Ph.D. Biology Student Jonathan Eveso from Nigeria Shares His Journey of Studying at Universität Konstanz, Germany

I am Jonathan Eveso, from Irri, Delta State, Nigeria. I am currently a Biology doctoral researcher at the Universität Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany. Before beginning my PhD, I spent eight years as a lecturer at the Federal University Gashua, Nigeria, where I taught undergraduate courses in wildlife ecology and ecotourism management. Prior to academia, I gained practical conservation experience during my time as Manager of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin City, Nigeria.

As an ecologist and former zoo manager, my passion for wildlife conservation has been the central motivation behind my academic and professional journey. This commitment continues to drive my doctoral research, which focuses on understanding animal behaviour and the decisions animals must make in an increasingly dynamic and changing environmental landscape.

Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship Details

First, in 2022, I was awarded the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship under its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) from Nigeria. Subsequently, in 2024, I received the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – German Academic Exchange Service DAAD PhD scholarship under the Nigerian‑German Postgraduate Training Programme. This later award enabled me to pursue doctoral research in Biology at the University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany. The Nigerian‑German Postgraduate Training Programme is a joint initiative between the DAAD and the PTDF. The joint scholarship covers living expenses, field and laboratory research, student fees and tuition, as well as travel to and from the home country.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Prior to receiving the DAAD–PTDF joint scholarship, I was earlier awarded the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology – Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (PASET‑RSIF) Scholarship in 2022 to pursue doctoral studies at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. This programme, coordinated by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Kenya, is the first Pan‑African doctoral scholarship initiative in applied sciences and engineering. Although I ultimately declined the PASET‑RSIF award in order to take up the PTDF scholarship, it remains an important milestone in my academic journey.

Educational Background

I hold a Master's degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, with a 5.0/7.00 GPA and a Bachelor of Agriculture (Forestry and Wildlife major) from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, with a 3.85/5.00 GPA, respectively.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

I subscribed to some platforms. I also followed some accounts X (Twitter) that regularly posted information on scholarships, migration, and relocating abroad.  I did not write any standardized tests as they were not required for the scholarships I applied for.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship?

I started by preparing a research proposal that fits each scholarship criterion, such as theme/scope, number of words/pages, section names, etc. I also prepared my CV in an academic format. I ensured certificates, transcripts, and journal publications were arranged in the required format and expected upload size.

How is (was) Your Experience at Universität Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior?

My experience has been a good one at both the Universität Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB).

How Does Universität Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Support International Students? 

Unikonstanz has a lot of programs for the professional development of doctoral students. This is coordinated by the university’s Academic Staff Development (ASD) unit with courses and workshops on German language for international students, leadership, project management, & post-PhD coaching for strategic applications within and outside academia.

The MPI-AB, through its graduate school -The International Max Planck Research School for Quantitative Behavior, Ecology and Evolution (IMPRS-QBEE), equally equips its graduate students with writing courses, academic retreats, and symposiums during the PhD and in preparation for the post-PhD phase of their professional development.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German? 

Yes. All my courses and the PhD thesis are in English. This is due to the international structure of the IMPRS-QBEE and the University of Konstanz.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

Most PhD programs, especially in the natural sciences, are in English. However, Bachelor's and Master's are still predominantly conducted in German. This may pose a language challenge for international students. However, there are language courses to cater to this and a few Universities that have selected master's programs in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Start preparing early. Use freely available advice in person or on the social media platforms of those who have secured a similar scholarship in the past.