DAAD Helmut-Schmidt (Public Policy and Good Governance) Scholar, Hareem Aqdas from Pakistan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

I am Hareem Aqdas, a Berlin-based professional originally from Pakistan, with over seven years of international experience spanning scientific editing, journalism, and project management. My work has consistently centered on advancing governance, human rights, and digital communication across global contexts. I hold a Master’s in Development and Governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, where I conducted a thesis on the psychological and sociological underpinnings of public administration corruption. This built upon my Bachelor’s in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University, where I specialized in Indo-Pakistani nuclear strategy. My drive to pursue further education in this field stems directly from hands-on professional work, from managing legislative projects within Pakistan's women’s parliamentary wing to contributing to international criminal law tribunals. These experiences have shown me that effective governance and strategic communication are not just academic concepts, but vital tools for equity and progress. I am now committed to deepening my expertise to better design, manage, and evaluate policies and digital education initiatives, leveraging AI as a collaborative tool to create scalable, real-world impact.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I won the DAAD HSP (Helmut-Schmidt Program) for my master’s in development and governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen. It is a very generous scholarship that includes a monthly stipend of 860 EUR in 2021 (now 920 EUR), flight tickets, health, pension, accidental insurance, preferred university dormitory placement, and additional payments for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. My scholarship and degree duration was one year, but generally, HSP offers two-year programs.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I am also an alumnus of the US Summer Sister’s Exchange Program in 2015 (now Sister to Sister Exchange Program), an exchange program funded by the US State Department for high school students for summer school to Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center at Val-Kil, New York. It included flight tickets, the entire summer school program, meals, lodging, insurance, etc. I was also offered a Commonwealth Scholarship to the UK at Durham University, but I did not accept it, so unaware of the exact amount.

Educational Background

During my application for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program, I presented a strong academic and professional profile. I held a perfect 4.0/4.0 CGPA from Quaid-i-Azam University for my bachelor’s in international relations. My candidacy was further strengthened by extensive involvement in projects focused on youth and women’s empowerment, education, disaster relief, and security diplomacy. I actively contributed op-eds to both local and international platforms, published peer-reviewed research in my field, and gained practical experience working on USEFP-funded youth development initiatives in direct collaboration with USAID. Concurrently, I was preparing for Pakistan’s competitive state bureaucracy examinations, driven by a clear ambition to enter public sector decision-making. This combination of academic excellence, published thought leadership, hands-on project experience, and a clear professional trajectory was instrumental in securing the highly competitive scholarship in my chosen field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Duisburg-Essen?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of Duisburg-Essen?

My goal to pursue a master's degree in Germany was realized through the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program (HSP). This achievement was the result of two years of dedicated preparation, during which I independently compiled all necessary documents, refined my motivation letter, secured strong references, and meticulously prepared my CV. While I had been aware of DAAD opportunities for some time, I further refined my application strategy through information shared by specialized Facebook pages in Pakistan that provide detailed guidance on such scholarships.

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

I took IELTS and scored an overall 8 bands. I self-studied for it since I have always studied in English, from the start of my education, till my master's.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the DAAD Scholarship?

I began preparing for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program two years in advance. With a clear goal of studying in Germany, I independently compiled all necessary documents, including a carefully crafted motivation letter, strong references, and a detailed CV and certifications, while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA during my bachelor’s. I supplemented my long-standing awareness of DAAD opportunities with guidance from specialized scholarship advisory pages in Pakistan. My active involvement in youth empowerment projects, published research, and editorial contributions further strengthened my application, clearly aligning my profile with the scholarship’s focus on governance and public policy.

 How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Duisburg-Essen?

The academic approach in Germany offered a transformative learning experience. Moving from a more instructor-led system in Pakistan, I embraced a self-directed and contributory style of education that prioritized critical thinking and acquired knowledge over rote memorization. My year at the University of Duisburg-Essen was exceptionally rewarding, enriched by inspiring professors and highly practical field trips that deeply enhanced my understanding of development and governance.

 How Do You Rate the University of Duisburg-Essen Academically and Why?

7/10 as the program skillfully balanced theoretical, practical, and emotional learning, while ensuring students had ample resources and support. This included accessible academic guidance, structured support systems, and a dedicated buddy program to help international students integrate smoothly and avoid feeling overwhelmed or alienated.

How Does the University of Duisburg-Essen Support International Students?

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program is tailored specifically to international students, and the University of Duisburg-Essen further enriches this environment with extensive resources designed for its large international community. My Master’s cohort was almost entirely international, fostering a global learning atmosphere, with occasional exchanges from other programs. As a university with a strong engineering focus, it also offers dedicated academic and integration programs exclusively for international students, ensuring both academic and social support.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German? 

English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

While the Development and Governance program itself is conducted in English, proficiency in German is highly beneficial for daily life in Duisburg, a smaller German city. To support this, the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program includes a mandatory six-month intensive German course in either Bonn or Berlin as part of the scholarship, ensuring scholars build a strong linguistic foundation before beginning their academic studies.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out due to a strong alignment between my clear professional trajectory and the scholarship's focus on governance and public policy. This was demonstrated through:

• Academic Excellence: A perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA from a top Pakistani university.
• Proven Commitment to the Field: Extensive hands-on project experience in youth/women's empowerment, legislative advocacy, and international policy research, showcasing a long-term dedication to development.
• Published Thought Leadership: Active contributions of op-eds and research articles in both local and international forums.
• Strategic Preparation: Two years of meticulous, independent preparation for the DAAD application, reflecting exceptional determination and clarity of purpose.
• Compelling Professional Goal: A clear ambition to enter Pakistan's public sector, which resonated with the scholarship's aim of building future decision-makers.

Together, this combination presented a candidate who was not only highly qualified but also purpose-driven and already actively contributing to the field.

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

I would do exactly what I did, as it was a near-perfect experience and procedure. However, I may have changed fields, perhaps focusing more on international law.

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

Based on my successful application to the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme, I would offer the following advice to future scholarship candidates, combining personal experience with key strategic practices:

1. Start Early and Align Your Profile: Begin preparing at least 1-2 years in advance. Use this time not just to gather documents, but to actively build a profile that resonates with the scholarship’s mission. For me, this meant pursuing projects in governance, women’s rights, and policy research well before applying, which demonstrated a genuine, long-term commitment to the field.
2. Excel Academically, but Complement it with Practice: A strong GPA (like a 4.0) is a fundamental filter. However, what truly distinguishes an application is relevant experience. Engage in internships, volunteer work, research, or writing in your chosen field. My work with legislative reforms, international tribunals, and published articles provided concrete evidence of my passion and capability beyond grades.
3. Meticulously Craft Your Narrative: Every document should tell a cohesive story. Your motivation letter must powerfully connect your past experiences, your current master’s goals, and your future career vision. I prepared every document myself with extreme care, ensuring they all reflected a clear, consistent professional trajectory toward public service and governance.
4. Leverage Available Resources and Networks: I used dedicated social media channels in my home country for insights. Research thoroughly: utilize official websites, connect with alumni, and understand the scholarship’s specific values, such as DAAD’s focus on fostering future leaders in public policy.
5. Embrace the Language and Cultural Preparation: Even for English-taught programs, engaging with the host country's language and culture is crucial. I undertook the mandatory German course, which is essential for integration and enriches the overall experience, now fluent in German. Show your willingness to adapt and engage fully.
6. Demonstrate Proactivity and Clarity of Purpose: Scholarship committees look for candidates who know what they want to achieve. My clear goal of entering Pakistan’s decision-making circles gave my application direction and conviction. Show them how their investment will enable you to create a tangible impact.

In summary, treat the application as a long-term project. Combine academic excellence with purposeful action, tailor your story with precision, and utilize all available supports. It is this strategic, holistic preparation that transforms a strong application into a successful one.