How Monalisa Maremba, a Zimbabwean Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

My name is Monalisa Maremba, from Zimbabwe, with a background in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation from the University of Zimbabwe & a joint Master’s degree in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security from the United Nations University – Environment and Human Security (UNU – EHS) & University of Bonn, Germany. All I remember from when I was a kid was my curiosity to understand our world and why everything was made the way it was. I remember having quite a keen interest in clouds and how unique each season would show in the clouds, rocks, and their formation and where they came to be. Why do we have natural hazards, and what makes the Earth respond the way it does? The geography of the Earth just became a favorite part of my readings and information acquisition. Fast forward, choosing a career path was an easy process for me, as I knew exactly what I wanted to study, and it was now more about the curiosity of understanding the intersection of humans, nature, and the Earth. My recent postgraduate degree program has been a key enabler in further knowledge acquisition in the field of environmental risks and human security. The program focused more on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding these, with a focus on critical understanding, tools, and strategies required. The Master’s program addresses theoretical and methodological debates in geography to better understand the complex emergence of environmental risks and natural hazards, their implications for human-nature relations (vulnerability, resilience, adaptation), and how to deal with them in practice.

DAAD EPOS Details

Information on the scholarship can be easily found on their website below, and I will also reference it in the text below;

(https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50076777)

I was on the DAAD EPOS for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses offered by the German government. DAAD promotes the training of specialists from development and newly industrialised countries. Well-trained local experts, who are networked with international partners, play an important part in the sustainable development of their countries. They are the best guarantee for a better future with less poverty, more education and health for all. The scholarships offer foreign graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries from all disciplines and with at least two years' professional experience the chance to take a postgraduate or Master's degree at a state or state-recognised German university, and in exceptional cases to take a doctoral degree, and to obtain a university qualification (Master's/PhD) in Germany.

Application eligibility: Graduates with at least two years' professional experience from the following countries.

What can be funded?

Individual scholarships exclusively for Postgraduate courses in Germany that are listed on the List of all Postgraduate courses with application deadlines 2027/2028.

Duration of the funding

12 to 42 months (dependent on study programme)

Value

Depending on academic level, monthly payments of 992 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros (1,400 euros beginning with February 2026) for doctoral candidates

Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover

Travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding

Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may receive the following additional benefits: (Monthly rent subsidy, Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family)

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No, if one is on a DAAD Scholarship, unfortunately you are usually not entitled to another scholarship in Germany.

Educational Background

As l shared earlier, my background was in Geography and Environmental Science, and it was just a perfect fit as the Masters’ degree was also much more like my bachelor’s, though now largely focusing on social geography. Despite my background in Physical Geography, this was such a good fit as I came in with the alternative skills and knowledge critical for foundational understanding.

I would urge applicants not to be shy, as the program focus is interdisciplinary and had others from my cohort who studied Civil Engineering, Biology, Political Science & Economics.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to United Nations University & University of Bonn?

How Did You Find Information About DAAD EPOS and United Nations University & University of Bonn?

One thing I would encourage someone who is looking for such an opportunity is to SHOW UP, SHOW UP. In all spaces, you might not even expect to receive such information. Always make it known around your circles that you are actively applying; they are also one of the underrated sources. In my case, it was through the African Women in GIS, and I would like to send appreciation to this community. Through the community platform, a lot of people would share links for both academic and professional global openings. Secondly, when a link is provided, I do believe that it now rests solely on one to get all the information and more. Going beyond just the information on the websites, reach out even via LINKEDIN to former students and also through this platform on Global Scholarships so that preparation is done thoroughly.

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

At the time of application, it was not compulsory to have English proficiency tests if you could justify that you did your previous studies in English. However, currently that has become a requirement, and applicants are welcome to check the program requirements for the accepted tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS?

The first thing l did was to go to the scholarship website and read all the information to understand the offering institution and what drove them to offer the scholarship. As there are always so many scholarships, having a clear idea of the funding organization’s expectations for their recipients always puts one at an advantage when such questions come up during the selection interviews. I went further to also have a strong foundational knowledge of the country of residence during the scholarship period. This helped me a lot to understand the people and how they communicate. Communication cues are an important part of establishing good rapport whenever engaging with the other person outside your normal culture.

The university requirements were laid out, and one important thing l encourage applicants to do when applying to German universities is to follow all the steps to the dot. Missing one or a small portion of the requirements could potentially lead to an application not being considered further. One trick that worked for me was to already reach out to former recipients of the same scholarship and ask how they responded to certain sections. The university also had a proactive general email for questions during the application process and was ready to assist in clarifying any doubts.

After writing my motivation letter, I sent it to a few of my former Lecturers to also review, and other people who I knew would critically review my letter. This helped in creating a strong submission and for all my documents l always had to review it more than once for any minor mistakes.

How is Your Experience at United Nations University & University of Bonn?

My experience during my master's program was quite remarkable, as I had the most awesome opportunity to study within an international group. This period really stretched me and helped me grow so much. Before going into this, I only had an idea of what it would look like and was really impressed beyond my imagination. My cohort was a group of very empathetic and open-minded individuals ready to engage in and beyond the classroom. I am happy to have made some friends from the people who were just strangers the first day we met a few years ago.

How Do You Rate United Nations University & University of Bonn Academically?

University of Bonn and UNU EHS are world-class institutions, and it was a great privilege to study at both these places, offering quite distinct contributions but all working together for the common goal of advancing knowledge.

How Does United Nations University & University of Bonn Support International Students?

There are programs offered by the Bonn University International Students Club, and I made sure I was active there, and it helped me with all the support I needed. UNU EHS Education Coordinator was just exceptional, and I always knew they were a knock away, as their door was always open. DAAD Scholarship also had a support network for all things to do with the scholarship. One thing I can say is that they hold your hand throughout, and there is not much to be worried about.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

English

What Did You Pursue After the DAAD EPOS?

Work (my advice is to learn the German language very well, and the job opportunities are always much more)

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

The Masters’ program is fully taught in English, but knowledge of the German language is needed for good integration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I made sure I gave my best and really spoke authentically, and my story was centered around my personality, strong skills, areas of improvement, and my work experience, as one of the requirements of this scholarship was at least 2 years’ experience in one’s field of study. I also emphasized on what I was bringing as my contribution, and being an inclusive person, I made sure I shared that strongly.

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

I would have ensured that l share my story more as that is always a strong selling point. When the selection committee sits with one’s application, because they cannot ask back right away, they need to feel your presence and your authenticity.

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

Your application is as good as the effort you put into it. You will probably be competing with a thousand other applicants. Keep your unique selling point clear and ensure you bring out your best authentic self and understand the expectations of the funders and ensure you speak and answer into how you see yourself fitting well. They should see the worthiness of an investment they are making if you get to be selected. Above all, trust in your instincts and always know that all works out for your good. All the best if you decide to apply for this scholarship or something similar. Do not be discouraged if it does not work the first time; go for it again and explore other fitting scholarships and apply. Give it your best !!!!