How I Secured a Fully Funded MSc as a Colombian Student at Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany Through the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme

My name is Juan David Abella Osorio, and I currently serve as a Career Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. I am also the Founder and Director of Nebelwald Horizons, an organization dedicated to guiding the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and Coordinator of Asian Studies at the Colombian Foreign Policy Research Program (PIPEC) at Universidad de los Andes.

Previously, I served as a Lecturer and Junior Researcher at Universidad del Rosario. I then worked as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant at Universidad de los Andes. Most recently, I was a university lecturer in graduate programs on Peace, Development, and Citizenship, as well as Project Management at Universidad Minuto de Dios.

I hold a BA in Political Science with a focus on Public Management from Universidad del Rosario; an MA in Contemporary Political, Economic, and International Analysis from Universidad Externado, thanks to a scholarship from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; an MSc in Development and Governance from Universität Duisburg-Essen as a DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme scholar; and an MA in Peacebuilding from Universidad de los Andes.

Scholarships Details

I have been awarded multiple scholarships throughout my academic career, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship at Universidad del Rosario (2011–2016); the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) funded by the Government of Canada (2014); the University of Alberta Research Experience (UARE) (2016); the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) fellowship (2017); and more recently, the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP) of the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD (2019–2020); the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (2022); and the YTB-KATİP Programme at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Türkiye (2024–2025).

I have been awarded multiple scholarships throughout my academic career, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship at Universidad del Rosario; the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, funded by the Government of Canada; the University of Alberta Research Experience; the Peace Research Institute Oslo fellowship; and more recently, the Helmut-Schmidt-Programmeof the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD; the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme; and the YTB-KATİP Programme at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Türkiye.

I would like to emphasize two distinguished scholarships I was awarded: the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP) of the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD in 2019, and the YTB-KATİP Programme – Turkish Language Program for Public Officials and Academics at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University in 2024. Both are fully funded, highly competitive, and internationally recognized fellowships that reflect academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public service.

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance – PPGG), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD, is one of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide. It provides comprehensive financial support covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and language training, enabling scholars to pursue a master’s degree in governance, political science, law, and related fields at leading German universities. Selection is extremely competitive, targeting outstanding graduates from developing and emerging countries who demonstrate strong leadership capacity and dedication to democratic governance. The programme is widely regarded as a flagship initiative for cultivating future policymakers and institutional leaders.

The YTB-KATİP Programme, organized by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), offers an eight-month fully funded fellowship in Türkiye for public officials, diplomats, and academics. Hosted at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, the programme combines intensive Turkish language instruction with cultural immersion, seminars, and institutional visits. It covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and monthly stipends, ensuring comprehensive support for participants. With candidates selected from more than eighty countries, the programme is highly exclusive and competitive, serving as a unique platform for strengthening diplomatic ties, fostering intercultural understanding, and building long-term professional networks.

Educational Background

During my bachelor studies at Universidad del Rosario, I maintained an excellent GPA that earned me a scholarship throughout the program, awarded based on my outstanding performance in Colombia’s national ICFES exam. This academic distinction was complemented by my active involvement in research groups, student initiatives, and extension courses, which allowed me to deepen my knowledge beyond the classroom.

During my bachelor studies at Universidad del Rosario, I maintained an excellent GPA that earned me a scholarship throughout the program, awarded based on my outstanding performance in Colombia’s national ICFES exam. This academic distinction was complemented by my active involvement in research groups, student initiatives, and extension courses, which allowed me to deepen my knowledge beyond the classroom.

At the same time, I began working at the university, gaining valuable professional and practical experience in my field while continuing to excel academically. These efforts reflect not only consistent academic achievement but also a commitment to building a strong intellectual foundation early in my career.

Beyond grades, I sought opportunities to broaden my academic and professional profile through international exposure and scholarly engagement. I published in journals, participated in seminars and symposia, and secured scholarships to pursue an academic exchange at Concordia University and a research internship at the University of Alberta in Canada.

Each recognition reinforced the next, creating a trajectory of excellence that positioned me to compete with highly qualified candidates at both regional and international levels. This combination of academic performance, initiative, and leadership demonstrates my readiness to contribute meaningfully to specialized fields, highlighting the importance of going beyond minimum requirements to build a distinctive and competitive profile.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University?

I have always approached scholarships and institutional applications with careful planning and foresight. My process begins by surveying available opportunities and identifying those aligned with my academic background, professional goals, and long‑term career objectives. To manage this efficiently, I prepare a structured table or digital file summarizing each program of interest, including deadlines, required documents, eligibility criteria, and strategic considerations.

This method has enabled me to apply simultaneously to competitive programs in Scotland, Spain, and Canada, securing admissions and ultimately selecting the scholarship that best matched my academic and professional trajectory. Throughout this process, I rely not only on official institutional sources but also on forums and academic networks, while always verifying information against authoritative guidelines from universities and donors.

Equally important has been the preparation of standardized requirements, particularly English proficiency certifications at the B2 or C1 level, which are essential for non‑native applicants to programs taught in English. In some cases, institutions have recognized prior degrees completed in English as sufficient proof of language competence, but I have consistently ensured compliance with formal requirements.

Beyond exams and GPA, I have strengthened my profile through publications, participation in symposia, and professional experience, which provide a decisive advantage when institutions evaluate candidates of similar academic standing. I also maintain organized digital folders for each application, updating checklists and drafting tailored statements of purpose. These letters of intent serve as a personal channel to highlight motivation, leadership, and the broader impact of my studies, demonstrating how each scholarship contributes not only to my academic growth but also to the common good of my community and country.