How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at the University of Göttingen, Germany Through the DAAD Study Scholarship

My name is Elene Veliashvili, and I am from Kutaisi, Georgia. I am currently pursuing my third degree: a Bachelor’s in Psychology at the Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (Standort Eichstätt) in Bavaria, Germany. Before this, I completed a Bachelor’s in German Language and Literature at Akaki Tsereteli State University in Georgia and a Master’s in German Literature at the University of Göttingen. I have been living in Germany since 2020, and one of the most important milestones of my journey was receiving the DAAD scholarship for my Master’s degree. I have always been passionate about literature. To me, language is a living organism, and belles-lettres is its purest, most artful form. German was the language that opened many doors for me, so I thought: Why not combine the two? There is another reason as well. I believe German literature is very close to philosophy. To truly understand one, you need knowledge of the other. Even to fully appreciate the music of Wagner, it helps to have read the Nibelungenlied. These themes pushed me to pursue the degree, not only to learn facts, but to think critically and to truly enjoy fiction.

DAAD Scholarship Details

As I mentioned, the scholarship is from the DAAD and is called “Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines.” It is a wonderful opportunity to live and study in Germany. Scholarship holders currently receive a monthly payment of 992 euros (during my time, it was 850 euros), along with contributions toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance (upon application), and an annual study allowance of 460 euros. When you apply for the scholarship, you also have to apply to at least three universities, and in your application, you must explain why you chose each one.

Educational Background

Before applying for the Master’s scholarship, you must already hold a Bachelor’s degree or have proof that you have completed it. I studied for four years for my Bachelor’s in Georgia (at that time, the program was four years). I had a strong academic background: my Bachelor’s was also financed thanks to my results in the entrance examinations (Aufnahmeprüfungen), and when I converted my Bachelor’s grades into the German system, I had a 1.0, the highest possible grade in Germany. That said, while being an excellent student with great grades is essential, it is sometimes not enough. You also have to be active in society, take part in conferences and programs, and use every chance to enrich your CV.

How Did You Find Information About the DAAD Scholarship and Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt?

Since the 12th grade, I have known about the scholarships from the Goethe-Institut Georgia and DAAD Tbilisi. Both organizations are very active and supportive of young people with ambition and skills. I would like to thank them again here.

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

Because I was applying for a Master’s that I would pursue in German, I needed the TestDaF certificate, which is required of non-native speakers at German universities. I started preparing a year before the exam. My advice is to start early and focus on the specific requirements of the test: how it is structured and what is expected. It is important to do as many practice exams as you can.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

I gathered all my documents and my transcript and made a checklist. I strongly advise asking questions whenever you are unsure about something; better safe than sorry. Make sure everything follows the organization’s requirements exactly. You may be a perfect candidate, but if you overlook the formalities, there is a real chance you will lose the opportunity. I would say I started preparing from the first semester of my Bachelor’s, because I knew the competition would be fierce, especially without a STEM background; you had to be truly exceptional even to be invited to the interview.

How is Your Experience at Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt?

My experience was great. As I said, DAAD Tbilisi is a wonderful organization and always ready to answer your questions. When I came to Germany, the German DAAD was just as helpful; whenever I had a question, they never hesitated to answer it fully.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master's in German Literature? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

In Germany, studying is free; you only pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which varies from university to university but is usually no more than around 250 euros per semester.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

At the University of Göttingen, German Literature (Neuere Deutsche Literatur) was taught in German. It depends on the subject you are studying. For my program, I also needed at least a B2 level of English, though no certificate was required.

What Did You Pursue After the DAAD Scholarship?

After earning my Master’s degree, I worked at the Goethe-Institut Munich and then decided to study psychology. I completed some orientation internships (Orientierungspraktika) at a clinic in Munich. My career path is quite ambitious: I want to complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in psychology, then pursue an interdisciplinary PhD (Literature and Psychology), work as a therapist, and eventually return to Kutaisi, Georgia.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I would say authenticity and motivation. Everyone can have a strong academic background, but can everyone be truly honest about why they want to study at a particular university? Also, be daring. When I applied for the 2020 winter semester, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I knew my chances were slim, but I persisted. One day, I received a call telling me I was one of seven scholarship holders, and the only one from a humanities background. So if you are good, do not listen to the “what ifs”, just do it.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

Absolutely nothing.

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

Be active outside the university. Have hobbies and be creative. Grades are the minimum requirement, but who you are beyond academics matters just as much. Attend meetings and information events, ask questions, stand out through your initiative, and never give up. I wish you all the best!