From a Small Town in Azerbaijan to Germany: My DAAD-Funded Master’s Journey in Political Economy

My name is Gular Huseynova, and I come from a small town in Azerbaijan —a place with limited opportunities but endless dreams. Despite the challenges, I worked hard, moved to the capital city - Baku, and completed my Bachelor's degree there in Public Affairs (BAPA) at ADA University, with a 3.66 out of 4.00 GPA.

How did you prepare to apply to DAAD Scholarships?

After graduation, I immediately started working. I gained practical experience through roles at international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Bildungswerk der Baden-Württembergischen Wirtschaft e.V., where I worked as a Project Assistant in the 4D Dual VET Project. However, the true turning point in my life was my internship at GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and the experience of organizing the SENECA SEDE conference in Serbia. It was during this time — meeting people from across 14 different countries and discussing global issues — that I realized my true passion for international development.

One conversation at GIZ changed everything. My supervisor recommended the University of Kassel and its Global Political Economy and Development (MA GPED) program. I immediately started researching the university, the program, and its professors. The more I learned, the more I saw myself there. I could imagine building my future in that academic environment. That was the moment I decided: I want to study in Germany.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. The starting point was taking the IELTS exam, I prepared for the exam for two months, and in the exam where I achieved an overall score of 7.5. Then came one of the most important parts of the journey: writing the motivational letter. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: the motivational letter is everything to show your motivation. It needs to reflect your true passion, not just professionally but personally too. In my letter, I combined both sides: my professional experiences and personal dreams. I even went a step further and mentioned specific professors and courses that inspired me in the Master’s program at Kassel.

After submitting my application, I was selected for the interview phase in March. The interview was another important milestone. I believe that good preparation, staying calm, and showing genuine passion make all the difference. I went into the interview with confidence, a smiling face, and an open heart. I felt like myself during the interview, even talking about my love for football, my work, and other interests! This helped turn the interview into a genuine conversation rather than a formal evaluation.

DAAD Scholarship Details

Now, I am proud to say that I am a recipient of the DAAD Study Scholarship and currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Germany. This scholarship has many benefits for students; the monthly amount that scholarship holders receive is around 1000 Euros, with other advantages such as health insurance. My journey is proof that no matter where you come from, with dedication, sufficient research, authenticity, and a bit of courage, you can achieve your dreams.