Ghaziabad boy ready for academic journey in Belgium, Germany, Portugal & Ireland
How would you feel about studying in four different European countries, and that too on a scholarship? Yes, Mustafa Ahmed, a B Tech Food Technology student at Shoolini University, has achieved exactly that. He has been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship from the European Union. This remarkable scholarship offers him the unique opportunity to study in four different countries as part of the European Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology, and Business program. This joint degree is offered by four top-ranked European universities.
Originally from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mustafa will experience life and learning in Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland over four semesters. One of the universities he will attend, KU Leuven in Belgium, is ranked 42nd in the QS World University Rankings.
In an exclusive chat with Shoolini IMPACT, Mustafa shares his excitement about this incredible journey. He talks about what it means to receive the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and how he looks forward to the enriching experience of studying in multiple countries. Read on to discover more about Mustafa’s thoughts and aspirations.
Q. 1 What inspired you to study Food Technology at Shoolini University?
My father is a businessman, but he never pressured me to take over his business; he always respected my interests. I chose Food Technology because it offers two exciting opportunities: ongoing research and entrepreneurship. This sector is rapidly emerging as a significant economic force.
Shoolini University stood out among the few private universities offering this course. Its serene environment provides a better atmosphere than universities in other states. Although I secured a company placement in my seventh semester, my primary goal throughout the four-year B Tech Food Tech program was to explore research and entrepreneurship to find my best path.
Q. 2 What motivated you to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, and how did you feel when you found out you won?
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, the European Union’s most prestigious program, caught my attention even before I joined Shoolini. From the moment I learned about it, I wanted to become an Erasmus scholar. Named after the medieval European educator Erasmus of Rotterdam, this program has facilitated international research for years, and I yearned to be part of its impactful network.
While interning in Taiwan, I received an email informing me of my selection for the master’s program and the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. It felt surreal, considering the intense global competition and limited seats per country. It took me a while to believe I had been accepted.
I was thrilled to receive an invitation to meet the Belgian Ambassador to India at the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, dedicated to Erasmus scholars. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend because I was already in Taiwan for an exchange program.
Q. 3 What excites you most about the master’s program, and how do you feel about studying in four different countries: Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland?
The European Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology, and Business aligns perfectly with my interests. It blends food science with global business perspectives. This two-year program spans four countries, with KU Leuven as the leading institution, ranked 45th in the THE World University Rankings. Its partner universities are also renowned. The program opens doors to entrepreneurship in the food sector and offers opportunities in research and policymaking, embodying a global approach.
Studying in four different countries will be both exciting and challenging. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore the world, something I’ve always wanted to do. This experience also complements my interest in creating international travel vlogs, a passion I developed during my exchange in Taiwan.
Q. 4 What are your academic and career goals, and how will this program help you achieve them?
This program will shape my academic and career goals by equipping me to address global food system challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective. I envision myself tackling these issues and making a substantial impact through research, reflecting my ambition to pursue a PhD. Alternatively, I can apply my expertise in roles within global food companies or government organisations. Whichever path I choose, I am confident this program will enable me to achieve my objectives effectively.
Q. 5 How will you contribute towards sustainable food systems?
I plan to focus my research on reducing the use of food additives, which have potential adverse health effects. Also, I am passionate about tackling global food waste and minimising the carbon footprint of food production. I hope to create more sustainable food systems by addressing these critical issues.
Q. 6 What challenges did you face during the application process, and how did you overcome them?
The application process was complex. Distinguishing my profile required learning to impress academic committees and highlight my achievements. I invested a lot of time in seeking advice from successful students admitted to top universities.
Securing strong letters of recommendation was also challenging. However, I obtained endorsements from distinguished individuals: Dr Swarup, my former research supervisor and one of the world’s top 2% scientists recognised by Stanford; Prof Dinesh Kumar, Head of the School of Bioengineering and Food Technology; Prof Pankaj Chauhan; and Komal Khosla, CEO of Carra Chocolates, where I completed my internship.
Q. 7 How has Shoolini University prepared you for this international program, and who has been your biggest support?
Shoolini University has friendly professors who are always ready to help students achieve their goals. Prof Dinesh Kumar is known for his kindness and support. The advanced labs, including the Central Instrumentation Facility, support research across departments. Commercial labs on campus offer additional services. The university provides a supportive environment, encouraging students to take initiative proactively. The green, picturesque campus has always uplifted my spirits.
My strongest supporters have been my parents. My father believed in my abilities, and my mother, an arts graduate, nurtured my learning. At Shoolini, Swarup Roy, a former assistant professor in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, was my greatest advocate. Under his guidance, I authored and published a research paper, a patent, and a review paper in respected Scopus journals, with several more publications under review. These achievements helped me secure the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
Q. 8 What’s your advice for students who want to win prestigious international scholarships to study abroad?
Setting a clear goal and focusing on specific study areas is essential. To boost my profile, I added business management and entrepreneurship courses, aligning with program requirements. Starting research in my second year, I learned the importance of early commitment and choosing the right advisor.
Writing strong Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and building my profile with publications, patents, internships, and extracurricular activities were also crucial. Balancing academics with diverse interests and social activities is important to ensure a well-rounded experience.
Q. 9 After completing your master’s program, do you plan on returning to India or working internationally?
After completing my master’s program, I plan to work internationally to make a global impact. However, I am keen to apply the expertise I gain abroad to address critical issues in India’s food sector, such as unregulated foods, non-compliance with standards, harmful chemicals, and overall food hygiene and safety. Ultimately, using my global knowledge to improve these standards in India would be very fulfilling.
Q. 10 What are your top tips for Shoolini students?
My time at Shoolini was peaceful and fulfilling, though it passed quickly. To juniors, I’d stress that opportunities are plentiful if you seize them. Focus on using the resources and exploring scholarship programs and application processes independently online. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professors and your university. Building a strong profile requires time and continuous effort. While a couple of internships are beneficial, diversifying your experiences can boost your confidence. Additionally, engaging in research will improve your career prospects significantly.