Pakistani Student, Mamoona Midhat Kazmi, Pursues a Master’s in Geodesy and Geoinformation Science at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

My name is Mamoona Midhat Kazmi, and I’m from Lahore, Pakistan. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the universe. The planets, the stars, made me curious. This led me to where I am currently, a Master’s in Geodesy and Geoinformation Science at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. My goal is to combine my interest in space with practical skills in GIS and remote sensing to contribute to research in environmental and planetary sciences.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Space Science (2018–2022) with a grade of 3.8 from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where I studied subjects like Remote Sensing, GIS, Cosmology, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Rocket Sciences, and Planetary Geology. During my studies, I worked on research projects using satellite data such as Landsat 9 and Sentinel-2, focusing on environmental change and land cover analysis. My undergraduate experience gave me a solid foundation in spatial analysis and research, which prepared me well for my current Master’s program in Germany.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Technische Universität Berlin?

prepared by having a good Letter of motivation, and I made my profile stronger with work experience as a research assistant, doing projects, publishing three research papers, working as a volunteer in underprivileged institutes, and searching for the institute and course that aligned with my interests.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I don’t think this counts, but for college, I was offered a scholarship from UWC (United World Colleges), but I couldn’t make it to the end.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

First reason was, little to no tuition, and also Germany is known for its strong focus on research, technology, and innovation so I thought Germany is the best option.

What Were Some of the Challenges You Faced as an International Student, Particularly Regarding Living Costs or Part-time Work Opportunities?

In the beginning, language was the thing that gave me a little hard time but with time, it got better. In Berlin, specifically, housing is a little expensive, which can be troublesome. And Part-time work is better when it is related to your studies somehow. I work as a teacher assistant in TU Berlin, so it is easier to keep - study balance.

Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying in Germany for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education? Why or Why Not?

Yes, absolutely. I would definitely recommend Germany to other international students who are looking for affordable and quality higher education. The universities maintain high academic standards, and most programs are well-structured and research-oriented.

How is (was) Your Experience at Technische Universität Berlin?

My experience at TU Berlin has been amazing so far. The professors are knowledgeable, the courses are well-organized, and there’s a strong emphasis on practical learning.

How Do You Rate Technische Universität Berlin Academically and Why? 

would rate TU Berlin 9 out of 10 academically. The teaching quality is excellent, and the professors are from very well-known institutes like DLR, ESA, and NASA. And the resources available to students, from labs to research support, are impressive. And one more thing, TU, being a public university, also offers cheaper hostels.

Does Technische Universität Berlin Do to Support International Students

The university provides a lot of support for international students. There are orientation programs, counseling services, and workshops that help new students settle in. The International Office is always available to guide students with visa issues, accommodation, and academic matters. There are also student groups and communities that make it easier to connect and feel at home.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German? 

My classes are taught in English, which makes it easier for international students to follow the lessons. However, learning German has been helpful in daily life and for interacting with locals.

Would potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing German? 

Not really. Since the program is in English, students can easily manage their coursework without knowing German. However, I would still recommend learning some basic German because it helps in daily life and can make settling in much smoother.