As someone who has gone through the long journey of applying, being shortlisted, rejected, applying again, and finally winning multiple European scholarships, including two Erasmus Mundus programs (WAVES and SEAS 4.0) and Cardiff University’s fully funded scholarship, I know exactly how stressful and confusing the application process can be. One of the most overlooked documents is the Recommendation Letter. Many students message me saying: “Sir, is my recommender supposed to write about grades only?” or “Can I write my own letter and ask my professor to sign it?”
The Recommendation Letter can either make your Erasmus Mundus application shine or disappear among thousands. Let me help you write it strategically, not randomly.
Why the Recommendation Letter Matters in Erasmus Mundus
The selection committee does not meet you personally. They evaluate you solely on your documents. Your CV and motivation letter tell who you are, but the recommendation letter tells who you are in the eyes of others, especially someone credible – a professor, employer, research supervisor, or project coordinator.
A strong Erasmus recommendation letter:
- Proves your academic and professional credibility
- Shows real examples of your achievements
- Demonstrates your teamwork, leadership, and future potential
- Connects your past to your Erasmus Mundus field of study
- Helps evaluators trust that you are worth the scholarship
Weak letters are generic. Strong letters are story-based, personalized, and full of measurable achievements.
Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letter
Choose someone who:
- Knows your work personally
- Supervises you academically or professionally
- Can highlight real examples of your skills
Best Recommenders:
- University professors who taught you major subjects
- Research or thesis supervisors
- Internship or job supervisors
- Project mentors, volunteer coordinators
Avoid:
- Random teachers who barely know you
- Family friends
- High-position people who cannot speak about you specifically
Pro-tip: Quality > Position.
A personalized letter from a lecturer who knows you well is better than a Vice-Chancellor who barely remembers your name.
How Many Recommendation Letters Are Required
Most Erasmus Mundus programs require:
- 2 letters (academic or mixed – depends on the course)
Some programs accept 1 academic + 1 professional recommendation.
Always check the official website and Programme Guide for requirements.
What Makes a Strong Erasmus Mundus Recommendation Letter
From my experience of winning 3 fully funded scholarships, here is the structure that works best:
1. Clear Introduction
Who is the recommender, their position, how long they’ve known you, and in what capacity.
2. Academic and Professional Strengths
Use measurable examples:
- Grades
- Class ranking
- Research achievements
- Group work
- Communication skills
3. Projects, Leadership, and Motivation
Highlight something unique – project you led, volunteer work, or awards.
4. Why You Are a Good Fit for Erasmus Mundus
This part is crucial – it must show:
- You match the program’s theme
- You have global mindset
- You are ready for mobility and multicultural learning
5. Strong Closing Statement
A confident recommendation – not a weak or conditional one.
Example closing sentence:
“I strongly endorse Mr. Usman Awan for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship and believe he will be an asset to the program.”
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Copying one letter and using it everywhere
❌ Using generic sentences like “He is hardworking and punctual”
❌ Writing the entire letter by yourself without asking for approval
❌ Not giving context or examples
❌ Not connecting skills to the Erasmus field
Recommendation Letter Template (Free Format)
Use this structure when preparing your draft for your professor:
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Student Name] for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship. I am [Title, Name, Position], and I have known the applicant for [duration] as his/her [teacher, supervisor, etc.].
During our time working together, [Student Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, ranking [position or measurable result]. His/her project on [topic] showed analytical thinking, teamwork, and creativity.
I particularly admire [specific skill or achievement], such as [example]. These qualities make him/her well suited for advanced European mobility learning within international environments.
I strongly support his/her application to the Erasmus Mundus program and believe he/she will contribute positively to multicultural classrooms and research settings.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Position]
[Institution]
You can download editable Word templates and samples on my platform.
Tips to Get Professors to Agree Easily
From my personal journey, I used these steps, and they always worked:
- Ask Early – professors are busy
- Share Your CV and Motivation Letter before they write
- Provide a sample draft so they can edit quickly
- Request a digital signature and letterhead
- Say thank you – always maintain respect
Should You Write It Yourself and Ask Them to Sign?
Many students do it because teachers are too busy.
You can draft a letter for them, but make sure they:
- Approve it
- Edit it
- Put it on official letterhead
- Add signature and stamp
Never send a letter without permission – that is unethical.
Final Expert Advice – From Someone Who Has Been in Your Place
When I applied for Erasmus Mundus the first time, I submitted a generic recommendation letter. I got shortlisted but not selected. Next year, I upgraded my letter – added achievements, examples, and emotional tone. I got selected for two Erasmus Mundus programs.
The letter truly matters.
If you do this right, it becomes your voice when you’re not in the room.
Conclusion
Writing a strong Recommendation Letter for Erasmus Mundus is not difficult – it simply needs strategy, personalization, and storytelling. Take time, prepare drafts, involve your professor, and show them who you truly are.
Your success is not luck – it is preparation.
If you need downloadable templates, CV formats, guidebooks, or mentoring support, I am happy to share what helped me win scholarships worth thousands of euros.
Stay hopeful, stay consistent.
Your journey is just beginning.
– Usman Awan
Erasmus Mundus Scholar (WAVES & SEAS 4.0)
Cardiff University – Fully Funded Awardee
