How a Kyrgyz Scholar Earned the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Full Scholarship to Study Social Protection Systems at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

My name is Aiana, and I was born and raised in the Kyrgyz Republic, which is located in Central Asia. I pursued Psychology during my Bachelor’s and Social Protection for my Master’s degree because I was deeply interested in how social systems operate and how effective policies can improve people’s lives. I worked in a charity NGO for two years and decided to continue my education in this field to strengthen my academic and analytical skills, with the goal of contributing to meaningful social development and policy reform.

DAAD Scholarship Details

In 2022, I was awarded the Helmut-Schmidt Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG, by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This prestigious scholarship supported my Master’s studies in Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg by covering full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, travel costs, health insurance, and other related expenses. The monthly installments were around 850 – 992 euros.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate studies at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a GPA of 3.8. My academic training provided me with a solid foundation in research methodology, critical thinking, and an in-depth understanding of human behavior and social dynamics. This background equipped me with a solid understanding of how social policies affect vulnerable populations and how psychological and social factors intersect in shaping human well-being.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg?

Once I decided to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, I began by carefully reviewing the official program announcement provided by DAAD(such as this https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren/daad_helmut-schmidt-programme_current_announcement.pdf), which includes a detailed listing the eligible universities and Master’s programs available under the scholarship. This document was essential in guiding my search, as it outlined the specific institutions offering disciplines aligned with the scholarship’s objectives. I focused on selecting universities that offered programs in areas closely related to my academic background and interests, particularly in social protection and social policy. I thoroughly researched each program’s curriculum, faculty, and focus areas to ensure they matched my professional goals.

I prepared for the TOEFL test by studying independently using official preparation materials, online practice tests, and academic English resources. I focused mainly on the writing as I saw it as my weakness. Even if speaking is my strength, I was constantly improving my speaking through regular practice with native speakers, including my friends, professors, and colleagues.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

To find information about graduate programs and scholarships, I mainly relied on official scholarship websites and pages on LinkedIn, as well as the DAAD’s scholarship database https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/. I also consulted my friends and acquaintances who are alumni and the local DAAD office to better understand application requirements and deadlines.

How Does the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg Support International Students? 

The institution provides strong support for international students through a variety of extracurricular and integration activities. One valuable initiative is the Study Buddy Program, which pairs local and international students to help them navigate academic life, improve language skills, and build cross-cultural friendships. The university also organizes regular cultural events, diversity days, and interactive programs. In addition, there are frequent excursions to interesting landmarks in Germany, which help newcomers explore the country in an inclusive environment.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German? 

All of my classes were conducted in English. The entire curriculum, including lectures, readings, assignments, and examinations, was delivered in the English language.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing German?

Potential students would not face significant academic difficulties if they do not speak the native language, especially in Germany, where many Master’s programs are fully offered in English. German universities provide a wide range of English-taught programs, and international students can successfully complete their studies without prior knowledge of German. However, the scholarship I was awarded provides an intensive 6-month-long German language course, which is beneficial for everyday communication, integration, and accessing opportunities outside the academic environment, including internships. Moreover, the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg offers German language courses to support international students in this regard.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I spent a lot of time on my motivation letter and research proposal. I emphasized my strong commitment to social development in my home country, along with long-term goals of building inclusive social systems. For applicants from the Global South, it is important to show awareness of the challenges faced by local communities and to reflect on how the knowledge and skills gained through the program can be effectively applied in a local context. This not only strengthens the application but also aligns with the mission of international scholarship programs like DAAD.

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 not change much, as I am happy with my experience. However, one thing I would do differently is to prepare a list of specific questions and topics of interest in advance of the interview. Having thoughtful questions helps to better understand the academic environment and expectations. It also creates a more meaningful conversation with the interviewers.

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

Carefully check all required documents before submission, making sure that everything listed in the official checklist is complete and correctly formatted. Invest significant effort into writing your motivation letter, be genuine about your background and experiences, precise about your academic interests, and clear about how the program will support your future plans. Moreover, take time to thoroughly research the universities you are applying to—explore the faculty profiles, departmental focus, and course offerings to ensure they align with your academic and professional goals.