ISLAMABAD: The European Union Delegation to Pakistan has hosted a pre-departure event for the 166 recipients of the EU’s flagship Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships in 2022.

This year, the highest number of 166 Pakistani students, 86 men and 80 women, have received scholarships to study in universities in the European Union, said the EU’s Mission spokesperson in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Islamabad, celebrated the success of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship holders and provided an opportunity for networking amongst peers and Erasmus+ Alumni.

The EU Chargé d’Affaires added, “The results of the scholarship’s selection demonstrate that Pakistani students are well prepared and that the Pakistani universities provide them with the necessary skills to compete at the global level.” He added that he is particularly pleased to see more students from Pakistan have accessed the Erasmus+ programme.

This year 3,013 students from 133 countries were selected for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships. Pakistan was 1st in the world of scholarships awarded and remained the top country in terms of scholarship applications.

Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, representatives from the EU Member States, and the Erasmus+ Alumni Association members also attended the event.