Hamza Ijaz’s DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Journey: Master’s in Governance and Public Policy at the University of Passau

My name is Hamza Ijaz, and I am a citizen of Pakistan. I completed my Master’s in Governance and Public Policy at the University of Passau, Germany under the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship for Public Policy & Good Governance. My academic journey began with a BSc in Economics from Government College University, Lahore, where I also minored in Political Science.

Growing up in Pakistan, societal expectations often push students toward conventional career paths in medicine, engineering, or, more recently, computer science, law, and business administration. However, my interests diverged early on. As an active member of debating societies at both school and university levels, I was naturally drawn to discussions around governance, public welfare, and development—issues that I felt were deeply consequential for our collective futures.

This inclination led me to study economics and political science at the undergraduate level, a combination that allowed me to critically engage with both the structural and institutional dimensions of policy-making. It was during a public policy course in my undergraduate studies that I found a subject that not only aligned with my intellectual interests but also felt practically relevant and impactful. Unlike more abstract theoretical disciplines, public policy offered tools to directly address real-world challenges, and that realization ultimately set the course for my academic and professional aspirations.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to be awarded the prestigious Helmut Schmidt Scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This scholarship is specifically designed for outstanding students from developing and emerging countries who demonstrate a strong commitment to social and political engagement, and it supports them in pursuing master’s degrees in fields relevant to good governance, public policy, and development.

Under this program, I received a monthly stipend of 750 Euros during the period of my studies, which spanned from 2013 to 2016. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship also included comprehensive benefits such as health insurance coverage, travel allowances, and tuition fee waivers. As part of the preparatory phase, I undertook a six-month intensive German language course at the Goethe Institute, fully funded by the scholarship. This not only enabled me to adapt more easily to life in Germany but also allowed me to engage more meaningfully with local academic and cultural contexts.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics from Government College University, Lahore, with minors in Political Science and History. My academic training gave me a robust interdisciplinary foundation, equipping me with analytical tools from economics and contextual insights from political science and history—an ideal combination for someone aspiring to work at the intersection of public policy, governance, and development.

While my GPA was 3.11, which was not extraordinary, my time at university was marked by a deep commitment to intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. I served as the President of the GC Debating Society, one of the most prestigious and competitive debating forums in the country, where I developed critical thinking, argumentation, and leadership skills. I also held the position of Editor of Ravi—one of the oldest and most respected student publications in the Indian subcontinent—where I curated and contributed content from notable intellectuals, while simultaneously promoting student voices, reflecting my broader socio-political interests.

In recognition of both my academic and co-curricular achievements, I was awarded the GD Sondhi Medal, presented to the best overall graduate student of my cohort. Additionally, I received three Rolls of Honour for my distinguished contributions to student life and leadership on campus.

This blend of academic grounding and co-curricular distinction not only shaped my intellectual curiosity and commitment to public service but also prepared me exceptionally well for international opportunities like the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship. It validated my ability to thrive in rigorous, interdisciplinary academic environments while contributing meaningfully to civic and policy-oriented discourse—values at the heart of the scholarship’s mission.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

At the time of my application to the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Program, the process did not require direct applications to individual universities. Instead, applicants were asked to indicate their top three preferred master's programs from an approved list, and the final selection was made jointly by DAAD and the respective university admissions committees based on the overall strength and suitability of each applicant, demonstrated through the submitted application.

Did You Need Standardized Exams? How Did You Prepare for the TOEFL?

One key requirement of the application was proof of English language proficiency. To meet this, I opted to take the TOEFL exam. I prepared diligently, using a combination of official TOEFL resource books, online practice tests, and timed quizzes to familiarize myself with the format and improve my performance. This paid off, as I scored 118 out of 120, which significantly strengthened my application and demonstrated my ability to undertake advanced academic work in English.

In addition to preparing for the TOEFL, I invested time in thoroughly researching the scholarship’s overall objectives and expectations. I consulted the official DAAD website and reviewed previous scholar profiles to gain insight into what makes a compelling application. These efforts helped me craft a tailored statement of purpose and select programs that closely aligned with my academic background and long-term commitment to public policy and governance.

This combination of rigorous preparation, alignment with DAAD objectives, and a strong TOEFL score helped position me as a competitive candidate for the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship.

How Was Your Experience at the University of Passau?

My experience at the University of Passau was both enriching and transformative. Located in a small, scenic town in Bavaria, Passau hosts a vibrant and diverse student population, making up a significant proportion of its residents. This created a close-knit and welcoming environment where it was easy to connect with fellow students and engage with the local community, something I greatly valued as an international student.

What made Passau particularly attractive academically was its rare offering of a full English-language master’s program in Governance and Public Policy, something only a few German institutions provided at the time. The program itself was designed in a truly interdisciplinary manner, allowing students the flexibility to customize their learning pathways. I was able to take courses not only within the core governance curriculum but also from the Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, and Sociology departments. This flexibility allowed me to tailor the degree to my specific interests in development policy and institutional reform, while gaining analytical tools from a broad spectrum of social sciences.

The international atmosphere at the university, combined with the intimacy of a small town, made for a very grounded yet globally connected academic experience. I left Passau with not only a strong academic foundation but also meaningful cross-cultural friendships.

How Do You Rate the University of Passau Academically and Why?

I rate Passau very highly, both academically and in terms of international recognition. Although younger than many scholarship-partner institutions (established in 1973), Passau consistently ranks in the top 25% globally according to Times Higher Education; in the Young University Rankings (for universities under 50 years old), it places in the top 10% worldwide and is ranked 4th in Germany. Within Germany, PayCheck student reviews place Passau among the top 10 universities in 2025, ranking 6th nationally and 1st in Bavaria for study quality.

Beyond institutional rankings, the academic environment was bolstered by world-class faculty, in addition to frequently hosted guest lectures and seminars by prominent German and international scholars, enriching our classroom experience and expanding our professional network. For example, my thesis supervisor, who belonged to the faculty of Development Economics, brought vast experience from esteemed institutions like the World Bank and JPAL at MIT, allowing for a greater focus policy and practical implications of the theoretical learnings.

Taken together, these rankings, the high-caliber faculty, and the dynamic interdisciplinary structure of the program at Passau provided a rigorous academic foundation for my practical career.

How Does the University of Passau Do to Support International Students?

The University of Passau demonstrated a strong and thoughtful commitment to supporting international students, especially those under the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Program. Our cohort itself was incredibly diverse, comprising 10 scholars from across four continents, including Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This multicultural setting not only enriched classroom discussions but also created a vibrant environment for peer learning and cross-cultural exchange.

Understanding the unique challenges international students often face, the university offered a specially curated support program. This included intercultural workshops designed to foster mutual understanding and ease cultural adaptation, as well as academic orientation sessions tailored for students coming from varied educational systems. Some of the core courses, which were only offered in German Language, were offered in English exclusively to the scholarship cohort to ensure that we had a strong foundation for the advanced courses.

Moreover, the program coordinators were deeply involved and accessible, not just for academic guidance, but also for personal and logistical support. Whether it was help with visa renewals, housing, or navigating administrative systems in Germany, the coordinators went out of their way to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or in German? Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

Although Germany is not an English-speaking country, the University of Passau made every effort to ensure that the language barrier did not hinder academic success for international students. As part of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program, all core courses were offered in English, and coordinators went a step further by opening up a wider pool of electives from various faculties, also taught in English, so that students like me could benefit from a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum without being disadvantaged by not knowing German.

That said, while academic participation in English was fully supported, it would be inaccurate to suggest that not knowing the local language is without consequence. Proficiency in German certainly expands your academic options, allowing access to even more courses and research opportunities that are only offered in the native language. More importantly, language skills significantly enhance everyday life—from engaging more meaningfully with local communities to navigating daily tasks with ease. It also contributes to a deeper cultural immersion, making the overall experience more enriching and enjoyable.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the strong alignment between my academic background, professional interests, and the core objectives of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Program. My undergraduate degree in Economics, complemented by minors in Political Science and History, provided a solid interdisciplinary foundation in governance, development, and public policy. Moreover, Beyond academics, I demonstrated a consistent commitment to leadership and civic engagement. These experiences not only highlighted my ability to lead and communicate effectively but also showcased my deep interest in socio-political issues.

Additionally, I prepared strategically for the application process. I achieved a TOEFL score of 118, demonstrating my academic readiness for an English-medium program. I also researched the program thoroughly, identified relevant degree options, and articulated a clear and sincere motivation for pursuing public policy, shaped by both academic exposure and personal experiences in Pakistan.

Lastly, I presented myself as someone who could thrive in a multicultural, international academic environment. My ability to work across cultures, developed through debating and editorial leadership, and my strong interest in development and governance reform in the Global South likely resonated with the scholarship committee’s vision of fostering future leaders committed to good governance.

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

Overall, I’m genuinely satisfied with how the application process and the entire experience unfolded. The scholarship provided me with a world-class education, a diverse peer group, and a solid foundation for my career in public policy and development.

However, if I were to go through the process again, I would have made a more concerted effort to strengthen my German language skills beyond the B1 level. While I successfully completed B1 at the Goethe Institute as part of the preparatory phase, I now recognize that aiming aggressively for B2 proficiency would have significantly expanded my academic and professional opportunities during my time in Germany.

Many additional courses at the university were available only in German, and a stronger command of the language would have allowed me to access a broader curriculum, engage more fully with local academic discourse, and integrate more deeply into the community. It would have also enhanced informal interactions and internships within the German-speaking context.

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

My key advice to anyone applying for a scholarship like the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program is to be authentic and intentional. Don’t approach the application as just a means to study abroad or check a box. Instead, pursue it because it genuinely aligns with your academic interests, values, and long-term goals.

Be sincere in your application—admissions committees can easily tell when an application is built around buzzwords versus lived experiences. Make sure the values you express are reflected in your actions and achievements, whether that’s through academic work, leadership roles, or community engagement.

Also, take time to research the program and its goals thoroughly. This will help you demonstrate not only why you're a good fit for the scholarship, but also why the scholarship is the right fit for you. Remember, programs like Helmut Schmidt are not just looking for good students—they’re looking for individuals with a commitment to public service and positive change in their societies.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of genuine motivation and thoughtful storytelling. A clear narrative that ties together your background, interests, and aspirations can make all the difference.