DAAD EPOS Scholarship Scholar Ghifari Pranurani Permana from Indonesia Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at TU Dortmund University and the University of the Philippines Diliman, Germany and the Philippines

My name is Ghifari Pranurani Permana, and I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. I am pursuing an international joint master's degree in Regional Development Planning and Management (SPRING) at TU Dortmund University and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

I chose this field of study because I am interested in addressing development challenges, particularly in countries in the Global South, a key focus of this program. As part of the program, students spend their second year at one of the partner universities in the Global South. In my case, this component of the program has given me valuable academic and practical perspectives on regional development, particularly in the Philippines, as many of the development challenges I have explored are also relevant to Indonesia's development context.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Details

DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses). The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, travel expenses, health insurance, research-related allowances, and a German language course. The exact amount and benefits may vary from year to year according to DAAD regulations.

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Universitas Gadjah Mada, with a GPA of 3.56. My master's program is closely aligned with my undergraduate studies, as both focus on planning and development issues. After graduating, I worked in several roles related to government and development planning. These academic and professional experiences provided me with a strong foundation in understanding planning dynamics and development challenges, which prepared me to pursue further studies in regional development planning and management.

How Did You Find Information About the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, TU Dortmund University, and the University of the Philippines Diliman?

I first learned about the DAAD EPOS Scholarship through its strong reputation in Indonesia, where it is well known among students seeking international study opportunities. Germany is also a popular destination for higher education due to the quality of its universities and academic programs. Moreover, I was encouraged by a friend who had previously received the same scholarship to study at a different university in Germany. My friend's experience motivated me to explore the opportunity further and eventually apply for the scholarship.

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

I took the IELTS as part of my scholarship application process. To prepare for the test, I enrolled in an evening preparation course while working full-time. Balancing work and IELTS preparation was challenging, but it taught me the importance of time management and discipline. With consistent effort and commitment, I was able to achieve the IELTS score required for my scholarship application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

Apart from preparing for the IELTS test and completing the administrative requirements, I also spent time working on my motivation letter. I asked several friends for their feedback to improve my application. Moreover, I requested recommendation letters from my supervisor at work and my bachelor's thesis advisor. Their support and insights helped strengthen my application and better reflect my academic and professional experiences. After being shortlisted for the interview stage, I also spent time preparing for the interview required by the university as part of the selection process. Practicing beforehand helped me communicate my experiences, motivations, and future goals more confidently.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the International Joint Master's Degree in Regional Development Planning and Management? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

As a DAAD EPOS scholar, my main study-related expenses were covered by the scholarship. I was only required to pay the semester fee at TU Dortmund University, which included a semester ticket for public transportation in Germany.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

All of my classes are conducted in English. However, as a DAAD EPOS scholar, I attended a mandatory German language course for two months before the start of the first semester. It was a valuable experience that helped me better understand the German language and culture. In addition, students have the opportunity to continue taking German language courses at the university during their studies without any additional fees.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe I was selected for the scholarship because of the strong relevance of my academic and professional background to the program. My bachelor's degree and work experience provided a solid foundation for pursuing further studies in regional development planning and management. Furthermore, I presented a clear motivation in my application, explaining the knowledge and skills I hoped to gain from the program and how they aligned with my future goals. I also believe that the recommendation letters from my work supervisor and my bachelor's thesis advisor strengthened my application by highlighting my academic and professional potential.

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

I don’t think I would do many things differently if I went through the process again. I believe that being myself and presenting my own academic, professional, and personal experiences was one of the strengths of my application. It helped me clearly communicate my motivations and goals throughout the application process in an honest and natural way.

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

In general, I would encourage applicants to be confident and choose scholarship programs that match their academic or professional background. If you are applying for a program that is not directly related to your bachelor's degree, but is connected to your professional experience, make sure to prepare a clear motivation letter that explains your reasons and demonstrates why you are a good fit for the program.

If you are still pursuing your bachelor's degree, try to maintain good academic performance and build good relationships with your professors and lecturers. In the future, you may need recommendation letters from them, and having a good academic relationship can be very helpful during the application process.

Most importantly, I believe this advice applies to any scholarship opportunity: do not hesitate to apply. As long as you have clear motivation and relevant experiences, do not be afraid of failure. Failure is simply part of the journey toward achieving your goals and can teach you valuable lessons along the way.