Below is a full 1000-word, SEO-friendly, personalized blog post written in first person as Usman Awan, winner of multiple scholarships (WAVES & SEAS 4.0 Erasmus Mundus + Cardiff University fully funded). I’ve written it in an appealing, story-driven tone with helpful sections, tips, CTA, and SEO optimization for “How to Make CV for Erasmus Mundus scholarship”.
When I began my scholarship journey years ago, I had nothing more than a dream and a very ordinary CV. Like many of you reading this, I didn’t have international experience, no big university spotlight, no long list of awards. But what I did have was ambition – and a willingness to learn how to present myself correctly.
My name is Usman Awan, and I have been fortunate to win multiple fully funded scholarships, including two Erasmus Mundus programs (WAVES & SEAS 4.0) along with a fully-funded Cardiff University scholarship. Today, I mentor hundreds of students online, and I know exactly what stands between a rejected application and a selected one.
Many students believe: “If I just apply everywhere, I will get selected somewhere.”
But the truth is: your Erasmus Mundus journey starts with one powerful document – your CV.
This blog is my personal breakdown of how to make a CV for Erasmus Mundus scholarship, including what I personally did differently, what reviewers actually look for, and access to a free downloadable template you can copy and use.
Why Your Erasmus Mundus CV Matters More Than You Think
Erasmus Mundus scholarship selection panels review thousands of applications every year. On average, they spend 30–45 seconds on each CV during the first screening. That means if your CV is cluttered, poorly formatted, or fails to show “why YOU are special,” the chances of getting rejected increase dramatically.
Your CV is not just a piece of paper – it is:
- Your first impression before your motivation letter
- Proof you are academically ready
- Evidence you understand the field and have taken action
- A reflection of your potential impact as an international student
When I applied the first time, my CV looked like a general job-seeker resume. I didn’t realize the CV needed to be academic + international-achievement focused. The moment I re-designed it strategically, I was selected.
Step-By-Step – How to Make a CV for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Below is exactly how I structure all Erasmus-focused CVs. Use this layout and tailor it to each program you apply to.
1. Contact Information (Simple and Clean)
Include:
- Your Name (bold, large font)
- Email (professional please, not coolboy123@gmail…)
- Phone number with country code
- LinkedIn link
- Country of residence
Optional but valuable: Portfolio, GitHub, publications website – adds instant credibility.
2. Personal Profile – 3-Lines That Sell You
Most students write boring generic summaries like:
“Motivated student seeking a master’s degree…”
Delete that.
Instead, write 3 lines that position you as a future Erasmus ambassador:
Example:
A sustainability-focused engineering graduate with research interest in coastal modeling and renewable solutions. Experienced in community projects and academic collaboration, ready to contribute to Erasmus Mundus WAVES through research-focused international learning.
3. Education (Show Your Best Side)
List:
- Degree name, institution, year
- CGPA / ranking (only if helpful)
- Relevant courses that match the program
- Thesis title + one sentence describing what it achieved
This is where many students lose points. They forget: Erasmus Mundus is a research-heavy program. If you never show research-relevant details, your profile becomes weak instantly.
Tip: Add “Coursework relevant to program” with bullets.
4. Research Experience (Secret Weapon Category)
Even if you’ve never done formal research, you can include:
- Final year project
- Research assistant work
- Independent research
- Online course capstone projects
For Erasmus, research-fit matters more than job experience.
5. Professional Experience / Internships
If you have field-relevant experience – highlight:
- Quantified results (Example: “Increased output by 20%…”)
- Technical tools used
- Real responsibilities
If you have unrelated work experience, include it but connect it subtly to transferable skills.
6. Awards, Scholarships, and Achievements
Even small recognitions matter:
- Merit scholarship
- Top 10% of class
- Volunteer awards
- Competition results
- Certificates (Put only INTERNATIONAL or impactful ones)
7. Skills Section – Must Include 3 Types
Erasmus looks for:
- Technical skills (software, lab tools, coding languages)
- Soft skills (teamwork, leadership, communication)
- Languages (CEFR if possible A1–C2)
Language skills are a PLUS even if unrelated.
8. Volunteering, Social Impact and Leadership
This is the Erasmus value dimension – it separates accepted candidates from rejected ones. Erasmus is about global citizenship and intercultural exchange.
Examples you can include:
- Student society role
- NGO volunteering
- Event organization
- Community teaching
- Model UN or conferences
Show that you give back – not just take opportunities.
9. Publications, Conferences, Online Courses
If you have even ONE research paper, poster, or online specialization – add it.
Erasmus committee loves lifelong learners.
Formatting Tips (That Boost Your Success Rate)
- Length: 1–2 pages only
- Font: Calibri / Lato / Arial (10.5–11 pt)
- PDF format always
- Avoid paragraphs — use bullet points
- Use action verbs: led, built, designed, initiated, analyzed
What I Personally Did – And Why It Worked
When applying for WAVES and SEAS 4.0, I realized something most students miss:
I aligned every line of my CV with what the program wants.
If Erasmus says the program focuses on:
- climate adaptation
- modeling
- marine research
…then your CV MUST demonstrate your link to these things.
Even if your experience is small. You can rewrite it in a way that highlights relevance.
This is where most applications lose points. Their CV is generic. It could be sent to any university. But Erasmus wants fit.
Free Downloadable Erasmus CV Template (Editable)
I know how difficult formatting can be, so I created a clean, accepted-style template similar to what I used when I won Erasmus.
👉 Tell me if you want Word file or Google Docs version, and I will send you the downloadable link.
Final Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Customize CV for each program | Erasmus committees immediately spot generic CVs |
| Use keywords from program website | Shows alignment |
| Include mobility mindset and adaptability | Erasmus is about multiculturalism |
| Numbers improve credibility | “Led a team of 4” > “Led a team” |
| Do not lie | They can check |
Conclusion – Your CV Is Your Passport
I have seen students with amazing talent get rejected simply because they treated their CV casually.
And I have seen students with average backgrounds get selected because they presented themselves strategically.
If you’re reading this right now, I want you to know:
You are capable. You can win. You just need the right documents and right direction.
And I’m here to help you through every step
