EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger hosted a pre-departure reception in honor of 23 Kenyan students who have been awarded the very competitive Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships. The scholarships are part of the overall Erasmus Plus program that, under its aegis, avails students the opportunity to undertake joint master’s degrees in a number of European countries.
Erasmus Plus is regarded as the flagship activity of the EU supporting education, training, and youth development. In the 30 years of its existence, the programme has attracted over 1.2 million scholarships all over the world, enabling students to study in cultural setups. Ambassador Geiger challenged the programme, calling on Kenyan graduates to apply because there is no particular stipulated maximum on the number of fully funded scholarships to be won.
“Whether you are going for the two-year joint master’s degree or a short-term study exchange, Erasmus provides an opportunity to study outside your country, learn about other cultures, and develop linkages with people from all over the world,” said Ambassador Geiger.
Strengthening Kenya-Europe Educational Ties
Also in attendance at the reception, were the ambassadors of Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and other European countries, as well as officials from the Ministry of Education and vice-chancellors of universities in Kenya. During her address, Ambassador Geiger said that : ‘Within the last three years, 91 Kenyan students have been selected to study in EMJMs. During the 2014-2020 programme period, 250 Kenyan students participated in the programme’.
EMJMs are awarded for studies in at least two different Erasmus Plus countries to eligible students. The scholarships are available in nearly all fields of study, with joint, dual, or multiple degrees presented at the completion.
Increasing Learning Possibilities
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Education and Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, said the Erasmus programme makes a difference and challenges Kenyan students differently in accessing better academic credentials. She thus challenged more students and faculty to take up the opportunity.
Prof. Walter Oyawa, Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), expressed his excitement with the future of the Kenya-Europe partnership. He said that it’s through the Erasmus programme and other European research initiatives, like Horizon Europe, that Kenyan researchers get funding and partnership opportunities with leading European institutions.
Furthering their education in Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden, and other countries in Europe, this will go well with the 23 Kenyans. Apart from the EMJMs, the International Credit Mobility program avails an opportunity for 164 Kenyan students, together with 181 staff, to benefit from the short-term study exchange between 2021 and 2025 in Europe. This further cements the relationship between Kenyan and European academic institutions.