How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Hochschule Bremerhaven, Germany Through the PTDF.DAAD Nigerian German Postgraduate Training Programme Scholarship

My name is Ebikaboere Kristine AfoegbaGregory, and I am from southern Nigeria. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, which gave me a strong foundation in energy systems and the operations of the oil and gas industry.

My interest in Process Engineering developed during my internship at a refinery. There, I observed how process and chemical engineers monitored plant operations, investigated technical challenges, and developed solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability. This experience helped me see how engineering knowledge could be applied directly to real industrial problems, and it motivated me to pursue Process Engineering as a career.

As I learned more about the energy sector, I also became increasingly interested in the transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy systems. I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond petroleum engineering and develop the skills needed to contribute to both industrial process improvement and the future of energy technology. For this reason, I pursued a Master of Science in Process Engineering and Energy Technology at Hochschule Bremerhaven in Germany, a path made possible through the PTDF DAAD Nigerian German Postgraduate Training Programme Scholarship.

PTDF DAAD Scholarship Details

Institution: Hochschule Bremerhaven, Germany

Degree programme: Master of Science in Process Engineering and Energy Technology

Scholarship: PTDF.DAAD Nigerian German Postgraduate Training Programme Scholarship

Monthly stipend: €992

I was awarded the PTDF DAAD Nigerian German Postgraduate Training Programme Scholarship, offered through a partnership between the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) of Nigeria and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The scholarship supported my master’s studies at Hochschule Bremerhaven and included a monthly stipend of €992, a fully funded intensive German language course, comprehensive health insurance, accident and personal liability insurance, and academic and administrative support throughout my studies. The programme is intended to support the postgraduate training of qualified Nigerian professionals at German universities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Hochschule Bremerhaven?

I began by identifying universities in Germany that offered Process Engineering, Energy Technology, or closely related programmes aligned with my academic background and long-term career goals. Since I had studied Petroleum Engineering, I paid particular attention to programmes that would allow me to build on my knowledge of energy systems while developing broader expertise in process engineering and sustainable technologies.

I carefully compared the curricula, admission requirements, application deadlines, language requirements, and programme structures of different universities. I relied primarily on official university websites to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the application process and required documents.

Because many German universities process international applications through uni-assist, I familiarized myself with the platform and used it to submit my applications. I prepared my academic documents, certificates, transcripts, and other required materials in advance and carefully checked that each application met the specific requirements of the institution. Although there was a small application fee, I found the uni-assist process relatively straightforward and well organized.

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

I first reviewed the scholarship requirements carefully and prepared the necessary documents in advance. These included my CV, motivation letter, university degree certificate, academic transcripts, and information about my preferred master’s programme using the DAAD form. I also obtained or submitted the admission letter from the German university as required during the application process.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master of Science in Process Engineering and Energy Technology? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

Yes. My Master’s programme in Process Engineering and Energy Technology did not charge tuition fees. However, I was required to pay a semester contribution of €438 per semester.

This contribution covered the student services fee, AStA contribution, semester ticket, and administration fee. Since the programme did not charge tuition, the €438 consisted of semester-related contributions rather than tuition fees.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My Master’s programme was fully taught in English. This included lectures, laboratory sessions, assignments, examinations, and academic projects. As a result, I was able to focus on my studies while gradually learning German for everyday communication and life outside the classroom.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

No. Since my Master's programme was fully taught in English, not knowing German presented no academic challenges. That said, having a basic grasp of German is very helpful for daily life things like shopping, using public services, attending appointments, and interacting with the local community. It isn't essential for academic success in an English-taught programme, but learning some German makes living in Germany considerably easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my persistence, authenticity, and clarity of purpose. I wasn't awarded the scholarship on my first attempt, but instead of giving up, I took time to strengthen my profile and improve my application before applying again. That experience taught me resilience and the value of continuous self-improvement.

I also believe I communicated my academic interests and career goals clearly, both in my motivation letter and during the interview.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would prepare my documents well in advance instead of waiting for an opportunity to be announced. Transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, and language test scores all take time to gather, and having them ready ahead of time would have made each application less rushed and given me more time to focus on writing a strong personal statement.

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

My advice is to research the scholarship thoroughly before applying, understand its values, priorities, and what kind of candidates it's looking for, and let that shape how you write your motivation letter rather than using a generic template.

I would also encourage applicants to ask someone to review their application before submitting; a mentor, past scholar, or even a colleague can catch weaknesses you might not notice yourself. Small improvements in clarity and focus can make a real difference.

Finally, treat every rejection as feedback, not failure. Take time to genuinely reflect on what could be strengthened, rather than resubmitting the same application unchanged. That mindset shift is what eventually helped me succeed

My advice is to research the scholarship thoroughly before applying, understand its values, priorities, and what kind of candidates it's looking for, and let that shape how you write your motivation letter rather than using a generic template.