How a Nigerian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship to Study Environmental Engineering in Germany

My name is Adigidzi Ephraim Enoch. I grew up in culturally diverse regions of Nigeria, such that even as a child, I harboured a deep passion for learning and exploring. I knew early on that scholarships would be a gateway to my ambitions, so when the opportunity finally knocked, I embraced it wholeheartedly. Currently, I am a Master’s student of Environmental Engineering at HTW University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Germany, under the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship.

Educational Background

With a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, I set out to gather meaningful and transformative experiences.  My journey has taken me across various sectors, including quality control, environmental sustainability, and hydrogen production. These ventures, combined with the educational exposure and personal experiences with the impacts of environmental degradation, not only broadened my professional horizon but also deepened my commitment to driving innovation and fostering environmentally sustainable solutions for a better future.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I am honoured to have received the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship for the year 2024/2025. The DAAD Leadership for Africa scholarship is one of the many funding opportunities offered by the world’s largest scholarship organization. Established in 2021, it targets individuals from Sub-Saharan African countries in East, Central, and West Africa, enabling the pursuit of studies in Germany. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, airfare, health insurance, and other essential expenses. To facilitate the smooth integration of scholars into German society, the program also includes a six-month intensive German language course, through which I attained B1 proficiency.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the DAAD Scholarships and HTW University of Applied Sciences Dresden?

My preparation to apply for scholarships started in 2019. I was in my fourth year at the university, and I had already taken an interest in Environmental Engineering even as a Chemical Engineering student. Firstly, I learnt in detail about the basic document requirements needed for a good application. Not only that, but I also learnt how to build up quality documents as it was what made one stand out. Also, I did well to connect with people on LinkedIn to gain firsthand insight on the scholarship program. I didn’t need to take any standardized tests as it wasn’t required (English-language waiver granted)

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe several factors contributed to making my application stand out. Firstly, my story was real and authentic. I didn’t feel the need to embellish it. I simply shared it as I felt it: a reflection of the many life experiences that led me to apply for the scholarship. Additionally, although my CGPA of 3.64/5 wasn’t the highest, I strongly believe that my leadership qualities, professional and volunteer experiences, as well as my eagerness to learn and grow, evidenced by the numerous online courses I completed, gave my application the boost it needed to stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would do everything just as I did before because I was well-prepared. However, one thing I would improve is reaching out to my lecturers earlier for letters of recommendation. This would help avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to errors. Additionally, I would have taken learning the German language more seriously before coming to Germany, as it would have made my initial transition smoother.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My top 4 pieces of advice I will give someone applying for the scholarship are.

• Take the German language very seriously; it is vital
• Do well to start preparing for applications on time (1 year ahead)
• Stay real and authentic in your application; every story is unique
• Your good grade is not enough; do well to state clearly your leadership skills, work experience, volunteering experiences, and take lots of online courses in line with your interests.