How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Hochschule Schmalkalden, Germany Through the DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship

My name is Muhammad Muhammad Idris, and I'm from Bida, Nigeria. I'm currently pursuing an M.Eng. in Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation Engineering at Hochschule Schmalkalden in Germany. I chose this field because of my deep passion for autonomous mobile robots and intelligent systems , specifically how they can transform real-world intralogistics operations. My thesis focuses on radar-inertial sensor fusion and robust control for warehouse-floor AMRs, which sits right at the intersection of control theory and applied robotics.

DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship Details

I received the DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship, which funds my M.Eng. studies at Hochschule Schmalkalden, Germany. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of approximately €1,000, which covers living expenses during my studies.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Mechatronics at the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU) in Minsk, Belarus, graduating with Second Class Upper Honours (equivalent to First Class in many systems). This degree gave me a strong foundation in embedded systems, control engineering, and mechanical-electronic integration , directly preparing me for graduate-level work in robotics and automation. The combination of theoretical rigor and hands-on engineering at BNTU made me a competitive candidate for the DAAD scholarship and the M.Eng. programme at Hochschule Schmalkalden.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Hochschule Schmalkalden?

I prepared by thoroughly going through the DAAD website, which lists multiple partner institutions along with detailed programme descriptions and application requirements. This made it easy to compare options, identify the right fit for my research interests in robotics and automation, and understand exactly what documents were needed for each application.

How Did You Find Information About DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship and Hochschule Schmalkalden?

I found all my information purely through the DAAD website, which was a comprehensive resource for both scholarship details and partner institutions. What was particularly helpful was that DAAD provided a four-month language learning programme before the studies began, and I used that period to research universities, compare programmes, and finalize my choice of Hochschule Schmalkalden , so by the time the language course ended, I already knew exactly where I wanted to study.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS and scored 6.5. I prepared entirely through self-study, primarily using YouTube, the IELTS Liz channel was particularly helpful for tips, strategies, and practice across all four skill areas. I found this approach effective and would recommend it to anyone preparing on a budget.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship?

The DAAD scholarship application required a motivational letter, two recommendation letters, and a CV. A research proposal was not required at my level , that is only mandatory for PhD applicants. I focused most of my energy on crafting a strong motivational letter that clearly articulated my passion for robotics and automation, my academic background, and how the M.Eng. programme at Hochschule Schmalkalden aligned with my career goals. The two recommendation letters were from academic referees who could speak to my technical abilities and potential.

How is Your Experience at Hochschule Schmalkalden?

My experience at Hochschule Schmalkalden has been superb. The study environment is calm, focused, and incredibly conducive to learning. What makes it even more special is the natural beauty of the Thuringia region , surrounded by forests and hills, it gives you a peaceful backdrop that honestly makes studying more enjoyable. The university has a close-knit community feel, which I appreciate as an international student.

Is the Institution Free for ? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

Hochschule Schmalkalden is essentially free for my programme , there is no tuition fee. However, like most German universities, there is a mandatory semester fee of €331.80 per semester, which covers administrative costs and typically includes a public transport ticket for the region.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My programme is primarily conducted in English, which makes it very accessible for international students. However, there are also some courses offered in German, which is a great opportunity to practice the language and integrate better into the local academic culture.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

Not at all. Since the programme is primarily taught in English, not knowing German does not pose any academic challenge. International students can comfortably follow lectures, complete assignments, and engage with professors entirely in English. Of course, learning some basic German helps with daily life outside campus, but it is in no way a barrier to academic success.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my motivational letter. It was clear, focused, and most importantly, it connected my academic background and personal journey directly to a well-defined career goal in robotics and automation. I didn't write a generic letter , I made sure the reviewer could see exactly where I was coming from and where I was heading. That clarity of purpose, I believe, is what set my application apart.

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

Honestly, I would not change anything. The process taught me a lot and everything worked out as it should. If anything, I would simply encourage others to trust the process and put their best effort into every component of the application from the start.

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

My biggest advice would be to choose your referees carefully , make sure they know you well and can speak specifically to your abilities and potential, not just give a generic recommendation. Equally important, ensure that your motivational letter and your referee letters are aligned and tell a consistent story. When everything matches and points in the same direction, your application comes across as genuine and compelling. That coherence can make all the difference.