Nematodes are everywhere. They are among the most harmful organisms of crops, especially in the tropics but, on the other hand, they can be used as natural antagonists in bio-control programmes against pest insects.

Because of their ubiquitous presence, overwhelming densities and diversity (sometimes compared to insects) free-living nematodes are an ideal tool for biodiversity studies. They are used as bio-indicators of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

The European Master of Science in Nematology (EUMAINE) is one of the Erasmus Mundus Master courses. The EUMAINE programme brings together some of the European leading Universities and Research Institutes active in Nematology and is offered by a network of 8 partners, consisting of 4 consortium partners and 4 supporting or satellite partners. Ghent University is the coordinating university.

The consortium partners are :

• Universiteit Gent, Belgium : coordinator
• Universität Bielefeld, Germany
• Universidade de Evora, Portugal
• Universidad de Jaén, Spain

The satellite partners are:

• Christian-Albrechts Universität, Kiel, Germany
• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
• James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, UK
• Wageningen Universiteit , The Netherlands
• Plant Protection Service, Wageningen, The Netherlands
• Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research, Merelbeke, Belgium

MSc Scholarships in Nematology: Eligibility & Admission

Selection will be based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, language skills, the appropriateness of your goals to the EUMAINE programme and relevant work experience, if any.

In addition, consideration may be given to how your background and life experience would contribute significantly to an educationally beneficial mix of students.

Erasmus Mundus Grants

A limited number of Erasmus Mundus grants are available for third-country nationals with excellent academic records. Eligible students:

• Are graduates who have successfully obtained a first degree awarded by a recognised University anywhere in the world
• Are nationals of any country around the world other than the 27 EU Member States, the EEA/EFTA States and the candidate countries for accession to the EU (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)
• Are selected to attend an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course by the Consortium offering the course in question in this case EUMAINE
• Are not a resident of any of the Member States or the participating countries
• Have not carried out their main activities (studies, work etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years (reference date: 28 February) in any of the above mentioned countries (27 EU Member States, EEA/EFTA States and candidate countries).

These grants are awarded to the best students on a competitive basis. The grant covers your travel, insurance, living expenses and tuition in Europe for the full duration of the course: 2-year course = 47000 € (from 2010 onwards).

Note that the flight ticket to and from Europe will not be pre-financed by the grant.

For more information, please visit: MSc Scholarships in Nematology