Dorothy Mawuena Buatsi, a Ghanaian scholar, secured the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship on her first attempt, funding her master’s degree in Europe, and now shares her journey and scholarship application tips to inspire others
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Dorothy Mawuena Buatsi, a Ghanaian scholar, has shared her inspiring journey of securing the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which fully funded her master’s degree in Europe.
In 2021, Buatsi applied for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and was successfully selected on her first attempt. The scholarship covered all necessary expenses, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and health insurance. Overjoyed by the opportunity, she was inspired to start a YouTube channel where she shares her experiences as an international student and provides guidance to others seeking similar scholarships.
Buatsi’s academic journey began with a deep interest in archaeology, inspired by movies, cartoons, and documentaries. She pursued a degree in Archaeology and Political Science at the University of Ghana, Legon, graduating with first-class honors (GPA 3.90). During her studies, she actively engaged in volunteer work, finding fulfillment in contributing to worthy causes.
Following her graduation, she completed a mandatory National Service year at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, where she worked as an Assistant Curator, Museum Guide, and Research Assistant. It was during this period that a conversation with a master’s student introduced her to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Encouraged by the diverse programs available, she sought guidance from her supervisor, lecturers, and friends to complete her application.
Buatsi emphasized the importance of gathering essential documents such as academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, certificates, and a well-structured Curriculum Vitae. She advised applicants to prepare these materials in advance and pay close attention to deadlines.
A key component of her successful application was the motivation letter, where she strategically highlighted her passion and suitability for the program. She recommended having others review the letter to provide unbiased feedback. Additionally, she stressed the significance of securing strong recommendation letters from supervisors and lecturers.
For first-time applicants, Buatsi suggested leveraging online resources such as YouTube videos from past scholarship awardees to gain insights into the application process.
Reflecting on her journey, Buatsi acknowledged that self-doubt had initially held her back. She advised future applicants to adopt a positive mindset and avoid last-minute applications, particularly for competitive scholarships like Erasmus Mundus.
She encouraged students to enhance their resumes by engaging in extracurricular activities such as volunteering, internships, and online courses. She cited her own experience volunteering at her university’s radio station for over three years while excelling academically, demonstrating her ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
Furthermore, she urged applicants to ensure their motivation letters remain truthful and optimistic, as negative or misleading statements can leave a lasting impression on selection committees. Lastly, she advised against relying on a single opportunity and encouraged applicants to explore multiple scholarship options.
Buatsi hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their academic goals with confidence and perseverance. She reassured aspiring scholars that with dedication and strategic preparation, they, too, can achieve their dreams of securing a life-changing scholarship.
“Go get that scholarship of your dreams!” she concluded.