Eight young Bangladeshis are studying in France on the same scholarship

Eight young Bangladeshi engineers are making their mark at Centrale Nantes, one of France’s most respected engineering institutions, thanks to the highly coveted Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Considered among the most prestigious scholarships for higher education in Europe, Erasmus Mundus attracts thousands of applicants annually, but only a select few succeed. In the 2024–25 academic year, these eight students, who studied at different universities in Bangladesh, found themselves reunited under the same programme abroad.

From Bangladesh to Europe
Three of the students—Mushfiqur Rahman, Khandakar Mainul Islam, and Abdul Aziz—completed their undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB). Mushfiqur Rahman and Abdul Aziz are currently pursuing the European Joint Master’s in Electric Vehicle Propulsion and Control, focusing on propulsion systems, control algorithms, and future mobility technologies. Khandakar Mainul Islam joined the European Joint Master’s in Dynamics of Renewable-Based Power Systems, concentrating on renewable energy and sustainable electricity generation.

The cohort also includes Monir Uddin and Sanjana Tabassum from the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Mohammed Safi from Daffodil International University, Aminul Islam from Green University of Bangladesh, and Shahriar Rahman from Haji Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University (HSTU).

Building a Community Abroad
Centrale Nantes, part of France’s elite “Grandes Écoles,” is renowned for its advanced research and rigorous academic standards. As Khandakar Mainul Islam explains, “Admission to a Grande École is highly competitive, and the research is of cutting-edge quality. That’s why they are called Grandes Écoles.”

Despite being far from home, the Bangladeshi students have formed a close-knit community on campus. They often meet in classes, laboratories, libraries, or project meetings, sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and even cooking or exploring the city together on weekends. Sanjana Tabassum notes, “Adjusting to a new country and culture is challenging. Having fellow Bangladeshis around gives immense strength.”

Academic Challenges and Growth
The French education system emphasises research, critical thinking, and practical application. Students are encouraged to question, debate, and develop independent perspectives. Aminul Islam observes, “Here, you learn to think for yourself. Professors don’t give solutions—they make you find them.” Initially, language barriers and cultural differences were hurdles, but time, persistence, and professional dedication helped the students adapt.

Representing Bangladesh
The presence of eight Bangladeshi students has drawn curiosity from both faculty and international peers, eager to learn about Bangladesh’s engineering education and research potential. Mainul Islam reflects, “Our work represents Bangladesh. We strive to perform at our best in every aspect.”

A major advantage of the European Joint Master’s programme is the opportunity to study in multiple countries. In coming semesters, some students will move to Germany, Spain, Italy, or Rome, gaining first-hand experience of different research cultures, industries, and technological innovations. The students agree that beyond a degree, this journey is shaping their global mindset and preparing them for international research and industry careers.