How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany Through the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship

My name is Gemechis Negasa, and I am a recent graduate with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Engineering from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.

Growing up in Ethiopia, I developed a strong interest in both technology and medicine, which inspired me to study Biomedical Engineering. This field gave me the opportunity to work at the intersection of healthcare, engineering, and innovation. I am passionate about advancing medical technologies that improve patient care while continuously expanding my knowledge through research and lifelong learning.

Although I was raised in a resource-constrained environment, I always believed that opportunities for growth existed beyond my surroundings. This belief motivated me to pursue international education, and I was fortunate to receive two fully funded master's scholarships. The most significant was the prestigious DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship, which enabled me to pursue a master's degree at one of Europe's leading universities in Medical Engineering.

I consider myself resourceful, adaptable, and resilient. Studying in different countries, learning a new language, and adapting to new cultures have strengthened these qualities and prepared me to succeed in diverse environments.

DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship Details

I received the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Leadership for Africa Scholarship in 2022. The scholarship funded my Master's degree in Medical Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.

The scholarship included:

• Six-month intensive German language course before the master's program
• Language course tuition
• Accommodation during the language course
• Health insurance
• Monthly allowance of €450 during the language course
• Visa and travel expenses
• Monthly stipend of €992 during the 24-month master's program
• Health insurance throughout the scholarship
• Possibility of extending funding for up to six additional months
• Family reunion support for married scholars

Overall, the scholarship was worth approximately €70,000 over three years.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes.

Before receiving the DAAD scholarship, I was awarded the African Biomedical Engineering Mobility (ABEM) Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship to pursue an M.Sc. in Health Information Technology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda.

The scholarship covered tuition, accommodation, health insurance, flights, and a living allowance over two years, with an estimated total value of more than €20,000.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering with a GPA of 3.5/4.0.

Biomedical Engineering is an emerging and rapidly evolving field, and I believe choosing this discipline created many opportunities for further study and research.

Students should look beyond their current field of study and pay attention to how it is evolving, particularly in areas such as digital health, artificial intelligence, medical imaging, and healthcare technologies.

Throughout my studies, I continuously sought to learn new skills and understand how emerging technologies can improve healthcare delivery, especially in resource-limited settings.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)?

Growing up in a resource-constrained environment, I was always searching for opportunities to improve my education.

Once I gained regular internet access during my undergraduate studies (2012–2016), I began actively searching for international scholarships and graduate programs.

I regularly:

• Read scholarship blogs
• Subscribed to scholarship newsletters
• Followed scholarship websites
• Monitored official university websites
• Checked DAAD and other scholarship providers regularly

I also subscribed to email notifications so that scholarship opportunities were delivered directly to my inbox.

The key is consistency. Opportunities appear throughout the year, so it is important to keep checking eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT)?

No.

Since my undergraduate degree was taught entirely in English, my university issued an English as the Medium of Instruction certificate, which was accepted for my first master's scholarship.

For my DAAD scholarship and admission to FAU, I explained that:

• my previous master's degree was completed in English,
• I had lived in an English-speaking country (Uganda),
• and I used English daily in my academic and professional work as an assistant lecturer.

Based on this evidence, the university waived the IELTS/TOEFL requirement.

Preparing my applications mainly involved researching each program, understanding the admission requirements, writing a strong motivation letter, preparing supporting documents, and submitting complete applications before the deadline.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Preparation begins long before submitting an application.

I continuously searched for scholarship opportunities relevant to my academic background and career goals.

There are thousands of scholarships available worldwide, but applicants need to actively search, verify their eligibility, prepare strong application materials, and apply consistently.

Some of the resources I regularly used include:

• DAAD Scholarship Database
• Scholarship for Development
• After School Africa
• LinkedIn
• Facebook scholarship groups
• Email newsletters

Persistence is important because success often comes after multiple applications.

How Was Your Experience at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)?

My experience at FAU was extremely positive.

The university offers world-class teaching, modern laboratories, excellent research facilities, and internationally recognized professors.

One of the most rewarding aspects was studying alongside students from many different countries. This multicultural environment broadened my perspective and helped me develop valuable international networks.

How Do You Rate the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) Academically and Why?

I consider FAU one of the leading universities in Europe for Medical Engineering.

Its close collaboration with industry, particularly Siemens Healthineers, creates excellent opportunities for applied research.

Many professors lead research projects in partnership with hospitals and medical technology companies, allowing students to gain practical experience alongside academic learning.

How Does the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) Support International Students?

FAU provides excellent support for international students.

Each department has academic advisors who help students with course selection and academic matters.

The International Office assists newly arrived students with accommodation, residence permits, orientation, and administrative procedures.

There are also student organizations and mentoring programs that help international students integrate into university life.

Is the Program Tuition-Free? If Not, What Fees Did You Pay?

Yes.

The Master's program in Medical Engineering is tuition-free.

Students only pay a semester contribution of approximately €71, which supports student services and the student union.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

The entire Master's program is taught in English.

Most lectures, laboratory sessions, examinations, and course materials are available in English.

What Did You Pursue After Completing the Scholarship?

Graduates have many opportunities, including pursuing a Ph.D., working in academia, joining medical technology companies, or entering research and development.

After completing my degree, I chose to pursue employment in the medical technology industry.

Is German Necessary for Academic Success?

Basic German (around A1 level) is helpful for daily life, including shopping, transportation, banking, and interacting with local communities.

However, academically, it is not essential because the program is taught entirely in English.

Most professors, researchers, and administrative staff communicate comfortably in English.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my motivation, academic background, and clear career goals made my application competitive.

Rather than simply expressing interest in the program, I explained:

• where I came from,
• what experiences had shaped me,
• what I wanted to achieve,
• and how the university's curriculum aligned with my long-term goals.

I carefully reviewed the courses offered and demonstrated how they would help me develop the knowledge and skills needed for my future career.

This strong alignment between my goals and the program likely strengthened my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

Overall, I would choose the same university and the same program again.

However, I would begin networking with professors, alumni, and companies much earlier.

Although networking requires time outside your studies, it creates valuable professional connections that can make the transition into employment much easier.

What Advice Would You Give Future Applicants?

My biggest advice is to understand every aspect of the scholarship before applying.

Carefully review:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application deadlines
• Required documents
• Language requirements
• Eligible degree programs

Pay close attention to the scholarship conditions. For example, some scholarships only support tuition-free programs. If you apply to a program that charges tuition fees, your application may become ineligible even if you receive admission.

Finally, I want to encourage anyone whose financial situation seems to be a barrier to pursuing higher education. There are many opportunities available in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and training programs. The key is to invest time in researching these opportunities, understand the eligibility requirements, and prepare yourself to become a strong candidate. With persistence, careful preparation, and determination, opportunities that once seemed out of reach can become a reality.