Scholar Ayesha Ejaz from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Tuition-Free Master's at The Free University of Berlin, Germany

I’m Ayesha Ejaz, and I’m from Pakistan. I was always deeply interested in psychology and behavioural sciences. It was mostly a hobby for me, something I liked to learn more about if I had the time. Fortunately, I got admission in Cognitive Neuroscience at a very good university in Germany, something very close to my interests.

Educational Background

I did my O and A levels in Pakistan, in which I secured straight As. My bachelor's was in Applied Biosciences from a world-renowned university in Pakistan, and I managed to get 3.89 out of a 4 cGPA at the end of my degree. I believe that my strong educational background had a significant role to play in my getting admitted to a program such as this. However, experience and skills can also more than make up for when the grades fall short.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to The Free University of Berlin?

I took a lot of time researching the department I was applying for, including potential professors I could choose as my supervisors. I also had a thesis topic in my mind already, something I felt I could be interested in to research later, and this is also usually discussed in an interview. You should be ready to also discuss your bachelor’s thesis, since most interviewers also want to know what skills or experiences you gained from your previous degree.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I remember applying for Erasmus. Even though I got through to the second round, I wasn’t accepted for it in the end. No other scholarships were secured.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

There were several reasons for this. My biggest reason was probably the affordability of it, the fact that my institute was tuition-free. It was also considerably safe for women and generally very open-minded towards expats.

What Were Some of the Challenges You Faced as an International Student, Particularly Regarding Living Costs or Part-time Work Opportunities?

Learning German is a big must. Now that there’s even more migration from other countries, there’s more competition in the job market, even when it comes to odd jobs. I think knowing German already puts you ahead of most people.

Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying Here for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education?

I think it was a good experience overall. I would absolutely recommend it based on the overall affordability and the accepting nature of Germans towards expats.

How is Your Experience at The Free University of Berlin?

It was quite nice. My university had people from many different places, so the rich intercultural exchange was an especially valuable experience.

How Do You Rate The Free University of Berlin Academically?

I would say 7 out of 10. It could’ve been better on account of the quality of teaching, but I think it was still quite adequate. The facilities in the institute were also top-notch for research purposes.

How Does The Free University of Berlin Support International Students?

There’s an international club that helps expats integrate better and socialize. There’s also coaching and psychological help available if need be.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

They are conducted in English.

What Did You Pursue After the Free Tuition?

Currently, I am doing my thesis, but I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical neuroscience.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

If their degree is in English, then absolutely not.