By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Partnering with the University of Sierra Leone, the European Union has on Monday 11th December 2023 held an exclusive training session at Fourah Bay College Multi-purpose building in which they informed students about the Joints Master’s Degree scholarship program also known as ‘Erasmus Mundus’.
With full finding by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree scholarship program has been in effective operation for about 30 years now, with the primary purpose of helping students in the third world countries to study in European countries.
Representing the University of Sierra Leone, James Tamba Lebbie, the Director of Public Relations Directorate USL, started off by welcoming students from the three constituents of USL, that is FBC, IPAM, and COMMAHS present in the event. He expressed that he was pleased for the continued partnership with the European Union and the University of Sierra Leone and for the opportunities the Union had been offering to the University students.
European Union representative N’fa Alie Koroma who is also a former student of the University of Sierra Leone explained the purpose for the exclusive session organized at FBC, saying it was to raise awareness amongst students so that they could take steps and apply for the scholarship as he said only few had applied. In his presentation, he gave comprehensive details on the advantages of the scholarship, the requirements and how to go about applying for it.
As the name implies, Joint Master’s Degree program, the E.U Representative said the scholarship would enable beneficiary students to study in at least two European countries that are globally recognized. He continued that beneficiary students would be exposed to rich cultural experience and effective practical and visual form of learning.
The E.U representative added that in order for students to be focused and taken good care of themselves, he said students would be given living allowance, health and insurance. He said decent accommodation would be provided and as students obtaining student’s visa would also have access to most facilities.
On the requirements, Koroma clarified that applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree or should be an awaiting graduate. He added that they should have a passport book, two recommendation letters from employer, Deen or HOD and would also be tested through a special English exam. Koroma also advised that students should select courses related to their course of study or first degree.
The E.U representative directed that the application process could be done through the established website for the program by browsing study in Europe with EMJMD. As the scholarships are very competitive, he said applicants would have to be screened and those that would be fortunate would have to face an interview. He revealed that the portal was opened from October and would be closed on February.