The students, 75 women and 71 men, have been awarded the coveted scholarship for a two-year master’s program, and hail from prominent higher education institutions in India.
The EU member states where students will begin their programs are France (31), Portugal (19), Belgium (17), Italy (15), Spain (14), Germany (9), Finland (8), Czech Republic (5), Sweden (4), Latvia (3), The Netherlands (2), Poland (2), Austria (2), Greece (1), and Hungary (1). Some of them will also start their first leg in countries partnered with Erasmus+: the UK (8), Israel (2), Turkey (2), and Serbia (1).
“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. The fact that India ranks as the top recipient of Erasmus+ scholarship since its inception, despite its competitive nature, speaks volumes about the calibre of Indian students,” said HE Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India.
“This is the start of an enriching and transformative experience for them. As they are about to study and live a unique experience in an EU country, they will also become ambassadors of the partnership between the EU and India. I wish them every success.”
India has traditionally been the largest beneficiary of the program with over 2,000 students receiving the scholarship since its inception in 2004.
More than 6,000 Erasmus+ short and long-term scholarships have been awarded to Indian students since the program was opened to international students, according to the delegation that hosted an event in Delhi to celebrate the growing relationship between India and the EU on Friday.
Over 2,600 students from 137 countries have been awarded Erasmus scholarships this year, with the selected students now having an opportunity to study and conduct research at least two European universities, earning joint degrees in fields such as sustainability, pharmaceuticals, engineering, quantum, data, and other STEM and social science programs.
The fully funded scholarship covers the recipient’s tuition fees, travel costs, and living allowance.
2024 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program, highlighting its massive impact on students, higher education institutions, and countries outside of the EU.