How Jennifer Fabà, a Spanish Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU), Germany Through the DAAD Scholarship

My name is Jennifer Fabà, and I’m from Barcelona, Spain. I obtained a double bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. After that, I pursued an MSc in Astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU). Since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about understanding what surrounds us, not only on Earth but beyond. That is why I decided to pursue a career in Astrophysics.

DAAD Scholarship Details

For my master’s program, I was fully funded by a DAAD Scholarship. DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, offers scholarships to international students to pursue their studies at German institutions. The scholarship included a monthly stipend, a research allowance, and a travel allowance for the first and last trip to Germany. They also offered a one-month German language course at the beginning of the scholarship.

Educational Background

My double bachelor’s degree definitely prepared me for the Master’s program, as it provided me with most of the theoretical physics background required. I graduated with an overall grade of 8.4/10.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU)?

How Did You Find Information About DAAD Scholarship and Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU)?

I became aware of the scholarship thanks to a professor at my university who knew about it. I believe they also spread information about the scholarship at some Spanish universities.

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

For the DAAD Scholarship, I took an English language exam organized by the scholarship organization itself. If I remember correctly, they also accept TOEFL or IELTS scores.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

The application process took me around one month. I had to write a cover letter explaining the program I wanted to pursue in Germany, which meant researching all the Master’s degrees I was interested in, including their deadlines, programs, and language requirements. I also needed to ask for three recommendation letters. I did not know anyone who had previously received the scholarship, so I did not have much guidance throughout the process.

How is Your Experience at Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU)?

My experience at LMU has been very positive. The Master’s program in Astrophysics has provided me with a strong academic foundation and the opportunity to work on interesting research projects.

How Do You Rate Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU) Academically?

I would rate LMU very highly academically. It has a strong reputation in research, and the Astrophysics program gave me the opportunity to learn from researchers working in different areas of the field.

How Does Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU) Support International Students?

LMU provides support for international students through various services and resources, particularly regarding administrative matters and adapting to studying and living in Germany.

Is the LMU Free for Astrophysics? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

At LMU, there are no tuition fees for the Master’s degree in Astrophysics, but there are semester fees of approximately €90.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

In English.

What Did You Pursue After the DAAD Scholarship?

I am about to start my PhD one month after finishing my Master’s degree.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

No. Since the Master’s program is conducted in English, not knowing German did not create any major academic difficulties. However, learning some German is definitely helpful for everyday life and integration outside the university.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my academic and research goals were clear and direct. I was sure that I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree in Astrophysics, and the projects I had previously taken part in helped demonstrate that commitment. I also explained my financial situation clearly, as without this scholarship I would not have been able to pursue my studies abroad.

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

I would have prepared for the language test earlier, as I had to travel to Madrid, Spain, to take the English test.

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

If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask. People are generally willing to help. Also, the majority of professors are open to writing recommendation letters, so again, do not be afraid to ask them. Check the Master’s program information well in advance. The deadline for this scholarship is around November of the year before the Master’s program is expected to start, so in some cases, you have to apply for the scholarship even before applying to the Master’s program.