How I Secured a Fully Funded PhD Research at RPTU-Kaiserslautern, Germany Through the DAAD Short-Term Research Grant

Hello. My name is Mohammad Mirghotbi, currently a PhD student in organic chemistry from Iran. I was working on the synthesis of Propellan compounds, which are sterically interesting in organic and medicinal chemistry. In the middle of my research, I decided to do different but more advanced and complex research abroad, so I started looking for scholarships across Europe. After I came across DAAD, I started to find supervisors and professors from Germany, and finally I found a professor at RPTU-Kaiserslautern who really helped me during the whole process of applying for a doctoral research grant of DAAD

DAAD Short Term Research Scholarship Details

I applied for a short-term research grant (for 6 months). They paid me 1,300 euros per month, and all of the insurance and travel costs were covered by DAAD as well.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No, I didn’t apply for any other scholarships

Educational Background

I have obtained my master’s in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Shahid Beheshti University with a GPA of 3.3, and I also received my bachelor’s in chemistry from the same university with a GPA of 3.0. I believe my educational and research background in Medicinal and organic chemistry helped me secure two interviews with two professors from the University of Gottingen and RPTU-Kaiserslautern. Finally, my professor from RPTU agreed to be my host for this short-term research project.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to RPTU-Kaiserslautern?

I started searching for professors relevant to my research background by searching research articles. I started emailing many professors and finally two professors accepted me to have an interview with them.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Short-Term Research Grant?

I had to prepare a research proposal, which was one of the most important things that needed careful consideration and planning for DAAD. My professor really helped me throughout the process of sending the application, and he was really helpful. Other application materials should be prepared by yourself.

How is Your Experience at RPTU-Kaiserslautern?

I had a great time living in Kaiserslautern, and the university staff was great and helpful, especially when I tried to receive my first scholarship for the first month.

How Do You Rate RPTU-Kaiserslautern Academically?

The institution is growing fast, and I believe they really care about students and research projects. Everything you need as a Chemistry researcher was provided.

How Does RPTU-Kaiserslautern Support International Students?

Well, I was a guest researcher, so my professor helped me find a room in the guesthouse in advance before I came to Germany. Most of the staff were helpful.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the PhD in Organic Chemistry? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

You have to pay for a semester card at the cost of 315 euros, which included free transportation access across Germany and lunch and other services at the university

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

I didn’t attend any classes

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

in terms of academic issues, there shouldn’t be any problems, but if you’re planning to live in Germany, then you need to learn German as well.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my research experience and the innovation and novelty of my proposal, which was about the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), had a great impact since Germany is great at developing Pharmaceuticals.

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

I would have emailed professors earlier since I found my professor one month before the application deadline, so I do recommend finding your supervisor as early as possible. Also, I would have tried to email professors who have great experience working with DAAD scholars.

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

I would say the same things that I previously mentioned. Also, do not give up until the last few days, since the process to find your suitable supervisor can be exhausting, since there are many great professors across Germany.