How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Germany Through the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

In 2017, I completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and I remember thinking I was never going back to school again. My name is Maria. I am from Pakistan, and this is the story of how my life got flipped, turned upside down (extra points if you caught that reference).

Don’t get me wrong, I had a good time during my bachelor’s and got a solid 3.62 GPA, but further education didn’t feel like something in the cards for me at the time. After my bachelor’s, I started my career as a creative. I worked as a travel writer, copywriter, marketing specialist, and a bunch of other stuff in between, but my experience as a sustainability associate in Thailand is what sparked my interest in the field and made me want to explore it deeper. The prevailing climate emergency was also a catalyst. I started volunteering in my community, raised funds for disasters, organized clean-ups and charity auctions, but I wanted to do more. So I got the urge to build my expertise in sustainability and sustainable development, and I started looking for programs.

The Sustainable Development Management M.A. program at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, also known as Hochschule Rhein-Waal (HSRW), in Kleve, Germany, fit me perfectly. The courses aligned with my interests, and I found the professors’ profiles very interesting. My M.A. is part of the German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scheme. Applying for this felt like a long shot, but I put my imposter syndrome on hold for a bit and gave it my best. Lucky for me, things worked out, and I was selected for the 2024-2026 scholarship period.

So, here come the details: the EPOS program is for applicants from developing countries. The list of eligible countries can be found on the official website. For my master's, the EPOS program offered the following:

• Monthly stipend of 992 Euros
• Research allowance of 460 Euros paid once a year
• Round-trip flight tickets (to Germany and back home) reimbursed
• 2-month intensive German language course
• Rent subsidy where applicable
• Insurance coverage

Disclaimer: The monthly stipend varies for Master’s and PhD applicants, and the amount paid may change from period to period. The duration of the German language course may also vary. If your chosen university charges tuition, the DAAD EPOS program will not cover this. The DAAD also will not pay your semester contribution.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?

Before even starting with the application process, I built my own database of relevant programs and scholarships. I used simple online searches, but organized all the information in an Excel file by country, program, deadline, standardized test requirements, and restrictions. This helped me find the best fit, and I applied to just one institution.

Proof of English language proficiency was a very common requirement, and I could not circumvent it, so I sat for the IELTS Academic. People usually ask me for tips because I got a C2. Unfortunately, I don’t have any practical advice. I personally did not prepare for the test because I have been speaking and using English at a high level my whole life.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses?

After I shortlisted my master's course and scholarship, I thoroughly read the overview, requirements, and procedure. For my specific master's program, I submitted my application directly to the university. I did not have to send a separate application to the DAAD.

The EPOS scholarship program requires the following from its applicants:

• A bachelor’s degree (typically a four-year program)
• Above-average grades (upper-third)
• At least two years of experience after graduation
• Academic degrees typically not older than six years
• Not having been a resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the time of application
• If the course is in German, German language proficiency of B1 is required.
• If the course is in English, proof of adequate English language skills is required (Check what proficiency level your university requires for your selected course).

I had to submit the following as part of my application:

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

• CV
• Letter of Motivation
• Letters of recommendation
• Experience letters
• Previous degree and transcripts

How is Your Experience at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?

My experience at HSRW was better than I had hoped. I met amazing people from all over the world and learned about many cultures. The professors were very supportive and knowledgeable. HSRW Sports even taught me how to ride a bicycle! The university language center was also fantastic. In two years, I managed to learn German up to a solid B1 level thanks to them; now I’m making my way to B2. Overall, I had a wonderful experience, and I will forever be grateful to the faculty for everything they have done for me.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master's in Sustainable Development Management? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

There are no tuition fees at HSRW, as it is a public university.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My entire program was in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I cannot say for sure. I think that my professional experience and letter of motivation may have helped me stand out.

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

I would have worried less. But knowing me, I don’t think that would be possible!

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

Plan several months in advance. Seek feedback about some parts of your application from those you trust. Proofread multiple times. Finally, and most importantly, have faith in yourself.