EU Encourages Erasmus Mundus Scholars to Return Home and Contribute to Ghana’s Development
The European Union (EU) has encouraged Ghanaian students selected for the 2026 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme to embrace international learning opportunities and return home with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to contribute to Ghana’s development.
The call was made during a pre-departure orientation held at the EU Residence in Accra for students preparing to pursue postgraduate studies at universities across Europe under the Erasmus+ scholarship programme.
Education Beyond the Classroom
Addressing the students, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rune Skinnebach, congratulated the awardees on their selection, describing their achievement as a reflection of their hard work, talent, and commitment.
Drawing from his own experience as an exchange student, Ambassador Skinnebach encouraged the scholars to approach their studies with curiosity and an open mind.
“As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, be curious, be ambitious and be open to new ideas, new friendships and new perspectives.”
He emphasized that studying in Europe is not only about earning a degree but also about personal growth, cultural exchange, and strengthening the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Europe.
Erasmus+ Continues to Expand Opportunities
The Ambassador reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to investing in education, youth development, and academic mobility through the Erasmus+ programme.
According to him, 3,618 Ghanaian students and academic staff have benefited from study, teaching, and training opportunities in Europe since 2014.
For 2026, he disclosed that:
- 446 Ghanaians were selected under various Erasmus+ mobility schemes.
- 28 students gained admission to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme.
- 14 of those students received full scholarships.
- 418 students and academic staff were selected under the International Credit Mobility Programme.
He also highlighted the EU Global Gateway Youth Mobility for Africa Initiative, which promotes educational exchanges between Africa and Europe.
Strengthening International Education
To improve access to international study opportunities, Ambassador Skinnebach noted that “Study in Europe” desks have been established in 30 Ghanaian universities through a collaboration involving GIZ and the Ghanaian European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development.
The initiative is designed to provide students with information and guidance on pursuing higher education opportunities in Europe.
Encouraging Students to Make the Most of the Experience
The Country Director of GIZ Ghana, Ms. Sandra Retzer, encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to broaden their academic and cultural horizons.
Sharing her own experience of studying abroad, she said adapting to a different environment had played an important role in her personal and professional development and encouraged the students to remain open to new experiences.
Representatives from the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF) and Campus France also urged the scholars to build strong professional networks during their studies and serve as ambassadors for Ghana while abroad.
Why This Matters
International scholarship programmes such as Erasmus Mundus provide Ghanaian students with access to world-class education, global networks, and diverse learning experiences. The knowledge and skills acquired through these opportunities can contribute to innovation, research, and national development when scholars return to Ghana.
Source: Ghanaian Times
