DAAD Scholarship Recipient, Bharath Kumar, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Conduct His M.Tech Research in Additive Manufacturing at TU Braunschweig, Germany

My name is Bharath Kumar, and I’m originally from India. I hold a Master of Technology (M.Tech) degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering with a specialization in Additive Manufacturing, and my passion lies at the intersection of robotics, welding, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. I recently pursued a part of my postgraduate research in Germany, focusing on Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) using a 6-DOF industrial robot, working on both layer-by-layer and dot-on-dot deposition strategies.
My decision to pursue further education stems from a deep interest in optimizing advanced manufacturing processes for structural applications and my long-term ambition to contribute to industrial sustainability and innovation through research.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I received the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship under the KOSPIE program for conducting part of my M.Tech thesis in Germany. The scholarship included a monthly stipend of approximately 934 EUR along with health insurance coverage, travel allowance, and support in the visa process. It was awarded for research at a German university/institute ( TU Braunschweig), aligned with my thesis work.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering with a GPA of around 9.89/10.
I then pursued my M.Tech in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering with a GPA of 9.21/10.
My academic background, particularly my coursework in manufacturing processes and computational modeling, gave me a strong foundation. During my M. Tech, I also undertook a hands-on project related to WAAM, process parameter optimization, and potential reinforcement techniques like shotcrete integration for large-scale structures.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to TU Braunschweig?

• I started by identifying institutions and professors working in my area of interest (robotics + WAAM).
• I explored international research exchange programs, especially those connected to my Indian university.
• I made use of platforms like DAAD.de and academic research papers to identify host institutions.
• I connected with previous DAAD Scholars and used LinkedIn to reach out to potential mentors.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

• I relied heavily on DAAD’s official scholarship database, university newsletters, and LinkedIn posts.
• International Office at my Indian university provided significant help in identifying relevant contacts abroad.

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

No, standardized tests were not required for my research internship. The DAAD opportunity was primarily based on academic merit, research proposal, and institutional collaboration.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

• I worked on a detailed Statement of Purpose (SOP) linking my previous research and future goals.
• Prepared a strong research proposal tailored to the lab I was applying to in Germany.
• Gathered academic recommendation letters from faculty mentors familiar with my research work.
• Ensured all my documents like CV, transcripts, and passport, were ready well in advance.

How Was Your Experience at TU Braunschweig?

It was truly enriching. The German research environment emphasized independence, precision, and collaboration. I got to work on industrial-grade robotic arms, simulation tools, and WAAM setups. The exposure significantly elevated my technical skills and international perspective.

How Do You Rate TU Braunschweig Academically and Why? 

I rate it very highly 5/5, especially for its focus on practical applications, industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. The lab AMC TRR277 was well-equipped, and the mentorship was excellent.

How Does TU Braunschweig Support International Students?

The university had a dedicated International Office that assisted in finding accommodation, registering with local authorities, and organizing student activities. DAAD also conducted orientation programs and networking sessions.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

No classes

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

Not necessarily. English is sufficient for research-based programs, especially in technical institutions in Germany. However, basic German is helpful for day-to-day life, travel, and integration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

• Focused research background with a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve.
• My thesis topic was aligned with the host lab’s expertise.
• Hands-on experience with robotics and WAAM gave my application a practical edge.
• A well-written SOP and strong letters of recommendation.
• My initiative in contacting professors and aligning mutual interests helped too.

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

• Started the application process earlier to explore more institution options.
• Took a basic German language course beforehand to ease life outside the lab.
• Documented my research journey more publicly (e.g., LinkedIn or ResearchGate) to showcase progress.

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

• Start early, especially when it comes to preparing documents and finding research supervisors.
• Focus on research alignment – read the faculty’s work, understand what they are working on, and build your proposal around that.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to previous scholars or professors on LinkedIn.
• Ensure your SOP tells a story – not just your achievements but also your purpose and long-term vision.
• Be authentic, consistent, and committed – these values shine through your application.