Christine Kigaga from Kenya Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Passau, Germany

My name is Christine Kigaga, and I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I am a development professional with a background in Sociology and Communication, and over the years, I’ve worked in roles that sit at the intersection of administration, community development, and organizational management.

I pursued a Master’s degree in Development Studies at the University of Passau in Germany because I wanted a deeper, more global understanding of development beyond theory, especially how policies, institutions, and people interact in real-life contexts. Coming from a country where development challenges and opportunities coexist side by side, I was drawn to the program’s interdisciplinary approach and its strong focus on international perspectives. Studying in Germany offered me the chance to learn in a multicultural environment, engage with diverse viewpoints, and sharpen my analytical skills for work in development-oriented and impact-driven spaces.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Communication. My undergraduate GPA was 2.4 on the European grading system. While my academic journey was not without its challenges, the program gave me a strong foundation in understanding social structures, communication dynamics, and development-related issues, particularly within African contexts.

The degree emphasized critical thinking, research, and community-focused analysis, skills that became central to my professional work and later informed my decision to pursue Development Studies. Through coursework, field exposure, and subsequent work experience, I developed a practical understanding of how theory translates into real-world development challenges. This background prepared me well for graduate-level studies by grounding me in both social analysis and applied communication, which are essential in development, policy, and organizational settings.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Passau?

Preparing my application required careful planning and attention to detail. I began by researching and comparing different universities, degree programs, and study destinations using platforms such as Masters Portal. This helped me understand how various programs were structured and ultimately led me to settle on Germany and a Master’s degree in Development Studies, which aligned best with my academic background and professional interests.

Once I made that decision, I focused on meeting the formal requirements. I gathered all the necessary documents, including academic transcripts and certificates, which had to be officially certified by the Ministry of Education. I also prepared for and sat the IELTS English proficiency test as part of the application process. Overall, the preparation phase taught me the importance of organization, persistence, and early planning when applying to institutions abroad.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

N/A. I was not offered any additional scholarships at the time of my application. Many of the scholarships available were age-restricted, and I did not meet the eligibility criteria, as I was over 30 when I applied. This experience highlighted the importance for prospective students to carefully review scholarship requirements early, particularly eligibility criteria such as age limits.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

I was drawn to Germany after carefully comparing it with other popular study destinations such as Australia, the UK, and the USA. While these countries are English-speaking and offer excellent programs, the cost of tuition is significantly higher. Since I was self-sponsored, financial considerations played a major role in my decision.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that German public universities offer tuition-free education even to international students. In my case, I only paid a semester contribution of about EUR 86 per semester. Part of this fee covered my student card, which allowed me to use public transport for free within the city where I was residing—an added benefit that made student life more affordable.

On a more personal note, having a Kenyan friend who was married to a German also made Germany feel a little less unfamiliar and helped tip the scales in its favor. Sometimes, those small personal connections make a big difference.

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

One of the main challenges I faced as an international student was the language barrier. I had no prior knowledge of German, and since I was living in a small city, English was not widely spoken compared to larger cities like Berlin or Munich. This made day-to-day interactions more difficult and also limited part-time work opportunities.

Finding work was further complicated by timing, as I arrived during the COVID-19 lockdown period when many businesses were closed, and student jobs were scarce. In addition, Germany has strict regulations on student employment. International students are limited to a maximum of 20 working hours per week during the semester. At the time, student jobs were also capped at an earning limit of 450 euros per month, which was tax-free but often insufficient to cover living expenses. Earnings above this threshold were subject to relatively high taxes, making it challenging to fully support oneself.

On a personal level, being a single mother and having to support my son back in Kenya added another layer of financial and emotional responsibility. Balancing academic demands, limited work opportunities, and family obligations required resilience and careful planning.

Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying in Germany for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education? Why or Why Not?

Yes, I would absolutely recommend Germany to international students seeking affordable higher education, especially with careful planning and ideally at an earlier stage in life. Germany offers high-quality education at a relatively low cost, particularly through its public universities, which makes it an attractive option for students who may be self-sponsored.

Beyond affordability, the quality of education is very strong, with well-structured programs and access to excellent academic resources. Germany also offers many opportunities after graduation, especially for students in STEM-related fields, where there is a clear demand for skilled professionals.

That said, prospective students need to plan thoroughly, financially, academically, and culturally, and be prepared for factors such as language requirements and work regulations. With the right preparation, Germany can be an excellent destination for international study.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Passau?

My experience at the University of Passau was very positive. The research-focused degree taught me valuable skills in academic writing and research methodology. Each course included presentations, which helped me polish my public speaking and presentation skills. Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with students from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. Overall, it was a period of both personal and professional growth, and it broadened my perspective in many meaningful ways..

How Do You Rate the University of Passau Academically and Why? 

I would highly recommend the University of Passau academically. The university is well-equipped, with beautiful buildings and facilities that create a conducive learning environment. The lecturers are knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive, which made learning engaging and meaningful. Overall, it’s a university that balances high-quality academic standards with a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere.

How Does the University of Passau Support International Students?

The University of Passau provides strong support for international students. One initiative I found particularly helpful was the “buddy program,” where new students are paired with more experienced students who guide them through the first few weeks and help them settle into life in the city. The university also has a dedicated International Office that assists with academic, administrative, and practical matters, making the transition smoother for students from abroad.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

It depends on the degree program. My Master’s program in Development Studies was fully taught in English, although students were encouraged to learn German to navigate daily life and integrate more easily. Other programs at German universities may be offered partly in English and partly in German, or fully in German. For programs taught in German, prior knowledge of the language is usually a prerequisite, so it’s important for prospective students to check the language requirements before applying.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? 

I returned to Kenya due to motherhood responsibilities. Since then, I have focused on applying the skills and knowledge I gained abroad to my professional work, particularly in administration, project management, and development-oriented roles.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

It depends on the language of instruction for the degree program you are pursuing. For programs taught in English, not knowing German is generally not a barrier academically. However, for programs taught partly or fully in German, prior knowledge of the language is essential to succeed.