How Engr. Nnenna Aguwa, a Nigerian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the PTDF–DAAD Nigerian-German Postgraduate Training Programme

I am Engr. Nnenna Aguwa, MNSE, and I hail from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. I am currently in my third semester of a master’s degree programme in Subsurface Engineering at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, proudly sponsored by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

In 2019, I earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Nigeria, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.65/5.00. My interest in Civil Engineering was inspired in part by my father, Prof. Engr. James Isiwu Aguwa, FNSE, whose professional journey helped shape my appreciation for the engineering profession. I was particularly drawn to the role of civil engineering to enhance people’s quality of life, promote economic growth, and support community development.

Immediately after graduation, I joined Dantata Town Developers Limited, Abuja, Nigeria, where I worked as a Civil Engineer/Supervisor II in the Infrastructure and Engineering Department for three years and six months. This experience strengthened my practical knowledge of engineering operations, construction supervision, and infrastructure development.

While working, I furthered my education by pursuing a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Abuja, Nigeria, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.79/5.00 in 2025. During my academic journey, I also had the privilege of receiving sponsorship through the Charity Kpabep Scholarship for female engineering students, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have also engaged with professional engineering bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), and the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN). My involvement in professional activities has helped broaden my perspective, strengthen my professional network, and appreciate the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.

Scholarship Award and Funding

I was awarded the Nigerian-German Postgraduate Training Programme Master, 2025, a collaborative postgraduate training opportunity involving the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This is a fully funded scholarship for master’s studies in Germany for 24 months. The funding package covers a return air ticket, monthly accommodation and living expenses allowance, and visa application costs.

The programme also includes four months of intensive German language training, with accommodation provided and a monthly allowance for living expenses. Additional benefits include a travel allowance within Germany, health insurance coverage, and a research allowance per year.

This support has been instrumental in making my postgraduate studies in Germany possible. Beyond the financial assistance, the opportunity provides a valuable platform for academic advancement, international exposure, cultural exchange, and professional development.

Finding and Applying for the Scholarship

I learned about scholarship opportunities through friends, family, and online platforms. I made a conscious effort to identify programmes that aligned with my academic qualifications, professional experience, and long-term aspirations.

My application journey began with an online submission through the PTDF scholarship portal. After progressing successfully through the initial stage, I was invited to participate in an interview. Following a successful interview, I was awarded the PTDF scholarship.

Subsequently, PTDF awardees proceeding to Germany were invited to apply for DAAD support through a designated application link. I completed the additional application process and was selected, becoming a PTDF–DAAD scholar. Then, I submitted my application to RUB, providing the required documents, and obtained admission.

No standardized tests were required as part of the application process I completed. However, preparing a strong application, presenting my qualifications clearly, and demonstrating how the programme aligned with my career goals were important aspects of my journey.

My Experience at Ruhr University Bochum

My studies at Ruhr University Bochum are progressing well, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn in an international academic environment. My MSc programme is taught in English, which enables me to concentrate on my coursework and research while gradually becoming familiar with the German language and culture.

One of the financial advantages is that there are no tuition fees for my course, although I pay a semester contribution of approximately €380 per semester. The intensive German language training provided through DAAD is another valuable component of the scholarship, as it offers an opportunity to develop language skills that may prove useful in everyday life and professional interactions.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe the strength of my application lay in the coherence of my academic background, professional experience, chosen programme, and future career objectives. My qualification in Civil Engineering, together with my practical experience in infrastructure and engineering supervision, provided a strong foundation for my continued studies.

My academic achievements, publications, recommendations, and participation in professional organizations also contributed to my profile. Beyond these accomplishments, I believe my confidence, charisma, interpersonal skills, and social awareness helped me communicate my abilities and aspirations effectively during the interview.

Thorough preparation was equally important. I made an effort to understand the scholarship requirements, reflect on my motivation for pursuing the programme, and establish a clear connection between the opportunity and my long-term ambitions.

I believe a compelling scholarship application should tell a consistent and convincing story. It should explain not only what an applicant has achieved but also why they have chosen a particular field of study, how the scholarship will support their development, and how the knowledge acquired may benefit their home country and the wider international community.

Above all, I believe that diligence, determination, preparation, and faith in God all played a role in my journey. I remain grateful for the opportunities I have received and the support that has helped me progress towards my goals.

Advice for Future Scholarship Applicants

My advice to prospective scholarship applicants is to begin preparing early, gather all the required documents, and study the eligibility criteria and application guidelines carefully. A well-organized application reduces avoidable mistakes and allows you to present your qualifications and achievements clearly.

I also encourage applicants to research their chosen university and programme thoroughly and, where possible, connect with scholars who have successfully navigated the same or a similar application process. Their experiences can offer practical insights into the application requirements, interview preparation, and expectations of the scholarship.

It is equally important to demonstrate a clear connection between your academic background, professional experience, proposed course of study, and future ambitions. During interviews, be prepared to discuss your application confidently, explain your motivation convincingly, and show how the scholarship fits into your broader career plans.

Finally, remain persistent, disciplined, and open to guidance. Scholarship applications can be competitive, but careful preparation and a clear sense of purpose can strengthen your candidacy. Trust in your abilities, remain committed to your goals, and keep faith throughout the process.