How an Ethiopian Scholar Was Awarded the DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarship for a Fully Funded Joint PhD in Urban Planning at Ardhi University and TU Dortmund

My name is Girma Mulu Alemu, and I am from Ethiopia. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Development, and a second Master's degree in Urban Management and Development. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D in Spatial Planning at TU Dortmund University, Germany, and a Ph.D in Urban Planning and Management at Ardhi University, Tanzania, as part of a joint Ph.D program. I am currently based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

In 2017, I returned to Ethiopia from the Netherlands to conduct fieldwork for my Master's thesis. During an interview in the peri-urban villages surrounding Addis Ababa, I met drunk farmers carrying yokes, seemingly lost in hope, as housing construction projects by the city administration encroach on their agricultural land, from which they have already lost most of their land through government expropriation. That day, I witnessed African cities under continuous construction, and thus, I decided to explore the contentiousness of peri-urban Africa further.

Scholarship Details

Institution/s: Ardhi University, Tanzania, and TU Dortmund, Germany

Scholarship Name: DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarship Programme

Scholarship Amount: More than 52,000 Euro

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Jigjiga University (2007–2010) with a GPA of 3.56/4.0. After working in a local government office for two years, I pursued a Master’s in Urban Planning and Management at the Ethiopian Civil Service University (2012–2014), funded by the Ethiopian Government, graduating with a GPA of 3.73/4.0. Following this, I joined Haramaya University as a lecturer and researcher. In 2016, I was awarded a full scholarship under the Netherlands Fellowship Programme to pursue a second Master’s in Urban Management and Development at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where I graduated with a GPA of 7.4/10.

My undergraduate courses in Sociology prepared me to specialize in urban studies, which are both multidisciplinary and cover a broader range of disciplines.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

I was determined to secure a DAAD Scholarship and approached the process strategically. I regularly reviewed university and scholarship websites, carefully checking eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Whenever I had questions, I would write concise and focused emails to professors or program coordinators to clarify details. This helped me tailor my application materials, including my Europass CV, research concept notes, and letters of recommendation, effectively. That early engagement made a huge difference.

Talk about how you find your information as well as standardized test scores such as SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT etc. How did you prepare for those exams?

Since standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE can be costly and time-consuming, I intentionally searched for programs that waive language requirements for applicants from English-instruction backgrounds, such as Ethiopia. Many institutions acknowledge this and offer exemptions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

My first step was to review the eligibility criteria thoroughly. Once confirmed, I quickly began gathering my application materials. Early preparation was key; I never waited until the last minute. A crucial part of this was contacting referees in advance to ensure they had ample time to submit recommendation letters. I also paid special attention to my research concept notes and motivation letter, as I believe it’s the heart of any scholarship application. I ensured it was well-structured, genuine, and clearly aligned with the scholarship’s goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I do not believe in luck. I believe in preparation. I made sure every part of my application was solid. I asked colleagues and friends to review my documents, which helped me refine and improve them. In particular, my strong academic track record, field experience, and clearly articulated research purpose likely made my application a compelling one. The motivation letter and recommendation letters were equally critical.

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

I would have applied for even more scholarships. Looking back, I now realize the importance of maturity, patience, and planning. If I could go back, I would spend more time refining my research proposal and motivation letter and use platforms like LinkedIn more actively to connect with mentors and access new opportunities. Social media, when utilized effectively, can be a powerful tool for scholars.

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

Be organized, consistent, and strategic. Motivation alone won’t get you a scholarship; you need to put in the effort. Be ready to commit your time, energy, and resources to the application process. Start early, stay focused, and seek feedback. Remember: applying for scholarships is a competitive process, but with preparation and persistence, success is possible.