How an Azerbaijani Scholar Secured the Fully Funded DAAD Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Development Management at Ruhr University Bochum

My name is Nisa Narimanova, and I’m from Azerbaijan. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Administration at ADA University, Azerbaijan. During my studies, I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ exchange program at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany. This experience played a major role in shaping my academic and professional vision. Currently, I’m a civil servant in Azerbaijan and pursuing my second Master’s degree in Development Management at Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany.

Educational Background

During my bachelor’s studies, I was honored to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a CGPA of 3.76/4, and I completed my master’s with Cum Laude honors, earning a CGPA of 3.53/4. I was also one of only five students in my field awarded the Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my master’s tuition-free.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ruhr University of Bochum?

I did a lot of research on programs and universities in Germany, specifically those that aligned with my interests in sustainable development. I paid close attention to program structure, course offerings, and the potential for practical experience.

I only took the IELTS exam to meet the language requirements. It took me about one month to prepare. If you already have a decent level of English, it’s very doable within this timeframe. The key is to practice a lot, familiarize yourself with the format, and understand the logic behind each section of the test.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

I started by researching thoroughly what documents were required for the DAAD application. I made sure to tailor every piece—my motivation letter, CV, and application form, university and program choices—to clearly reflect my goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The DAAD Scholarship evaluates applicants in two stages: the document review and the interview. I believe the alignment of my academic background with the program I applied to, combined with a strong, sincere motivation letter, helped me pass the first stage. In the interview, I focused on clearly expressing my motivations, career goals, and why I chose Germany. I stayed calm and confident because I genuinely knew why I was there and what I wanted. After the interview, I was 95% sure I would receive the scholarship because I could feel I had communicated my story and purpose effectively.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I was well-prepared, focused, and determined.

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

 My advice would be:

• Know your motivation letter and CV very well.
  About 90% of the questions asked during the interview come directly from your CV and motivation letter. In some cases, they may also ask technical or theoretical questions related to courses you’ve previously taken, or questions connected to your chosen field of study. From my experience, I observed that the interviewers mainly want to verify that you are the same person who wrote the motivation letter and submitted the CV. They want to make sure everything you've written is genuine and that you're not exaggerating or misrepresenting your background. So, it's not about being perfect—it’s about being authentic and consistent.
• Gather information about the universities and the courses offered in the program you chose. You’ll often get questions based on the order in which you listed the universities in your application. So, be prepared with clear reasons for your choices.
• The next question in the interview is usually shaped by how you answer the previous one. I had heard this before my interview, but honestly, I didn’t believe it. I thought the stress and nerves wouldn’t let me control the flow of the interview.  But it turned out to be true—you can actually guide the direction of the questions.
• Towards the end of most DAAD interviews, there’s the classic question: Do you speak German? Would you like to learn it? Why? Avoid giving cliché answers like “I want to read the works of Max Weber or Karl Marx in the original language.” It’s become too overused.  Instead, give a real, personal reason.
• Definitely prepare well for the interview(of course!). Make sure you clearly connect your academic and professional goals with the program you’ve chosen.
• If you’ve already received an acceptance letter from a German university, take it with you to the interview.I don’t know for sure if it influenced their decision, but I brought mine along  (They didn’t even look at it, but I still mentioned it during the interview.)

Before the interview, I was very nervous. During the interview, I felt completely at ease. And after the interview, I was 95% sure I had been selected—because I was able to truly convey my motivation and passion. The questions, structure, and tips I’ve shared here are based on my personal DAAD scholarship application and interview experience in Azerbaijan. While some aspects may be similar across countries, specific processes can vary slightly depending on your location and the DAAD office you apply through. I hope my journey can still serve as a helpful guide and source of motivation! Wishing the best of luck to everyone taking part in this marathon! Just believe in yourself and know what you want!