06/08/2025
Unlock Your Public Health Future: Erasmus Mundus & Europubhealth+
(Insights from a 2018-20 Erasmus Mundus Excellence Scholarship Awardee)
Why This EMJMD?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is Europe’s flagship scholarship for global health leaders. For Bangladeshi professionals like me (6+ years in Occupational Health), its comprehensive coverage was the catalyst to pivot from clinical radiology to public health:
Comprehensive Coverage:
➤ Full tuition waiver + program fees
➤ €1000 - 1,400/month living stipend
➤ Travel/relocation grants
➤ Health/accident insurance
Pan-European Experience : Study across 2+ countries — I chose the Sheffield-Paris track to merge my Environmental and Occupational Health expertise with France’s public health legacy.
- While full scholarships are selective, partial fee waivers (up to 30%) or national grants offer alternatives.
"After three FCPS (Radiology)Part 1failed attempts, Europubhealth+ wasn’t just a scholarship—it was divine timing. Allah’s plan led me here."
Program Snapshot: Europubhealth+
Structure:
- Duration: 2 years
- Mobility: Study at ≥2 of 8 elite universities (I chose specialization in EOHS in University of Sheffield - EHESP Paris track)
- Degree: Joint Master’s + EPH+ certificate recognized globally
Year -1: Core competencies in Public Health
University of Granada – Andalusian School of Public Health, Spain
University of Sheffield – School of Medicine and Population Health, United Kingdom
University College Dublin – School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Ireland
University of Liège – Faculty of Medicine, Belgium
Year 2: Specializations (Match experience to your track):
Health Services Management and Digital Transformation : University of Granada – Andalusian School of Public Health, Spain
Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology : School of Public Health (EHESP), Rennes, France
Health and Environment in a Context of Climate Change: School of Public Health (EHESP), Rennes, France
Public Health Data Science: University of Bordeaux (Speed), France
Leadership in European Public Health: Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Governance and Economic Systems in Transition: Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Health Promotion and Prevention: School of Public Health (EHESP), Rennes, France
Consortium Universities:
EHESP (France), Sheffield (UK), Granada (Spain), Maastricht (Netherlands), Bordeaux (France), Jagiellonian (Poland), Liège (Belgium), Dublin (Ireland).
Application Mastery: Lessons from an alumni
Key Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (min 180 ECTS) in health/science
- IELTS 6.5+ (all bands) or English-medium degree certificate
- Relevant experience: Highlight public health roles (paid/volunteer). My 6-year Occupational Health background in Santos/GSK was pivotal.
Strategic Approach:
1. Align Documents:
- Europass CV: Showcase work + extracurriculars (e.g., my SANDHANI/BMSS leadership experiences). Use this tool https://europa.eu/europass/en .
- Motivation Letter: "Explain why you—not just your grades—belong here. I tied my Occupational Health past to Europubhealth+’s EOHS track."
- References: Choose supervisors and colleagues who’ll endorse your vision (2 letters required).
2. Stand Out in Assessment:
Motivation for Europubhealth+: How your academic and professional background and career goals aligns with the unique international exposure and interdisciplinary training the programme offers
Academic Achievements: Strong academic record with high grades, distinctions, and consistent performance in relevant fields.
Professional Experience: Hands-on experience in public health, healthcare, and social work through employment, internships, and volunteer roles.
International Outlook: Active involvement in global projects and a clear vision for contributing to international public health initiatives.
Personal Qualities: Culturally adaptable, self-motivated, and collaborative—well-suited for diverse, team-oriented environments.
3. Deadlines Matter:
- Opens: October/ November 2025
- Closes: January 2026
- Results: march-April 2026
Your Roadmap to Success
1. Start Now :
- Research specializations: Europubhealth+ Pathways https://europubhealth.org/programme/study-pathways/
- Connect with alumni via LinkedIn.
2. Leverage Bangladeshi Strengths :
- Our cohort ranked 4th globally in EM awards (89 scholarships in 2017-18).
- Highlight community health insights unique to Bangladesh.
3. Prepare for Transition:
- Learn basic French/Spanish (enhances daily life in France/Spain).
- Secure residency proof early (Ward Commissioner’s/ UP Chairman’s certificate suffices).
For me, this program was a bridge from a Bangladeshi hospital to European health policy rooms. My journey from Occupational Health in Chittagong to Paris began with one bold application. Let yours start today.
Key Resources:
- Europubhealth+ Official Site https://europubhealth.org
- EMJMD Catalogue https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
- Europass CV Builder https://europa.eu/europass/en
- Application Portal https://europubhealth.org/apply/
Final Note:
"A thousand-mile path begins outside your door. Submit that application—and watch Allah’s plan unfold."
Dr Muhammad Irfanul Alam
MBBS MPH EuroPubHealth+
Specialty Doctor in Occupational Health Medicine at UHCW NHS Trust, United Kingdom@