Some 151 Bangladeshi students have been selected to study in Erasmus Mundus scholarships for higher studies in areas such as data science, engineering, climate change, gender studies, circular economy, public health, public policy and human rights.

The European Union (EU) in Bangladesh, together with EU Member States, hosted a reception on Thursday (Aug 11) for the recipients of scholarships, who will benefit from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship under the Erasmus+ programme.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme offers fully-funded scholarships and the beneficiaries are awarded a joint, double degree, or multiple degrees, upon graduation, said a press release of EU Embassy in Dhaka.

Speaking on the occasion, Hans Lambrecht, Chargé d’Affaires of EU said a flagship programme like Erasmus+, with a strong external dimension that aims to promote people-to-people exchanges, can and should be a game-changer.

The new, larger programme for the period 2021-2027 has an increased budget of €26.2 billion. It enables the EU to support new initiatives and attract an even greater number of participants, he said.

“Worldwide and in Bangladesh, the demand for highly skilled, socially engaged people is increasing. We are proud to contribute to Bangladesh’s future through the Erasmus+ scholarships. Erasmus+ helps the Bangladeshi beneficiaries to build resilience, adapt to the changing global environment, seize new opportunities and be the connector between Europe and Bangladesh.’’

Bangladesh is ranking third this year in terms of number of awarded scholarships; 151 Bangladeshi students have received a scholarship to study in various European cities for completing a Masters degree in areas such as data science, engineering, climate change, gender studies, circular economy, public health, public policy and human rights.

The knowledge and skills gained will be applied in Bangladesh and contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.