Ebrima Sowe from The Gambia Shares His Journey of Pursuing an LL.M. in International Law at Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU Kiel University); A Tuition-Free Master’s Program in Germany

My name is Ebrima Sowe, and I am from The Gambia. I am a trained lawyer with a strong interest in international law, governance, and public service. I pursued an LL.M. in International Law at Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU Kiel University) in Germany because I wanted advanced legal training in a globally respected academic environment that was also financially accessible. Germany’s tuition-free public universities made it possible for me to pursue postgraduate studies without the burden of tuition fees, which would otherwise have been out of reach.

Educational Background

I hold an LL.B. from the University of The Gambia and a Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) qualification from the Nigerian Law School in Nigeria, where I was eventually called to the Bar as Barrister & Solicitor. My academic background focused on Public law, human rights, and international legal frameworks, which prepared me well for postgraduate studies in international law.

I graduated from my LL.M. program cum laude.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Christian Albrechts University of Kiel?

I conducted extensive independent research on public universities in Germany upon hearing that most of their public universities are tuition-free. I always checked admission requirements and the language of instruction. I carefully reviewed program structures and entry criteria and ensured my academic documents met requirements. During the application process, my admission was initially rejected due to a misunderstanding about the length of my undergraduate degree. I formally appealed the decision, clarified that my law degree was completed over four years rather than three, and the admission panel reconsidered and accepted my application.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. Although I did not accept these offers, I was awarded the following scholarships:

Penn State Dickinson Law (USA) - LL.M. Program Tuition Scholarship: USD 35,000 (distributed over two semesters)

University of California, Berkeley – School of Law (USA) Executive LL.M. (2026–2027) Least Developed Countries (LDC) Scholarship: 50% tuition coverage

Approximate Value: USD 39,664

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

Germany offers high-quality education at public universities without tuition fees, even for international students. This model strongly appealed to me, as it prioritizes access to education based on merit rather than financial capacity. Additionally, Germany has a strong academic reputation in legal research and international law, making it an ideal place to pursue my LL.M.

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

While tuition was free, living costs were a major challenge. International students must still cover accommodation, health insurance, and daily expenses. Also, I was not aware that every student (even those with tuition-free offers) must pay a Semester fee each semester (semesterbeitrag) for administration and public transport, which is about 273 Euros.

The COVID-19 pandemic added further uncertainty, as regulations and university policies changed rapidly. Fortunately, the university adapted and allowed remote study during part of the program, which helped me continue my studies despite global disruptions. Financial planning and adaptability were essential throughout my time as a student.

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

Yes, I would recommend Germany and CAU Kiel to international students seeking affordable, high-quality education.

Tuition-free education significantly reduces financial barriers, but students must plan carefully for living expenses. The academic standards are high, and students who are disciplined and prepared can gain an excellent education without incurring large student debt.

 How is (was) Your Experience at Christian Albrechts University of Kiel? 

My experience at Kiel University was academically rigorous and rewarding. The program encouraged critical thinking, independent research, and engagement with international legal issues from a comparative perspective in a very practical approach.

My favorite was the weekly colloquium we used to have, focused on real case presentations on International Court of Justice Jurisprudence.

Gives you a whole idea of how the international legal system works rather than just theoretical studies.

How Do You Rate Christian Albrechts University of Kiel Academically and Why? 

I would rate the institution very highly. The faculty were knowledgeable, the curriculum was well-structured, and the academic expectations were clear and demanding, which contributed to the strong academic development that helped me build a career in the international job market.

 How Does Christian Albrechts University of Kiel Support International Students?

The university provided administrative guidance, academic resources, and flexibility during the COVID-19 period, particularly through the transition to remote learning when necessary.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

The LL.M. in International Law was conducted entirely in English.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? (Work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?)

After completing my LL.M., I undertook an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). Although the internship was unpaid and financially challenging, it was a valuable professional experience. I later returned home to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and am currently serving with the African Union.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problem Academically Not Knowing German?

For English-taught programs like mine, students can succeed academically without knowing German. However, basic German language skills are helpful for daily life and integration outside the classroom.