DAAD Hilde-Domin Scholar, Muzhdah Shayan from Afghanistan, Shares Her Journey from the International Islamic University Islamabad to Pursuing a Master’s in International Management at Hochschule Wismar, Germany

My name is Muzhdah Shayan, and I am originally from Ghazni province, Afghanistan. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in Pakistan, where I had the honor of studying through a fully funded scholarship. Moving from Afghanistan to Pakistan for my bachelor’s studies was a transformative experience that exposed me to diverse cultures and helped me understand the value of global business competency and cultural intelligence.

Since starting my bachelor’s degree, I have developed a deep passion for the world of leadership and management, particularly in the areas of human resources and organizational development. Winning my first scholarship motivated me to continue pursuing academic excellence and inspired me to apply for the DAAD Scholarship to study my Master’s in International Management in Germany. Through this program, I aim to further strengthen my leadership skills and deepen my understanding of international business dynamics.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Hilde-Domin Programme Scholarship in June 2024, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €992 for up to 24 months, including full health, accident, and liability insurance, and a travel allowance. In addition, the scholarship covers the cost of a preparatory German language course amounting to €8,804, as stated in my award letter. The total estimated value of the scholarship, including health insurance, study and travel allowance, is approximately €38,000, covering both the master’s program and the preparatory language course.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In addition, (before) to the DAAD Hilde-Domin Programme Scholarship, I was honored to receive the HEC Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for the duration of my Bachelor’s degree from 2019 to 2023. This fully funded scholarship encompassed: Full tuition fees, Living allowance, Book allowance, Hostel accommodations, and Travel allowance (once during the entire study period).

While the exact monetary value of the scholarship is not publicly specified, it was designed to comprehensively cover all major academic and living expenses throughout my undergraduate studies in Pakistan.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Pakistan, from 2019 to 2023, with a GPA of 3.6/4 (Pakistani grading system). During my undergraduate studies, I gained a solid foundation in core business disciplines, including management, human resources, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior.

Currently, I am in my 3rd semester of the M.A. in International Management at Hochschule Wismar, Germany, with a current GPA of 1.5/1 (German grading scale). My educational background, both at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, has equipped me with strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills, directly relevant to my chosen field of International Management. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure has prepared me to understand global business dynamics, organizational structures, and human resource management, enabling me to contribute effectively in multicultural professional environments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Hochschule Wismar?

How Did You Find Information About the DAAD Scholarship and Hochschule Wismar?

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

I began searching for scholarships during the last semester of my Bachelor’s degree, actively following scholarship announcement channels on social media platforms such as Telegram and Facebook. These channels helped me stay updated on application deadlines and program requirements.

Before applying, I carefully ensured that I met all eligibility criteria for the scholarship and prepared all necessary documents in advance. I also actively sought guidance from DAAD whenever I had questions or needed clarification, ensuring that my application was complete and accurate.

When applying to German universities, I was very mindful of admission deadlines and strict eligibility criteria, as some universities require exact documentation and early submission. Since most German universities require applications through uni-assist, which takes approximately three weeks to review documents and forward them to the universities, it was critical to plan the timing accurately. I applied to four universities and received admissions from three, ultimately choosing Hochschule Wismar, as the subjects in my desired field were more up-to-date and aligned with my goals than at the other universities.

Regarding standardized tests, I did not take IELTS or TOEFL, as I completed my Bachelor’s degree at an international university where the language of instruction was English, which allowed me to be waived from these requirements.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the DAAD Scholarship?

I started the scholarship application process early by researching possible scholarship opportunities. After clarifying my academic and career goals, I targeted the top scholarship I wanted to pursue. I then ensured that I met all eligibility criteria, gathered recommendation letters, and explored universities and potential fields of study that aligned with my interests and career objectives.

In addition, I gained professional experience working as an interpreter/language assistant at the

German Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, which strengthened my communication, organizational, and intercultural skills, complementing my academic background and supporting my scholarship application as a strong one.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that my application stood out due to my strong academic performance, proven intercultural skills, and effective communication abilities. My strong passion and motivation to pursue a Master’s degree through the DAAD scholarship, combined with the successful completion of a fully funded scholarship in Pakistan and relevant professional experience at the German Embassy in Islamabad, further strengthened my profile.

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

Looking back, I realize that while I started the application process early, I could have explored a wider range of scholarship opportunities and universities, including programs in other English-speaking countries. My success with the DAAD scholarship was largely due to the focused effort I put into applying for this specific scholarship. In the future, I would combine early preparation with a broader exploration of opportunities to make an even more informed choice.

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

I would advise prospective applicants to research as many options and diverse opportunities as possible. At the same time, it is important to recognize that language is key to building a successful career in your chosen field. If you aim to gain professional experience through internships or jobs in the same country after graduation, strong language skills will be crucial. Additionally, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, prepare your documents carefully, and seek guidance when needed, while gaining relevant academic or professional experience to strengthen your application.