How an Ethiopian Political Science Graduate Earned the Fully Funded DAAD and Türkiye Scholarships to Study International Relations Across Turkey and Germany

My name is Esayas Bamlack Bishaw. I am from Ethiopia and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Cologne, Germany. Choosing to study Political Science and International Relations has been one of the best decisions of my life. It provides a deep understanding of today’s multidimensional and complex world order, helping me make informed decisions both personally and beyond. Studying in different regions and immersing myself in diverse cultures has always been my dream. This aspiration led me to continue my studies, allowing me to gain knowledge not only from the classroom but also through real-life experiences.

DAAD and YTB Scholarship Details

I am currently in Cologne as a recipient of the prestigious German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Leadership for Africa Scholarship. DAAD is the world’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange, offering scholarships, research grants, and funding opportunities for students, researchers, and academics worldwide to study or conduct research in Germany. Since its establishment in 1925, DAAD has supported millions of international scholars, fostering global academic exchange and collaboration.

Before coming to Germany, I earned my MA in International Relations from the Social Sciences University of Ankara, graduating in June 2024. My studies in Turkey were fully funded by the prestigious Türkiye Scholarships (YTB Scholarships), a comprehensive scholarship program offered by the Turkish government. The Türkiye Scholarships provide full funding for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs at top universities in Turkey. The program is managed by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and aims to strengthen academic and cultural ties between Turkiye and the global community.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Following that, I completed my first MA in International Relations at the Social Sciences University of Ankara in Turkey, graduating in June 2024. Although I am not a 4.0 scorer, I achieved good grades, which enabled me to secure several prestigious scholarships, including the DAAD Leadership for Africa 2021, Turkish Scholarships 2020, DAAD Leadership for Africa 2024, and the Central European University 2024 scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Cologne?

To prepare for applying to institutions, I mainly relied on Google searches to find scholarship opportunities. Every night before going to bed, I would visit scholarship websites to gather information and keep track of any new opportunities. Once I decided to apply for scholarships, I knew that investing in International Language Proficiency certificates was crucial, as they are often a game-changer in scholarship applications.

The journey wasn’t easy, especially when it came to financing my first IELTS exam. It took me some time to gather the money, but in the meantime, I borrowed IELTS study materials from a friend who had already taken the exam. I dedicated myself to consistent practice for about four months. Once I had the funds, I took the exam and achieved a B2 score, which was acceptable for my first attempt. This certificate played a significant role in helping me secure both the German and Turkish scholarships.

While I was in Turkey, I decided to take the IELTS twice to improve my score, and I succeeded in reaching my target of C1. This experience showed me that investing in English language proficiency exams like IELTS can be a great asset for scholarship applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

Applying for a scholarship is an exciting journey that requires continuous commitment, from organizing documents for the application to making the most of the opportunity once it is won. The first step I took was gathering and organizing the necessary documentation, including authenticated documents, English language proficiency exam results, and recommendation letters from professors and workplaces. It took some time, but once everything was in order, nothing could stop me from applying and standing out. When applying for different scholarships, I mainly modified my motivation letter to fit the specific context and requirements of each scholarship. This approach allowed me to tailor my application while keeping the rest of my documents consistent.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

If I had to pinpoint one personal quality that made my application stand out, it would be discipline. When I set a goal, I remain committed to my plans and consistently put in the necessary effort to achieve it. This dedication and focus have been key factors in my success throughout this journey.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would leverage state-of-the-art technologies, like AI, to help improve my exam scores and streamline the process of compiling my documentation. These tools could have helped me be more efficient and precise, ultimately enhancing my overall application.

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

My advice would be: apply! And don’t hesitate to go for prestigious scholarships. Many people avoid applying for these, thinking there will be stronger competition, but the truth is, most people feel the same way and skip these opportunities. If you don’t succeed the first time, consider it a valuable experience that will help you improve and prepare for the next round.