Erasmus Mundus 2025: Pakistan Leads with Highest Number of Scholarship Winners

Pakistan has once again made history by topping the list of Erasmus Mundus scholarship awardees worldwide, with 114 Pakistani students selected for the 2025 Erasmus+ Joint Masters Programme, funded by the European Union.

What makes this year’s achievement even more special is the significant rise in female representation. Of the selected scholars, 66 are women, accounting for nearly 58% of the total Pakistani recipients. This milestone marks a strong push toward gender equality in higher education.

The Erasmus Mundus programme is highly competitive, with over 2,176 students selected globally from 137 countries. Pakistan ranked first, followed by:

• India – 96 students

• Bangladesh – 95 students

• Mexico – 93 students

• Nigeria – 75 students

• Brazil – 73 students

Last year, in 2024, Pakistan had 189 total recipients, including 100 men, 88 women, and one non-binary awardee. Although this year saw a decrease in total numbers, the female participation has significantly surpassed male representation—a major turning point for educational gender dynamics in Pakistan.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships allow students to pursue multinational degrees across top European universities.
The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition

• Travel costs

• Visa fees

• Living allowance

Scholars get a chance to study in at least three European countries, with coursework, internships, research, and a jointly supervised thesis.

The EU Delegation in Islamabad congratulated the scholars, calling it a “proud moment” and a testament to Pakistan’s growing academic excellence on a global platform.

This continued success story reflects Pakistan’s dedication to international education, research, and gender inclusion. It proves that the country’s youth—especially young women—are excelling and making their mark on the world stage.