Afghan Recipient of the Fully Funded DAAD Scholarship for Refugees Pursues MS in Project Management at IMSciences Peshawar

My name is Ahmad Hilal, and I was born and raised as an Afghan refugee in Peshawar, Pakistan. Growing up as a refugee, access to quality education was a challenge, but I remained committed to my studies. I earned a BS in Social Sciences with a major in Development Studies from the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hadn't initially planned to pursue a master's, but that changed when I came across a scholarship opportunity that completely shifted my path.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I was awarded a fully funded DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship specifically for Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan. The scholarship is managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and offers a monthly stipend of €135, which covers accommodation, stationery, and other academic expenses. A portion of the stipend is also allocated to HEC for organizing extracurricular activities for students. I am currently pursuing an MS in Project Management at IMSciences Peshawar through this scholarship.

Educational Background

I completed my BS in Social Sciences with a focus on Development Studies from IMSciences, Peshawar. My education helped me build a strong foundation in understanding development issues and project-based interventions, which naturally led to my interest in project management. Although I don't have my GPA on hand, my consistent academic effort and passion for learning prepared me well for graduate-level studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to IMSciences Peshawar?

The opportunity came unexpectedly while I was scrolling through Facebook. I saw the DAAD scholarship announcement and clicked the link. After confirming my eligibility, I filled out the application form and submitted a motivation letter as part of the requirements. I didn’t apply to multiple institutions; I chose IMSciences again because I already knew the quality of education and faculty.

How Did You Find Information and Prepare for Standardized Tests?

This scholarship didn’t require international standardized tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE. The application was based more on academic background, motivation, and an interview process. I relied on social media, specifically Facebook, and the official websites of DAAD and HEC for information.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

Once I found the scholarship, I carefully read through the eligibility requirements and prepared all necessary documents. Writing the motivation letter was a key part; I focused on my journey, my academic background, and why I wanted to pursue a master's in project management. A few days later, I received a call from HEC for an interview, which included both German and HEC representatives. Among many applicants, only 150 were selected,  and I was one of them.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at the IMSciences Peshawar? 

My experience at IMSciences has been very positive. The faculty is experienced and supportive, and the academic environment is competitive yet collaborative. The institution also encourages research and extracurricular involvement, which helps students develop holistically.

How Does the Institute of Management Sciences Support International Students?

Although I am an Afghan refugee, the institution has always been inclusive and supportive. There are regular workshops, counseling sessions, and extracurricular activities organized to help students adjust and succeed.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country's Native Language?

All my classes are conducted in English, which is the medium of instruction at IMSciences.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing the Native Language?

Since the classes are in English, students won’t face academic problems due to language. However, knowing the local language (Urdu or Pashto) can help in daily communication and building social connections.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my background, personal story, and clear motivation to work in the development sector through project management helped me stand out. I also made sure that my motivation letter was sincere and aligned with the scholarship’s goals.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing earlier, explore multiple scholarships, and maybe apply to a few international institutions as well. But overall, I’m grateful for how things turned out.

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

My advice is simple: Always read the eligibility requirements carefully. Prepare your documents thoroughly and don’t hesitate to apply. Rejections are part of the journey. Stay positive and keep applying. Eventually, the right opportunity will come your way.