EPOS DAAD Scholarship Scholar Maria Jose Santos from Peru Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Technische Hochschule Köln, Germany

My name is María José Briggit Santos Torres. I am Peruvian, and I studied environmental management engineering. Through my more than five years of professional experience in sustainability and environmental consulting across more than 10 countries, I realized I had a deep passion for climate risks and sustainability to help companies and governments become sustainable and implement solutions that truly have a positive impact across all sectors, including people’s quality of life and the environment.

That is why I am currently pursuing a dual-degree master’s program in Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management and Development, offered by the Technische Hochschule Köln in Germany in cooperation with the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí in Mexico, as I wanted to deepen my technical and strategic knowledge in environmental sciences and natural resource management, while gaining a better perspective on the challenges of sustainability at the global level.

EPOS DAAD Scholarship Details

I was awarded the EPOS DAAD Scholarship (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), a fully funded German government scholarship that supports my postgraduate studies. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel expenses, and additional academic support.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I received 5,000 euros to study at Queen’s University in Belfast and 5,000 euros to study in a dual-degree program at Paris-Saclay, France, and KTH in Sweden; however, I turned them down because the DAAD was offering me a full scholarship to study in Cologne, Germany.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management Engineering from ESAN University in Peru, where I graduated in the top third of my class and received the Thesis Excellence Award.

My academic background is inherently interdisciplinary, combining the fundamentals of engineering with management and sustainability approaches. This allowed me to acquire solid technical knowledge in areas such as environmental processes, water, energy, waste management, and climate change, while developing a strategic understanding of how organizations integrate sustainability into decision-making.

In addition, I completed my undergraduate studies with a full merit-based scholarship funded by the Peruvian government, reflecting both my academic perseverance and my long-term commitment.

Alongside my studies, I also volunteered for two years at Peru’s Ministry of the Environment, where I held environmental leadership roles and contributed to awareness-raising initiatives that reached over 1,000 people. This experience complemented my academic training by strengthening my leadership and communication skills.

Overall, my educational background provided me with both the technical foundation and the systemic perspective necessary to pursue advanced studies in environmental science and sustainability, and to successfully apply to this program.

How Did You Find Information About the EPOS DAAD Scholarship and Technische Hochschule Köln?

I conducted extensive research on the universities’ official websites, social media, scholarship databases, and international education platforms. I also reached out to alumni and current students to gain a better understanding of the programs and expectations.

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

I took the IELTS and achieved a B2+ level.

I took a course to understand the exam’s structure and then prepared on my own by focusing on consistent practice, especially in listening and speaking. I believe daily practice is key to success.

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

My preparation was very strategic.

After thorough research, I knew that applications were due a year in advance, so I began preparing in detail two years beforehand, meeting each requirement one by one.

First, I obtained my transcripts and translated all my university and professional experience documents that were in Spanish, since the scholarship required them in English.

I also prepared to take the IELTS. Then, I spent a lot of time writing a compelling statement of purpose that clearly connected:

• My academic background
• My international professional experience
• My long-term goal of leading sustainability strategies in developing countries.

Instead of listing achievements, I emphasized impact, leadership, and quantifiable contributions, which I believe was key to my success.

Finally, I obtained my letters of recommendation, one from my former boss and another from a professor who knew me very well.

I believe that planning ahead, starting early, and creating a checklist of all the documents required by the scholarship are key to staying focused and achieving good results.

How Is Your Experience at Technische Hochschule Köln?

My experience at the university has been very enriching, both academically and personally. The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to choose elective courses and tailor their academic path to their interests.

This flexibility significantly enhanced my academic experience, as it allows me to deepen my knowledge in specific areas without losing sight of an interdisciplinary perspective.

Additionally, the university offers the opportunity to learn new languages completely free of charge every semester, which is a great advantage. On a personal level, the university isn’t just about studying; it also offers workshops on personal development, mental health, sports, and artistic activities, as well as a student center where you can meet new people from any country who share your passions.

How Do You Rate Technische Hochschule Köln Academically?

From an academic standpoint, I would rate this institution very highly. The program is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, combining the scientific, technical, and strategic aspects of sustainability and environmental sciences.

The ability to choose elective courses is one of its main strengths, as it allows students to specialize and create a more personalized and relevant academic profile.

How Does Technische Hochschule Köln Support International Students?

The institution provides strong and well-structured support for international students.

There are workshops focused on academic skills, such as essay writing in English and German, which significantly enhance students’ performance. Additionally, the university offers free language courses in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and Chinese.

Beyond academics, the university fosters integration through social and cultural activities. Events such as international gatherings and holiday celebrations (e.g., Christmas events) create opportunities for students to connect and build a sense of community.

Furthermore, the institution offers mentoring programs and career support services, including guidance for PhD applications and job search strategies, as well as workshops to strengthen professional profiles.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

The master’s program is conducted entirely in English, so students with a solid English level should not face academic barriers.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

From an academic perspective, not knowing German is not a limitation, as the program is fully taught in English.

However, learning at least basic German is highly recommended. While many people speak English, using the local language in daily situations, such as shopping or interacting with locals, can significantly improve the overall experience and facilitate cultural integration. It also demonstrates respect for the local culture, which is greatly appreciated.

That is why the DAAD scholarship offers two months of intensive German language instruction, so if you win the scholarship, you’ll also end up learning some German.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my candidacy stood out thanks to a combination of:

• A clear and consistent professional background in the fields of sustainability and environmental sciences.
• Solid international professional experience across multiple sectors and countries, which fostered my interdisciplinary approach.
• The ability to combine technical expertise with strategic impact.
• A well-defined long-term vision focused on contributing to sustainable development in developing regions.

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

If I had to go through the whole process again, I would start by taking the English exam sooner and seeking more advice from former scholarship recipients and mentors.

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

Be strategic and intentional: Align your story with the scholarship’s mission. Focus on impact, not just achievements. Start early and refine your application multiple times. Research deeply and understand how the program fits your long-term goals. Trust your experience; if you have created impact, your profile is valuable.