Pakistan has once again secured its global leadership in Erasmus Mundus scholarships, marking the fifth consecutive year that Pakistani students have topped the international rankings in this highly competitive European Union-funded programme.
In the 2026 selection cycle, Pakistani students won 98 fully-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships, making Pakistan the number one country worldwide in student selection. The achievement highlights the strong academic performance and growing international recognition of Pakistani students.
South Asian countries dominated the rankings this year. Bangladesh followed Pakistan with 80 scholarships, while India secured 75. The United States stood at fourth place with 68 awards, and Italy came fifth with 67 scholarships. In total, 1,872 students from 135 countries received fully funded opportunities under the programme.
The Erasmus Mundus scholarships are considered among the most prestigious postgraduate awards in the world. They allow students to study in multiple European universities while completing a joint master’s degree. The programme covers tuition fees, travel costs, visa expenses, and monthly living allowances.
Pakistan’s performance in the Erasmus Mundus scholarships has remained strong over the past few years. In 2025, Pakistani students secured 114 scholarships out of 2,176 global selections. In 2024, they achieved an even higher figure of 189 awards among 2,603 selected students worldwide.
Officials and education experts say this consistent success reflects improved academic standards, better preparation, and increased awareness among students about international opportunities. The programme also supports cultural exchange and academic mobility across Europe.
The Erasmus Mundus scholarships continue to play a key role in shaping global education pathways, giving talented students from Pakistan and other countries access to world-class universities and diverse academic environments.