How Meriem Khedhiri, a Tunisian Scholar, Secured a Partially Funded Exchange in AI and Signal Processing at Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany Through the STEP Scholarship

Hi, I'm Meriem Khedhiri, and I'm from Tunisia. I hold an engineering degree in Industrial Computer Science with a focus on data analysis from ENET'COM Sfax. During my final year, I had the opportunity to complete my graduation project abroad as an exchange student, which led me down a path I'll always be grateful for.

STEP Scholarship Details

I received the STEP scholarship, funded by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), for a summer semester exchange through a collaboration between my home institution, ENET'COM Sfax, and TU Chemnitz in Germany. I completed my graduation project in the Measurement and Sensor Technology (MST) department at TU Chemnitz, under the supervision of Professor Olfa Kanoun, head of the department, and day-to-day guidance from PhD student Dr. Achref Djemal. My project focused on an innovative approach to epileptic seizure classification, combining AI and signal processing. The scholarship covered around €720 in travel expenses plus a monthly allowance of €861.

Educational Background

I graduated near the top of my class at ENET'COM Sfax, with an average of 15.60/20 in the Tunisian grading system. Being one of the top students in my field was a key factor that helped me stand out when applying for this opportunity.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz)?

How Did You Find Information About STEP Scholarship and Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz)?

I found the opportunity through a LinkedIn post by Professor Olfa Kanoun, and then followed up through my home institution's official website for the application details.

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

I took an English proficiency test. I didn't need to prepare intensively for it, since my education had already been largely conducted in English.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the STEP Scholarship?

I prepared a full application package, including a motivation letter, a letter of recommendation, my English test results, academic transcripts, and proof of extracurricular activities. The selection process had two stages: a preselection based on a score calculated from a set formula, followed by an interview with Professor Olfa Kanoun directly, along with Professor Ahmed Fakhfakh from my home institution. The interview was both technical and psychological in nature.

How is Your Experience at Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz)?

My experience at TU Chemnitz was incredible, one I'll never forget. It was my first time being in a truly international environment, surrounded by people from all over the world. The university organized job fairs for us and helped integrate us into local events. Since I had already finished my coursework back home before the exchange, I wasn't enrolled in regular classes, but I did take language classes and courses on research skills, how to read and search for relevant research papers, and how to prepare a state-of-the-art literature review.

How Does Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz) Support International Students?

TU Chemnitz actively supported international exchange students by organizing job fairs and integrating us into local community events, which made settling in and building a network much easier.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My research and language classes were manageable as an English speaker, and most locals in Chemnitz spoke English as well.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

Not really, most locals speak English, and Chemnitz also has a large Arabic-speaking community (including many Arabic refugees), so I often found myself speaking Arabic even while living in Europe. That said, I do think investing more in learning German would have deepened my integration even further.

What Did You Pursue After the STEP Scholarship?

After returning to Tunisia, I started working in the corporate sector.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Beyond my academic record, I believe what set me apart was my visible motivation and passion; the professors mentioned they could see it "in my eyes", along with the strong sense of commitment they sensed in me during the interview.

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

I would have invested more time in improving my German language skills. It wasn't strictly necessary since most locals speak English and I could often get by in Arabic, but it would have enriched my integration even more.

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

Stay genuinely engaged with your academic performance and keep an eye out for opportunities shared by your professors; mine came from a LinkedIn post. Prepare your documents thoroughly, and don't underestimate the interview: let your real motivation and commitment show, because that's often what makes the difference beyond just grades.