How an Indian Physics Student Secured a Fully Funded DAAD WISE Fellowship to Conduct Theoretical Physics Research at the University of Stuttgart

Hi, I'm Devashish Tiwari. I'm originally from Jhansi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. Currently, I have completed my Integrated Master's degree in Physics at IISER Bhopal in June 2025, and now I am joining the PhD program in France very soon.
Growing up, I was always deeply curious about how the world works, and that naturally drew me towards physics. My passion for the subject led me to choose IISER Bhopal, a place known for its strong academic environment and research opportunities. During my time at IISER, I was exposed to a wide range of subjects, but it was here that I discovered my true interest in theoretical physics. The institute provided me with a solid foundation in both coursework and research, and over the years, my interest in exploring the deep, mathematical structure of physical theories only grew stronger. This journey, from a young student passionate about physics to someone seriously considering a future in research, has been both challenging and rewarding.

DAAD WISE Scholarship Details

I was awarded the DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) Fellowship in 2024, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This scholarship supports Indian undergraduate students to carry out research internships at German universities and research institutes.

Before applying, I first had to connect with a professor in Germany who was willing to host me. After a few email exchanges and an online interview, the professor proposed a project for me, and together we prepared a research proposal. Along with that, I submitted an internship plan, my academic transcript, and a letter of recommendation from an Indian professor as part of my application.

After evaluating my application, DAAD awarded me the scholarship to work at the University of Stuttgart for a period of up to three months. The scholarship provided a monthly stipend of 932 euros to cover living expenses and a travel grant of 1050 euros, which was more than enough to maintain a modest and comfortable lifestyle in Stuttgart. This was the only international research scholarship I applied to at the time, and I'm very grateful that it worked out perfectly.

Educational Background

At the time I received the DAAD WISE scholarship, my cumulative GPA was 9.74. I believe that maintaining strong academic performance, along with a solid letter of recommendation, played a key role in securing the fellowship. Since this program is aimed at early-stage undergraduates, the selection process doesn’t expect deep research experience but rather looks for academic consistency, curiosity, and potential.

My coursework at IISER Bhopal gave me a broad and rigorous foundation in physics and mathematics, and the curriculum encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving from early on. These courses helped me build a strong base in theoretical and computational physics, which later aligned well with the project I pursued in Germany.

Additionally, I had done a prior research internship at IIT Gandhinagar, which was my first exposure to research outside the classroom. That experience helped me understand how research is approached, how to read scientific papers, and how to think independently, all of which definitely helped me feel more confident and prepared when applying for DAAD and starting my project in Stuttgart.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

For DAAD WISE, no standardized English test was required as long as the medium of instruction at your home institute was English. Since IISER Bhopal teaches entirely in English, that was enough. My professor also informally assessed my English during our conversations and was satisfied.

Still, just for practice, I took the IELTS and scored 7.5 band. I only prepared for about two days using YouTube, mainly to understand the exam format and how to structure answers. Honestly, if someone has studied in English-medium schools and has a decent grasp of the language, that’s more than enough.

Also, DAAD WISE had strict eligibility criteria, only students from certain Indian institutes like IISERs, IITs, NITs, etc., could apply, and all of them already had English as the main language of instruction.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

To apply for the DAAD WISE scholarship, the first step was to reach out to a professor in Germany who could host me. After some communication and a successful interview, the professor proposed a project for me. Together, we prepared a research proposal and internship plan, which became the core of my application. Along with that, I submitted my transcript, a letter of recommendation from an Indian professor, and proof that the medium of instruction at my institute is English. The application was submitted through the official DAAD portal.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe a few things made my application stand out:
– A strong academic record (GPA of 9.74 at the time)
– A well-prepared and relevant research proposal
– A good letter of recommendation
– Prior research experience from my internship at IIT Gandhinagar
– And most importantly, my genuine interest in theoretical and computational physics, which clearly reflected in the project I chose and how I presented myself

Since DAAD WISE is meant for early-stage students, they don’t expect advanced research, but they definitely value consistency, clarity of thought, and motivation, all of which I tried to show in my application.

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 focus more on maintaining consistent research exposure throughout, even before applying. I’d also try to plan better by setting clear timelines and actually sticking to them, because most of the time, timelines tend to break, especially when juggling academics and applications. Being more organized would definitely make the process smoother.

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

Just be patient and apply if you genuinely want to, don’t overthink the outcome. What really matters is whether you are applying sincerely and properly, not whether you get selected or not. I personally don’t believe in cold-applying without thought; it’s better to take time and apply meaningfully.

Also, be consistent. If you're honest with yourself and your efforts, things will work out, maybe not always the way you expect, but often even better. And even if you don’t get the scholarship, it doesn’t mean you're not good enough. Sometimes, it just means there's something else waiting for you.