An Indian Researcher Secures the Fully Funded DAAD Scholarship to Pursue a PhD in Medical Microbiology at Heidelberg University

Hello! I’m Jayalakshmi (you can call me Jaya), originally from New Delhi, India. I recently embarked on an exciting journey as a Ph.D. student in Medical Microbiology at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg in Germany.

No, I’m not a medical doctor—but I am passionate about the science that drives human health! I completed my Bachelor’s in Microbiology Honors, followed by a Master’s specializing in Medical Microbiology. Now, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been awarded a fully funded DAAD Scholarship to pursue this PhD in Germany. This opportunity fuels my enthusiasm to contribute to cutting-edge research in the human sciences.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded DAAD scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. at Heidelberg University, one of Germany's oldest universities. The scholarship is typically awarded for three years, with a possible extension to four years. The main requirements include an acceptance letter from a supervisor willing to mentor throughout the PhD and a well-defined project proposal, along with transcripts and other certificates. Requirements can vary by country, so it’s best to check the official website for specifics and deadlines.

In the first month, scholarship recipients receive a stipend of €1,300, a travel grant of €1,000, and a research allowance of €450, with the monthly stipend continuing thereafter. The scholarship also covers insurance, and if rent costs are high, a subsidy is provided. This prestigious award supports all essential needs, making the transition to Germany smoother for students.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s: Microbiology Honors from Amity University Rajasthan with 9/10 CGPA
Master’s: Medical Microbiology (3 Years) from MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai with 8.5/10 CGPA and Best Post Graduate Gold Medal (Chancellor’s Medal)

I also worked as a Project Assistant at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi for 1.5 years before starting my PhD.

My passion for working on infectious diseases and contributing to human sciences led me to pursue a specialized path in my previous education, which has greatly helped me achieve my goals

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

There are multiple ways to pursue a PhD abroad, but the two main types are the Individual PhD and the Structured PhD. I have always been passionate about the Individual PhD route, so I reached out to a professor at Heidelberg University through a well-crafted cold email. After discussing my interests and potential projects with him, we collaboratively designed a project proposal. With the completed proposal, my transcripts, and other required documents, I applied for this scholarship.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that my achievements, passion, and confidence were key factors in securing this scholarship. It's essential to have a deep understanding of the project you intend to pursue. Furthermore, having publications and other accomplishments can greatly enhance your CV and make your application stand out.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would work on a variety of projects to further strengthen my CV and participate in more subject-specific workshops and conferences. I would also aim to publish additional papers to enhance my profile. Additionally, I would take language exams in either or both English and German to make my CV even better.

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

My first advice is to be prepared for rejections, but don’t lose hope. Start by researching your field abroad, connecting with people in similar programs through LinkedIn, and gaining insights from them.

Be ready to send over 1,000 cold emails and make sure to follow up. Out of those, you may only get 10-100 replies, but persistence is key. Your cold email should be convincing—show professors that you’re prepared to apply for external funding if they don’t have any available.

Work on strengthening your CV by taking relevant courses, publishing papers, and attending conferences. If you’re applying for scholarships, especially DAAD, consider taking the IELTS or German language exams (A1-B1). While not mandatory, these can add value to your CV and help you stand out.