Danish Government Scholarship Recipient, Mohiuddin Mahbub from Bangladesh, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Electronics at the University of Southern Denmark

My name is Mohiuddin Mahbub, and I am a Test Engineer at Danfoss Power Electronics here in Denmark, with over five years of professional engineering experience. I come from the beautiful, small country of Bangladesh, and I am excited to share the story of how I got here.

My goal was always to pursue higher education in Europe. Through strategic planning and dedicated effort, I was fortunate to receive multiple admission and scholarship offers from several top universities. Ultimately, I chose to accept the prestigious Danish Government Scholarship to pursue my Master's in Electronics at the University of Southern Denmark. This path has now led me to a fulfilling career in a field I am passionate about.

The Danish Government Scholarship

The scholarship I was awarded is the Danish Government Scholarship, which is offered in partnership with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). It is a highly competitive award for talented non-EU/EEA students. When I applied in 2021, the scholarship was specifically targeted for a few master's programs at the SDU Sonderborg campus. For me, receiving this scholarship was a game-changer. It provided a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend to help cover my living costs in Denmark. This incredible financial support allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies and research without financial worries. 

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, my application efforts resulted in several significant scholarship offers. I received 100% tuition fee waivers from four universities in Finland: the University of Turku, the University of Oulu, Tampere University, and LUT University. I was also offered a 100% tuition waiver from Uppsala University in Sweden.

Furthermore, I was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus full scholarship for the REM Plus (Renewable Energy in the Marine Environment) program, which covered full tuition and provided a living stipend. These offers gave me a range of excellent options for my postgraduate studies.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) in 2018, graduating with Summa Cum Laude (gold Medal) and a high CGPA of 3.98 out of 4.00. In recognition of my academic excellence, I also received the Dean's List Award twice. My undergraduate studies provided me with a robust foundation in the core principles of electrical and electronics engineering. My passion for research culminated in the publication of my thesis, "Analysis of 3-Coil High Performance Inductive Link for Efficient Wireless Power Transmission," at the 2018 International Conference on Computer, Communication, Chemical, Material, and Electronic Engineering (IC4ME2). Following my graduation, I gained valuable practical experience working as an Electrical Engineer in Bangladesh, where I was responsible for conducting energy audits. This professional experience, combined with my strong academic background and research achievements, solidified my expertise and prepared me to pursue a Master's degree in the specialized field of Electronics.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Southern Denmark?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of Southern Denmark?

I visited the websites of the universities I was interested in, as many of them have dedicated sections for international students with information about scholarships. University portals, scholarship websites, and educational forums were my primary sources of information

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

Yes, I took the IELTS test to demonstrate my English language proficiency. I prepared for the test by taking practice tests and focusing on the areas where I needed improvement. I used online resources and official IELTS preparation materials to familiarize myself with the test format and question types.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

My preparation was a strategic and focused process. I began by identifying my areas of interest, specifically targeting Master's programs in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Renewable Energy, as well as Electronics Engineering, across Europe. My search led me to shortlist several universities in Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the UK known for their strong programs in these fields. I then meticulously went through the application requirements for each institution, tailoring my application, including my statement of purpose and CV, to align with the specific focus of each program. This targeted approach proved to be highly successful, leading to multiple admissions and scholarship offers.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Southern Denmark?

My experience at the University of Southern Denmark has been fantastic. The university has a very welcoming and supportive environment for international students. The faculty members are experts in their fields and are always willing to help students. The curriculum is well-structured and provides a good balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

How Do You Rate the University of Southern Denmark Academically and Why?

I would rate the University of Southern Denmark very highly academically. The university is known for its practical-based teaching and its strong industry connections. The courses are challenging and up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The university also provides students with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories.

How Does the University of Southern Denmark Support International Students?

My experience at the University of Southern Denmark has been fantastic. The university has a very welcoming and supportive environment for international students. The faculty members are experts in their fields and are always willing to help students. The curriculum is well-structured and provides a good balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my strong academic record and research experience made my application stand out. I was also able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the program and in studying in Denmark. I think my well-rounded profile, which showcased both my academic and extracurricular achievements, helped me to secure the scholarship.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start my research and preparation even earlier. I would also try to connect with more current students and alumni of the universities I was interested in to get their insights and advice.

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

My advice would be to start early, do your research thoroughly, and tailor your application to each scholarship and institution. It is also important to have a strong academic record and to be able to articulate your goals and motivations clearly. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and advice from professors, mentors, and current students.