How an Engineer from Ughelli, Nigeria Secured a Fully Funded PTDF & DAAD PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Freiburg

Name: Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware

Place of origin: I come from Ughelli, a small oil-producing town in Delta State, southern Nigeria. Growing up in a family with limited means, I learned early on the value of hard work as a path to overcoming life’s challenges. During my undergraduate studies, I became acutely aware of the environmental degradation caused by oil and gas activities in my hometown, pollution, health risks, and loss of livelihoods. This awareness deepened my resolve not only to uplift myself and my family but also to contribute to transforming existing energy systems into cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. This commitment now drives my PhD research, where I design clean energy technologies aimed at shaping a healthier future for communities like Ughelli.

DAAD Scholarship Details

Scholarship: Nigerian-German Postgraduate Training Programme, PhD offered by Petroleum Technology Development Fund (awarded by the Nigerian Government) and DAAD scholarship (offered by the German government)

Worth of scholarship: Fully Funded (€1300/month stipend, insurance, travel support, and other benefits) and paid German language course

Education Background

Coming from an oil-producing town, I’ve always felt a personal connection to the operations of the oil and gas sector. This motivated me to pursue both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Petroleum and Gas Engineering, with the goal of contributing to the sector by strengthening its technical capacity and workforce. However, during my academic journey, I became increasingly aware of the environmental toll of fossil fuel exploitation, especially its contribution to global warming and the visible effects in my own community. This realization shifted my focus toward finding solutions to reduce these impacts, ultimately leading me to explore renewable energy technologies in my PhD research. I’ve always known that solving such a critical problem would require academic excellence. That determination earned me a second-class upper in my bachelor’s degree, a distinction in my master’s, and the scholarships that have made my advanced studies possible, including funding for both my master’s and PhD programs.

How Did I Prepare to Apply to the University of Freiburg?

I began by identifying countries with strong renewable energy sectors, and Germany stood out as a global leader in this field. During my research, I discovered that many German institutions do not require standardized test scores for admission, which allowed me to focus more on building a strong academic and research profile. However, I also learned that integrating into daily life in Germany would require basic knowledge of the German language, so I took the initiative to start learning the language before arriving. Finding a PhD supervisor was one of the most challenging parts of the process. I spent considerable time reviewing the research profiles of various professors to ensure alignment with my academic interests. It was a long and demanding journey, but my persistence and clarity of purpose ultimately paid off.

How I Prepared to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship

During my master’s program, I was awarded the prestigious Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship, which also supports my current PhD studies. This prior experience gave me a solid understanding of the scholarship application process and what to expect. For my PhD, the funding came through two channels: first, the PTDF scholarship, and second, the DAAD scholarship. Although I was unfamiliar with the DAAD application process, I approached it with great care, closely following every guideline to avoid disqualification over minor errors. Through diligence and attention to detail, I successfully secured both scholarships to support my PhD journey.

What Did I Do to Make My Application Stand Out?

My preparation for the scholarship didn’t begin at the moment I decided to apply; it started much earlier with a consistent effort to build a strong academic and professional track record. This foundation played a pivotal role in helping me win the scholarship. In crafting my application, I ensured that every claim I made was supported by verifiable evidence, often including links to relevant web pages or publications. I also made a conscious effort to highlight my strengths and achievements clearly and confidently, particularly in the motivation essays, understanding the importance of effectively presenting one’s value when competing for such prestigious opportunities.

What I Would Do Differently if I Went Through the Process Again

To be honest, I do not believe that I would do anything differently. I believe that I gave my best shot at the application.

What Advice Will I Give to Those Applying for a Similar Scholarship?

First and foremost, maintain strong academic performance, as excellent grades are a critical criterion for most scholarship selections. Equally important is ensuring that every claim you make in your application is supported by clear, verifiable evidence; credibility goes a long way. Finally, pay close attention to the application guidelines; even small oversights can disqualify an otherwise strong candidate. Being thorough, accurate, and strategic in how you present yourself often makes the difference between success and rejection.