any money from your monthly allowance, or did you have to use your personal savings?
• Did you have to work part-time or remotely while studying to support yourself?
• If you worked, how manageable was it to balance your job, university workload, and social life?

4. Career opportunities after graduation

• Did the Erasmus Mundus degree help you find better job opportunities?
• Were you able to find employment in one of the countries where you studied?
• Do you feel the programme was worth it, both professionally and personally?

A little about me: I'm from Romania, I have a background in IT/software engineering, and I already hold a Master's degree. I'm interested in pursuing another Master's abroad, particularly because of the international exposure, the opportunity to study at multiple universities, and the chance to experience different cultures.

However, financial stability is important to me, and I'm trying to understand whether it's realistic to complete an Erasmus Mundus Master's without having to work, or whether keeping a remote/part-time job would be advisable.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences, especially from scholarship recipients who had to manage their finances independently.

Would you recommend Erasmus Mundus? If you could go back, would you apply again?

Thanks in advance! 😊

I am a non EU student that applied to Messina in Italy and unfortunately missed the cut off by a few points. I am wondering if anyone has any information for a possible plan B.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could share unis that may have a spring semester I could apply to, with a Medical program that teaches in English, and takes non EU students. It is honestly truly a shame how high the cut offs have been this year and now I don't know what to do.

Hello, I would really appreciate insight on this if anyone has had a similar experience/journey. 

• I got my A.S. in computer science from a community college in the U.S. and finished with a 3.94 GPA, an honors diploma, and research internships. However, I couldn’t transfer to a U.S. 4-year school for financial reasons and wasn’t able to take out a loan as an international student due to the requirements (co-signer etc.) and fear of not getting a work visa after graduation since my nationality falls under the countries facing U.S. visa bans. 

• So now I’m trying for Germany, but I didn’t get into any public schools because they didn’t count my A.S., and based on my U.S. high school diploma, they told me that I would need to start at a Studienkolleg (prep school), which is in German (will require B1- B2 German) even though the bachelor’s is in English, so I’d either have to enroll in a German language course in Germany or self-study for a year. 

• I also looked into getting a work visa for Germany but lacked the professional experience in an unregulated field. 

• I thought I’d start an online U.S. bachelor’s degree (University of the People) in computer science, hoping that they’ll accept most of my CC credits and I can finish my bachelor’s faster so I could try for a master’s in Germany. However, since the C.S. bachelor’s from UoP doesn’t have a lot of the more advanced math classes, I read that it’s unlikely that it will qualify me for a master’s at a public university in Germany. Note that I’ve already taken Calc I, Calc II, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Math at my CC, but can’t transfer them over to UoP because they don’t have the equivalent. 

• So I thought maybe I’d enroll in a private German University (Gisma) because I heard they can be more lenient with the prerequisites, and I wouldn’t have to spend 2 years (1 year German + 1 year prep) before starting my bachelor’s again, but I’m reading that attending a private applied science university in Germany is not ideal for applying for a master’s at a public research university in Germany or even getting a good job. 

My question is: Has anyone applied for a (C.S. related) Masters at a public German university with a University of the People Bachelor’s in C.S.? If you’ve gotten your B.S. in C.S. from UoP evaluated on ZAB or Uni-Assist, did it say that it was equivalent to a bachelor’s in Germany?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I’ve decided to study medicine in an eu country for better opportunities cs I’m from a third world country. I did sit for the IMAT this year but the cutoffs were brutal so I didn’t get in unfortunately. I didn’t want to do the IMAT again since I’m already 20 going on 21 and I already feel so behind in life plus who knows what will happen for the cut offs next year.
Now I’m choosing between Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria but I’m still kinda lost since I can’t find anyone who’s chosen this path as non eu. We are well off on my country but with the conversion to euros and stuff my parents won’t have the easiest time supporting me if everything’s too expensive as well. I would like some help from anyone who knows about this

Tenho interesse em ingressar na Universidade de Bologna para o curso de Medicina Veterinária. Queria saber a opinião de mais alguém se é difícil e como funciona o processo para quem é estrangeiro.

My Stats: I am senior at a highly competitive stem focused high school. I have a 4.0 unweighted, 34 ACT, research experience, solid ec's, ap classes (Chem(4), CSP(5), CSA (5), APUSH (5), APAH (4)), dual enrollment (eng 111/112, calc 1/2, physics 1A).

My Education Goals: I want to study chemical engineering if I stay in the US because I believe that will give me the best foundation to work OR pursue a masters. If I go abroad I am interested in studying either chemistry or chemical engineering (depending on program) and would intend on pursuing a masters. I don't want small town, I don't want to live on campus, I would need an English based program because I'm not very proficient in other languages but do intend on learning the native language wherever I go. Research is extremely important to me. Also I love chemistry. I'm really interested in physical chemistry (which might make you think why chemical engineering but i promise I just think it gives me a more rounded foundation).

Why Europe: The program structure- I love that they cut the gen eds and throw you right into rigorous, major focused courses. Also the uni culture- I am not looking for a tight knit community, i do not need to live on campus, I know how it differs from American uni's and I love that. Also I want to leave America- here life is very much live to work and I would prefer to work to live. I plan on permanently immigrating at some point. It would be nice to be able to move now for my bachelors, but I recognize that may not be the most logical choice. I know you might say just go to a state school AND DON'T WORRY IM APPLYING TO 8 OF THEM SO HOPEFULLY SOMEONE GIVES ME A FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP but really thats just me crossing my fingers. Even state schools are unaffordable with the cost of living compared to the aid I'll receive.

Being Realistic: I have 60k usd set aside for school right now (tuition + life costs). In America I am not eligible for much financial aid, if any. Budget has some flexibility. I do not believe Europe will be more affordable (with everything considered), that is not what I care about. Budget is just for logistics. I have a very heavy senior year course load and my domestic college apps are overwhelming any ways so I would prefer minimal extra exams. I know this is lazy and probably compromises my potential.

I've spent too much time researching and this is the most realistic list I've come up with for myself:

Aalto University

Kaunas University of Technology

Johannes Kepler University Linz (I actually need to do more digging because I am not certain I'll even meet diploma requirements BUT THIS WOULD BE AN IDEAL OPTION IF I DO)

Any advice, suggestions, thoughts, comments, ideas, feedback, would be appreciated. Family is supportive, I just have to figure out everything myself (sigh).

Hi everyone, looking for some advice.

I'm 31, Iraqi female, with 5+ years of experience in internal control and audit in international oil & gas companies. I'm CFE-certified and currently pursuing the CIA.

I'm actively applying for Master's programmes in Ireland for September 2027, but I'm starting to reconsider the UK as I also have family there.

My goal is to find a job in internal audit, internal controls, or risk management after graduation and eventually settle long-term.

I've been leaning towards Ireland because I understand sponsorship might be less costly for employers in some cases. But I'm wondering whether the UK might offer better job opportunities.

For someone with my background, which would you choose, and why? I'd appreciate honest opinions from people who've been through this.

• I got my A.S. in computer science from a community college in the U.S. and finished with a 3.94 GPA, an honors diploma, and research internships. However, I couldn’t transfer to a U.S. 4-year school for financial reasons and wasn’t able to take out a loan as an international student due to the requirements (co-signer etc.) and fear of not getting a work visa after graduation since my nationality falls under the countries facing U.S. visa bans. 

• I left the U.S. and enrolled in a Turkish university as a transfer student to hopefully transfer my courses because the courses for the first two years had identical names/learning outcomes. However, I was told that it’s literally impossible to transfer any courses in this department according to YÖK. 

• In the meantime, I was also trying for Germany, but didn’t get into any public schools because they didn’t count my A.S. and based on my U.S. high school diploma, they told me that i would need to start from a studenkolleg (prep school), which is in German (will require B1- B2 German) regardless of the fact that the bachelor’s is in English, so I’d either have to enroll in a German language course in Germany or self-study for a year. 

• I also looked into getting a work visa for Germany but lacked the professional experience in an unregulated field. 

• I thought I’d start an online U.S. bachelor’s degree (University of the People) in computer science, hoping that they’ll accept most of my CC credits and I can finish my bachelor’s faster so I could try for a master’s in Germany. However, since the C.S. bachelor’s from UoP doesn’t have a lot of the more advanced math classes, I read that it’s unlikely that it will qualify me for a master’s at a public university in Germany. Note that I’ve already taken Calc I, Calc II, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Math at my CC, but can’t transfer them over to UoP because they don’t have the equivalent. 

• So I thought maybe I’d enroll in a private German University (Gisma) because I heard they can be more lenient with the prerequisites, and I wouldn’t have to spend 2 years (1 year German + 1 year prep) before starting my bachelor’s again, but I’m reading that attending a private applied science university in Germany is not ideal for applying for a master’s at a public research university in Germany or even getting a good job. 

• I’m really frustrated and tired of my situation. I don’t know what to do. What’s worse is I know I’m a good student; I’ve gotten mostly A’s, been very involved on campus (peer tutor, research intern, SGA president, etc.) when given the chance. It’s just so extremely difficult for me to continue that path now and finish my degree at a decent university. For context, I’m still enrolled full-time at the Turkish university (mostly for visa reasons), but I actually do participate in class, and I’m working every hour that I’m not in class to cover expenses. Another note is that my home country is in an active war, without a proper internet connection. Returning is not a viable option at the moment. There's nothing left for me there.

• I just can’t see the long-term goal anymore and would really appreciate guidance from someone who’s either been in a similar situation or knows what to do. 

Ciao a tutti,

Sono uno studente italiano che sta per completare il Master in Alimentazione e Salute all'Università di Padova (Italia). Dopo la laurea, ho l'opportunità di fare uno stage Erasmus+, e sto cercando aziende che possano ospitarmi per 3-4 mesi, a partire da ottobre/novembre 2027.

Il bando per le candidature si aprirà a luglio, ma vorrei iniziare in anticipo e mettermi in contatto con alcune aziende in anticipo.

Dove: La mia prima scelta è Danimarca, ma sono anche interessato a Irlanda, Austria o Germania. Poiché non parlo tedesco, preferirei un ambiente di lavoro internazionale che parli inglese.

Cosa: Mi piacerebbe lavorare con un'azienda che sviluppa integratori o prodotti di nutrizione sportiva. Tuttavia, sarei molto felice con qualsiasi ruolo nel settore alimentare, con una preferenza per la ricerca e sviluppo.

Non ho ancora lavorato in questo campo in Italia, ma vorrei cogliere questa opportunità per due motivi:

1. Per mettere in pratica ciò che ho studiato e lo sforzo che ho dedicato a migliorare il mio inglese in questi anni.
2. Per vivere come lavorano le persone in altri paesi, cosa che mi sento pronto a provare in questa fase della mia vita.

Se hai dei consigli, li apprezzerei moltissimo. In particolare:

• nomi di aziende che consiglieresti, specialmente se hanno ospitato studenti o tirocinanti in passato;
• suggerimenti generali per il mio percorso professionale dopo la laurea.

Ti ringrazio molto in anticipo, e sentiti libero di inviarmi un messaggio privato!

I'm a 17-year-old international student currently on a gap year, applying for 2027 entry to study Mathematics (ideally pure maths).

I've been feeling pretty discouraged about my grades, particularly my B in Computer Science, and I'm wondering how competitive my profile actually is for top universities.

Academics

International A Levels (Pearson Edexcel)

• Mathematics: A\* (achieved, entirely self-studied)
• Further Mathematics: A\* (predicted, entirely self-studied)
• Computer Science: B (achieved, resitting to aim for A/A*)

IGCSEs: 4 A*, 5 A, 2 B

• A* subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Business Studies, ICT
• IGCSE First Language English: B

Awards & Tests

• UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge: Top 1% scorer
• Major Contribution to Science and Maths Award — received at graduation for significant contributions to Science and Mathematics throughout school.
• Planning to take the SAT in November.

Extracurriculars / Supercurriculars

Mathematics & Research

• Conducted research into nonlinear mathematical models, edge solitons, eigenvalue analysis, and numerical stability under academic guidance.
• Developed computational mathematics projects involving differential equations, numerical methods, Newton's method, fractals, probability simulations, and mathematical modelling.
• Helped run an after-school Mathematics Help Club, supporting students with mathematical problem-solving and difficult topics.
• Privately tutored approximately 10 students, ranging from IGCSE Mathematics to A Level Further Mathematics.
• Created educational mathematics content explaining advanced mathematical concepts.

Technology, Entrepreneurship & Engineering

• Founded and independently developed an educational platform with 200+ users, including study-planning tools and personalised learning features.
• Developed another platform helping students research and compare universities.
• Founded/co-founded a web development agency, managed 20+ websites, worked with paying clients, and generated $10,000+ in revenue.
• Gained professional experience in full-stack development, technical work, and data analysis.
• Worked on a robotics and mathematics project, combining Arduino-based hardware, sensors, programming, and mathematical problem-solving, with plans to integrate a web-based interface.
• Participated in an engineering/technology competition as part of a two-person team.

Leadership, Events & Sports

• Worked with a festival and events organisation, assisting with event planning, operational coordination, and on-site management. Helped organise and deliver public festivals, coordinate activities and logistics, manage on-site responsibilities, and give presentations.
• Played on my school's basketball team for two years.
• Reached the finals of a regional interschool football competition twice as part of my school team.

What I'm looking for

I'm interested in highly ranked universities in Europe (excluding the UK) and Asia, offering English-taught undergraduate Mathematics degrees.

My priorities are strong academics, research opportunities, international recognition, good postgraduate prospects, and a decent social/student life.

Finances aren't a major restriction.

Questions

1. Which top universities would be realistic reaches, targets, and relatively safe options for my profile?
2. How badly does my B in Computer Science affect my chances, especially given my Mathematics grades?
3. Do my research, projects, entrepreneurship, awards, and extracurriculars significantly strengthen my application?
4. Are my grades genuinely weak for top universities, or am I overthinking the B?
5. Which countries or universities would you personally recommend applying to?

I'd really appreciate specific university suggestions and realistic assessments, rather than just general encouragement. Thanks!

Hi everyone. I am from Mauritius and I have a french nationality. I have done my cambridge A levels this year and I have been wanting to go to universities in spain. The admissions open in November and I don’t have my A level results yet. I have emailed plenty of universities and they told me to go through UNEDassiss to convert my UK results into Spanish results. This service is costly and I don’t want to convert only my SC results right now.I also don’t have any predicted results. I would like to convert both of them but my A level results come out in January. Anyone who have gone through this process can explain to me how this works please?

Hi people and and folks , I’m recent graduate and working remote as AI Developer, I’m looking for MSC or PHD in AI in UK or University Abroad
Pls help me or share the resources if you can