Eight young engineers from Bangladesh are making waves in Europe after securing one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships for higher education — the Erasmus Mundus programme. Every year, thousands of students worldwide apply, yet only a select few are chosen. For the 2024–25 academic year, this scholarship has enabled these eight Bangladeshi graduates to pursue advanced studies together at École Centrale Nantes, a leading French engineering institution. Remarkably, they all previously studied at different universities in Bangladesh.
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Academic Pursuits Across Specialisations
Three of the students — Mushfiqur Rahman, Khandakar Mainul Islam, and Abdul Aziz — graduated from the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) with degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Currently, Mushfiqur and Abdul Aziz are enrolled in the European Joint Master’s in Electric Vehicle Propulsion and Control, focusing on propulsion systems, control algorithms, and future transport technologies. Meanwhile, Khandakar Mainul Islam has joined the European Joint Master’s in Dynamics of Renewable-Based Power Systems, specialising in renewable energy-powered electricity generation.
The other five students hail from different universities:
Islamic University of Technology (IUT): Md. Monir Uddin and Sanjana Tabassum
Daffodil International University: Md. Safi
Green University of Bangladesh: Md. Aminul Islam
Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU): Md. Shahriar Rahman
| Student Name | Home University | Erasmus Mundus Programme | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushfiqur Rahman | AIUB | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV propulsion systems, control algorithms |
| Abdul Aziz | AIUB | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV propulsion systems, control algorithms |
| Khandakar Mainul Islam | AIUB | Dynamics of Renewable-Based Power Systems | Renewable energy systems |
| Md. Monir Uddin | IUT | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV technologies |
| Sanjana Tabassum | IUT | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV technologies |
| Md. Safi | Daffodil International University | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV technologies |
| Md. Aminul Islam | Green University | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV technologies |
| Md. Shahriar Rahman | HSTU | Electric Vehicle Propulsion & Control | EV technologies |
Building a Supportive Community Abroad
École Centrale Nantes is part of France’s elite Grandes Écoles, known for rigorous academic standards and cutting-edge research. Khandakar Mainul Islam explained, “Getting into a Grande École is highly competitive, and research quality is exceptional. This makes studying here a remarkable opportunity.”
Despite being far from home, the eight students have formed a close-knit Bangladeshi community. From attending classes and lab sessions to project meetings, they frequently collaborate, sharing knowledge and offering mutual support. Sanjana Tabassum remarked, “Adjusting to a new country and culture is challenging, but having compatriots around gives immense strength.”
Weekends and special occasions are spent cooking together, exploring the city, and strengthening bonds — small moments that provide mental comfort amid a demanding academic environment.
Adapting to New Academic Challenges
The French higher education system is research-oriented and analytical. Students are encouraged to question, debate, and present their perspectives rather than simply listening to lectures. Assignments and projects emphasise teamwork, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving — skills the Bangladeshi students are embracing wholeheartedly.
Md. Aminul Islam reflected, “The most valuable lesson here is learning to think independently. Professors guide us but don’t provide ready-made answers.” Initially, language and cultural differences posed challenges, as daily life requires French. Over time, they adapted, acquiring professional discipline, time management, and personal responsibility.
Representing Bangladesh Internationally
Their presence at École Centrale Nantes has drawn curiosity from both faculty and peers, eager to learn about Bangladesh’s engineering education and research opportunities. As Khandakar Mainul Islam noted, “Through our work and performance, people will come to know Bangladesh. We constantly strive to give our best.”
A major strength of the European Joint Master’s programme is its mobility: upcoming semesters will see students studying in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Rome, gaining exposure to diverse research cultures, industry connections, and technological advances.
All eight agree that the experience will provide more than just a degree — it will cultivate a global mindset, prepare them for international research and industry careers, and empower them to make a meaningful impact on technological innovation worldwide.