How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany Through the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

Hello readers, my name is Khuzaim Khan, and I come from the bustling metropolis of Karachi, Pakistan. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies (SuRE) at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg. This program has been in existence since 1987, and the field is becoming increasingly important given the current state of the world. I was fortunate to gain professional exposure to this field in Pakistan, which sparked my desire to deepen my knowledge in the renewable energy sector and contribute to addressing the challenges related to its implementation.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to receive the DAAD EPOS scholarship, which covered all costs related to tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel. Additionally, it included an intensive German Language and Culture course that required us to arrive two months early. This course was conducted alongside DAAD scholars from around the globe and provided more than just language instruction; it also encompassed cultural knowledge, excursions, guidance on setting up bank accounts, housing support, and other necessary assistance. The monthly stipend is determined by the German Federal Office and is directly tied to BaföG rates. At the time of the award in 2025, the stipend was €992 per month for the scholarship duration of two years.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

N/A. I had applied to a select number of Master’s scholarships, particularly the Erasmus Mundus programs. However, I was admitted to nearly all of them with partial fundings

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from NED-UET, graduating with a CGPA of 3.895, placing me in the 7th position in my graduating batch. Afterward, I worked for four years in Pakistan: two years as an Electrical Consultant at FND Pvt Ltd and two years in the wind sector as an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Engineer. It was during my time in the wind sector that I developed a strong interest in Renewable Energy, which motivated me to pursue a master's degree in this field. Since the DAAD EPOS program requires two years of professional work experience, I believe my experience in the wind sector significantly enhanced my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg?

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

I became aware of various Master’s scholarships and academic programs through friends who had studied abroad. Additionally, I kept in touch with various scholarship platforms that regularly listed upcoming scholarships, including their application deadlines and requirements. I began researching relevant institutions and programs that aligned with my goals and ambitions and started preparing the necessary documentation, such as my Letter of Motivation, reference letters, and attestations of my educational documents, in anticipation of the next application period. For the DAAD EPOS scholarship, I needed to demonstrate my English proficiency. To fulfill this requirement, I took the IELTS exam after motivating myself to prepare intensively within a month by booking a test date. I achieved an overall band score of 8.0, which corresponds to level C1 on the CEFR scale.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

My scholarship applications spanned over two years. In the first year, I applied using a generic letter of motivation and a broad profile, which resulted in acceptance from universities but without funding or with only partial funding. For my second year, I tailored all my applications and letters of motivation to be specific to each program I was applying for, aligning my profile and achievements with the program requirements. During this second round of applications, I took the IELTS and applied for the DAAD EPOS program, ultimately receiving selection. A key takeaway from my experience is that it is a highly competitive world, especially when applying for fully funded positions. To maximize your chances of selection, it's crucial to make your profile and ambitions as specific to the program as possible.

How is Your Experience at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg?

The staff at the university are outstanding and very accommodating to international students. The professors and instructors are knowledgeable and well-versed in their respective fields. The program offers numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth.

How Do You Rate Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg Academically?

The university offers a diverse range of courses that include both practical and theoretical components. What I enjoyed the most is how they encourage critical thinking by allowing students to research and investigate problems, leading them to develop their own observations and solutions. With such a wide variety of subjects available, students have the opportunity to explore any field that interests them.

How Does Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg Support International Students?

The international office in Oldenburg is highly active, offering numerous activities each semester that provide plenty of opportunities for students to connect with one another. For new students, there is an orientation week filled with presentations, activities, and advice on settling into the city. The program also hosts its own orientation week, which is separate from the one offered by the International Office. This includes a university tour, insights from senior students about their experiences with courses and examinations, as well as guidance on adapting to the program and the city in general. Additionally, alumni newsletters and networking events are organized by the program coordinator and PPRE staff to further support students professionally, among other things.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master’s in Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

The program is one of the few fee-based options in Germany, with a semester fee of approximately €1,500. This fee is separate from the semester contribution, which is around €450. The actual rates may vary each semester and can be found on the program's website. As part of my scholarship, the tuition fees were covered by DAAD, while the semester contribution was to be funded by the student. This is easily manageable with the monthly stipend provided.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

While students can manage without knowing the native language, it is recommended to have at least a B1/B2 level in German to increase the chances of landing jobs. Additionally, German is necessary for daily life.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Applications are evaluated based on the overall profile. However, the cover letter, CGPA, and relevant work experience play a significant role in the selection process. In my case, it was the personalized cover letter, strong academic grades, and my relevant experience in the field of renewable energy that made a difference.

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

I would have started applying for Master’s programs earlier and would have focused more on aligning my profile and documents with the program requirements during my first round of applications. This way, I could have avoided making mistakes in my initial attempt.

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

Start preparing early. Gather all necessary documents before the application window opens and take the time to craft a strong motivation letter that aligns with the program requirements. Reach out to alumni for feedback on your letter as well. Additionally, work on enhancing your profile in any way possible: this could include scoring well on language tests, obtaining an exemplary letter of recommendation from your employer (which is also required for DAAD EPOS), and maintaining a strong academic record. Remember, it is a highly competitive world, and the choices and efforts you make now will pay off significantly in the future. When you reach the interview stage, be confident and well-prepared. Even if you don’t receive the scholarship on your first try, don’t be disheartened. Instead, learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up, and keep moving forward!