Deutschlandstipendium Recipient, Maria Voronkova from Russia, Pursues an M.A. in History of Global Markets at the University of Göttingen, Germany

I am Maria Voronkova, and I am a master’s student at the University of Gö. I come from Russia, and I have always wanted to study abroad. My study program is very interesting and unique, as it is interdisciplinary in character and quite flexible. It is called "M.A. in History of Global Markets." The program consists of some mandatory seminars, but it also allows students to form their own profile by choosing classes according to their individual interests and orientations. The program is taught in English and German, with the possibility of studying entirely in English. The university also offers free German language courses, so it is a great opportunity, while studying in English, to learn or improve German.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in international law, both obtained in my home country. I enjoyed studying in these fields, so my GPA was 4.9/5, and I also took part in many international conferences and educational events. I have been to Germany, Italy, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan, and this experience inspired me to pursue studies abroad. I believe that my educational background and my interest in the social sciences made the transition into my current German study program smooth.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Göttingen?

When I was at the active application stage, I checked the application rules and guidelines of the specific programs I was interested in on the universities’ websites, as the application process can differ depending on the university or study program. For my study program, I needed to provide notarized and translated education transcripts, proof of English proficiency (in my case, an IELTS certificate), and a letter of motivation. I think the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst/German Academic Exchange Service) portal is a useful tool, as it provides a catalogue of various study programs in Germany as well as information about scholarships and grants.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

As I mentioned earlier, I used the DAAD portal extensively to find suitable study programs. The portal also helped me find information about scholarship opportunities, namely the Deutschlandstipendium. My application for this scholarship was successful, and I received it for one academic year. The scholarship amounted to 300 euros per month, and it was possible to reapply for it each academic year. The application process was centralized and handled through the university’s study portal. For my application, I submitted documents confirming my excellent academic performance, volunteering experience, and social engagement.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

I decided to study in Germany because of the excellent educational and professional opportunities and prospects. Studying at public universities is free for international students (except in some federal states). Students at German public universities do not pay tuition fees but only semester fees (usually between 300 and 400 euros per semester). By paying the semester fees, students automatically receive a transport ticket called the Semesterticket, which allows them to use local and regional public transport across Germany for free. There are also many interesting English-taught programs and numerous international career opportunities.

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

Studying in Germany is also attractive because students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, it can be challenging to find a part-time job as a working student or intern, especially when speaking only English. The job market is very competitive, so it can take quite some time and effort to find a suitable position. Living costs in Germany are quite high, especially when it comes to finding affordable accommodation. I would recommend that international students contact the Studierendenwerk (an institution at universities that provides social support for students) in the city where they live to inquire about available places in student residences managed by the organization. The accommodation provided by the Studierendenwerk is affordable, but it may take some time to receive a place.

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

I would definitely recommend considering Germany as a study destination for international applicants. German education is highly recognized and helps graduates find employment in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, or pursue an academic career. It also greatly contributes to individual and professional growth, as well as to building relationships and social networks with talented and inspiring peers, scholars, and professionals from around the world.