In the 2025–26 academic year, 159 Bangladeshi students have been awarded Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
Among them, 109 students have received full-funded scholarships for two-year Joint Master’s programs. This year, Bangladesh ranks third globally in the number of awardees. The announcement was made at a reception ceremony for the scholarship recipients.
The event, organized by the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, was held on Thursday at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr. S. M. A. Faiez attended as the chief guest, while EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley was present as the special guest. The program also included UGC’s Acting Director of the International Collaboration Division and Erasmus+ National Focal Point Jasmine Parvin, representatives from various EU member states including France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Denmark, as well as Erasmus Mundus alumni.
Professor Faiez congratulated all recipients, stating that the achievement was not only a personal success for the students but also a matter of great pride for the entire nation. He noted that the 159 Bangladeshis were selected through intense global competition and will study at leading institutions across Europe.
He further remarked that Bangladesh’s third-place global ranking in this year’s Erasmus Mundus program reflects the students’ talent, determination, and ability to excel in the global arena. The scholarships, he said, will allow Bangladeshi students to enhance their skills, build networks with EU universities, and showcase their capabilities internationally.
Ambassador Whiteley praised the Erasmus+ program as a successful initiative that enhances young Bangladeshis’ skills and employability while strengthening Bangladesh–EU relations.
Earlier this year, the UGC Chairman had called on the EU Ambassador to expand scholarships, joint research, and higher education opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Europe. UGC’s International Collaboration Division has also taken steps to increase Bangladeshi participation in the Erasmus Mundus program.
Launched in 1987, Erasmus Mundus is one of Europe’s most prestigious scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students worldwide to pursue Master’s and Joint Master’s degrees at top European universities.
