DAAD EPOS Scholar Arthur Gulo from Malawi Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

I am Arthur Gulo, born and raised in Malawi. I completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Malawi Adventist University, initially enrolling as a Management major but later switching to Accounting after discovering a strong interest in the field. During my internship with the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM), I participated in field visits that exposed me to the real challenges faced by rural communities, which strongly resonated with my own upbringing in a rural village. This experience shifted my career interests toward humanitarian and development work. After the internship, I joined World Vision as a Field Officer, supporting food-insecure households during the lean season. This marked the beginning of my commitment to development programming and motivated me to pursue further education. To strengthen my technical and analytical skills and better connect my academic background with my professional work, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in International Development Economics at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received is the DAAD EPOS fully funded scholarship for the Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences in Germany. The scholarship covers full tuition/service fees (approximately €2,500), a monthly living stipend of about €934, travel costs to and from Germany, and full health, accident, and liability insurance. It also includes study and research allowances, as well as a preparatory German language course before the program begins.

Educational Background

As indicated, my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree provided a solid foundation for applying to the Master's in International Development Economics. My undergraduate programme met the requirements of a recognized degree with at least 180 ECTS credits. During my BBA, I completed several economics‑related courses, including Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, which gave me a basic understanding of economic theory and policy analysis. I also took quantitative and accounting courses that strengthened my analytical and data‑handling skills. These subjects helped me meet the programme’s recommendation for some background in economics. My cumulative GPA was 3.41 out of 4.00, which was competitive for admission and scholarship consideration. Maintaining strong grades was important to me, especially when applying for a highly competitive programme and funding opportunities.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

To prepare for applying to institutions, I first clarified my academic and professional goals: I wanted to pursue a field closer to my work, and International Development Economics became my focus. I then gathered all required documents, including my degree certificates, transcripts, and recommendation letters. I found information about institutions and scholarships both online and through my professional network. This particular scholarship was shared with me by a workmate, which prompted me to research the programme and its eligibility criteria. For language requirements, I did not need to take an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS because the programme accepted applicants who studied in English. I obtained an official confirmation letter from my university stating that my degree was taught in English, which I included in my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

I first applied for this scholarship in 2018 and was offered a place in the programme, but I did not receive the scholarship. Unfortunately, I did not receive detailed feedback on why I was not selected. Based on the admission evaluation criteria, 40% for cumulative GPA, 25% for the number of economics courses taken, and 35% for the motivation letter, I suspected that my motivation letter may have been weak. To improve my application, I consulted people who had successfully received the scholarship before and asked for their advice. I revised my motivation letter to better explain my professional experience, my academic background, and how the programme aligns with my goals. I believe this made my second application stronger and more complete, especially in terms of the motivation letter.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for ? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

The institution is not free for my subject, but as a scholarship recipient, I am exempt from the tuition fee. The tuition fee for the Master's in International Development Economics is 2,500 euros, which is covered by the scholarship. However, I still pay a semester fee of 350 euros per semester for each semester I am enrolled in the programme.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it clearly showed how my professional experience in humanitarian and development work connects with my academic background in economics and my future goals. After my first application, I learned that the motivation letter is a key part of the selection process, so I revised it carefully, making sure to explain:

• My work with rural communities and food‑insecure households,
• How my BBA and economics courses prepared me for International Development Economics, and
• Why this scholarship and programme are essential for advancing my career.

I also made sure that all my documents were complete and well‑organized, and that I followed the programme’s requirements closely. By combining a stronger motivation letter, relevant work experience, and a good academic record, I think my application became more competitive and easier for the selection committee to understand.

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

In short, I would still apply, but with better preparation, earlier planning, and a stronger, more targeted motivation letter.

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

I would advise applicants to start by carefully reading and understanding all the scholarship requirements, because getting the basics right is essential. Good grades are important, and they form a strong foundation, but they are not enough on their own. A clear, well‑structured motivation letter can make a big difference, especially when many candidates have similar academic records.

I would also encourage applicants to look for help, ask people who have successfully received the scholarship, mentors, or colleagues for feedback on their documents, especially their motivation letter. Early preparation, careful proofreading, and a strong connection between your professional experience and your study goals will make your application more competitive.