How a Nigerian Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Scholar Won the Fully Funded DAAD In-Region Master’s Scholarship to Pursue Her MSc in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University

My name is Kosisochukwu Offojebe. I am currently a master’s student of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. I hail from Nigeria and hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State.

I decided to pursue further education in molecular biology due to my interest in tackling antimicrobial resistance and personalized medicine. A major part of pharmacy is pharmacology, which studies how medicines work in the body.

By studying the DNA of these microorganisms, I want to understand how they outsmart our treatments and find new ways to stop them. To me, blending human genetics, pharmacy, and microbiology is the best way to tackle health problems with smart, targeted solutions.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I was awarded the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) In-Region Masters Scholarship in 2025 to study Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University, fully funded.

Educational Background

I earned a first-class degree in Pharmacy, which provided me with a solid foundation in drug development, clinical science, and human biology. Through this, I was introduced to molecular mechanisms and began to explore how genetics shape health outcomes. These insights sparked my interest in the molecular biology field and opened new possibilities I was eager to pursue. I also joined scholarship bootcamps to strengthen my academic journey and prepare for future opportunities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Stellenbosch University?

I started preparing for my application to universities well before I graduated from the university. I was lucky enough to recognize my desire to further my education during my undergraduate studies, so I made sure to put in extra efforts to ensure I finished strong. I also watched videos and attended webinars tailored towards postgraduate funding and education.

I also searched for mentors, senior colleagues, and lecturers who had gone through the path I wished to follow and requested guidance and direction. All this required intentional efforts and adequate preparation.

When I was finally ready to apply, I made sure first to define my goals, for instance, what I wanted to study and how it would be funded.

How Did You Find Information About the DAAD Scholarship and Stellenbosch University?

First and foremost was a simple, streamlined Google search. I also used sites such as Scholarship Region, Scholarship Corner, etc. I also enrolled for the GetIn scholarship BootCamp, where you are adequately trained and prepared for applications. I also applied for and became a member of the Education USA community in Nigeria, where you are given firsthand information on postgraduate opportunities. Another platform I benefited from was the Bright Future Initiatives Mentorship program, which is a recent but highly helpful undergraduate and graduate mentorship program. In addition to this, I also had mentors who guided me on the proper way to make my applications stand out and a community of like-minded applicants that encouraged me.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

For the DAAD In Region scholarship, the first and foremost thing I did was to attend the information session and read the call document thoroughly. After this, I made sure all the documents needed to apply were complete and then worked on all my essays, edited and submitted.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Stellenbosch University?

So far, it has been a very wholesome experience for me. Stellenbosch University has a very rich blend of culture and intellect, and it has indeed been a blessing to be able to experience that.

How Does Stellenbosch University Support International Students?

Stellenbosch University has an entire division dedicated to International Students and strives to make every student as welcome and comfortable as possible.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I would say that I was able to communicate properly how my career goals seamlessly align with the knowledge the Programme offers and how the scholarship would bridge the gap between where I know I can be and where I am now.

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

Nothing comes to mind at this moment, but one thing this Programme has taught me and what I would apply better in the future is to DO IT AFRAID.

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

My advice? DO IT AFRAID

Most of us never feel 100% ready before hitting submit. And that’s okay. Everyone who’s ever received a scholarship started out albeit a little nervous, uncertain, and wondering if they even had a shot. The real game-changer is choosing to try anyway.

So, apply. Even if it feels like a long shot, even if your stomach’s doing backflips. The worst thing you can do is not try. You never know—this could be the moment that opens everything up.