DAAD-KOSPIE Scholar, Oshin Agarwal from India, Shares Her Experience Conducting Research in Sustainable Urbanism at Technische Universität Braunschweig

My name is Oshin Agarwal, and I am from India. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a  Master’s degree in Infrastructure Systems from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee.  Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in the field of transportation and sustainability. My academic and research journey has always been driven by a passion for sustainable urbanism, transportation planning, and creating healthier, more inclusive cities. I chose to continue higher education in this field because I believe transportation and urban design play a critical role in tackling climate change and improving the quality of life. 

DAAD-KOSPIE Scholarship Details 

I was awarded the DAAD-KOSPIE Scholarship (2023–2024), funded by the German Academic  Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Education. As part of this program, I conducted research at the Institute for Sustainable Urbanism, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany. The scholarship provided comprehensive financial support, including  €934 per month as a living allowance, €1,000 for travel, full health insurance coverage, and an additional €250 research grant. This funding ensured that I could focus fully on my research and academic growth during my seven-month exchange in Germany.

Educational Background 

I completed my Bachelor of Architecture from Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur, India, with  Honours and later pursued a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Infrastructure Systems from IIT  Roorkee, India, where I graduated with the highest CGPA in my batch (9.526), receiving a gold medal and a cash prize for academic excellence. These degrees provided me with a strong foundation in design, planning, and technical analysis. These degrees provided me with a strong foundation in design, planning, and technical analysis. My exposure to transportation systems, sustainability, and urban planning during my master’s program directly prepared me to apply for the DAAD-KOSPIE exchange program. At the same time, my zeal to understand these topics on an international level motivated me to pursue research opportunities abroad, enabling me to broaden my academic perspective and contribute to cross-cultural knowledge exchange. 

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Technical University of Braunschweig? 

Finding Information

I researched opportunities through the official DAAD website, my university’s International Relations Office, and by speaking with seniors who had previously participated in exchange programs. Initially, I also identified potential supervisors whose research aligned with my interests by reviewing university websites,  faculty pages, recent publications, and ongoing projects. I created a detailed list of research interests and email IDs, and I wrote to each professor, attaching my research synopsis and a recommendation letter from my supervisor. I received a few positive  responses and then proceeded with the formalities at my Indian university, as well as the 

DAAD requirements. I must add that everything was very smooth and well-supported by  DAAD throughout the process. 

Standardized Tests

For DAAD-KOSPIE, neither GRE nor TOEFL was required. The main eligibility criterion was maintaining a minimum CGPA of 8.5, along with the motivation and commitment to go through the application process for a fully funded stay in  Germany. Additionally, I had completed a German Language A1 certification at TU  Braunschweig, which greatly helped me integrate better during my stay. 

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship? 

I carefully reviewed the eligibility criteria and tailored my application to highlight my strong academic background, research experience, and interest in sustainable transportation. I also emphasized how the exchange would complement my long-term academic goals and contribute to Indo-German research collaborations. Preparing a clear research plan, obtaining strong recommendation letters, and aligning my proposal with the host institute’s research focus were key steps. 

How Is (was) Your Experience at the Technical University of Braunschweig? 

My experience at TU Braunschweig was academically enriching and personally transformative. The university offered excellent facilities, supportive faculty, and a truly international environment. The Institute for Sustainable Urbanism provided access to advanced tools,  workshops, and interdisciplinary projects, allowing me to grow as a researcher. They also supported me by arranging a student assistant who helped administer my questionnaires in  German, which was particularly valuable since my research topic was related to walkability in hill areas. This assistance ensured that I could collect meaningful data despite language barriers. 

How Do You Rate the Technical University of Braunschweig Academically and Why? 

My experience at TU Braunschweig was really good, both academically and personally. The infrastructure was excellent, providing everything needed to conduct research efficiently. One of the best places for me was the university library, where we could sit in peace and focus on our work without distractions. The department itself had one of the most inspiring views,  located on the 12th floor with a panoramic view of the entire city, which made the working environment even more enjoyable and motivating. I would rate TU Braunschweig very highly academically because of its strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, which aligned perfectly with my research goals. 

How Does the Technical University of Braunschweig Support International Students? 

TU Braunschweig offers strong international student support through orientation programs, German language classes, and integration activities. DAAD’s funding and mentorship also ensured a smooth transition into German academic and social life. 

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

Most of my research and academic activities were conducted in English, though learning basic German helped in daily life. Since we had already completed our coursework at our Indian university, we did not have to take any additional courses at TU Braunschweig. However, at the beginning of our stay, the university thoughtfully offered us a one-month German language and culture course. This course was well structured and divided into two batches. Those who already had some prior knowledge of German were placed in an advanced group, while beginners like me were placed in a separate batch where we were taught the language right from 

scratch. This not only helped us learn the basics of German but also gave us insights into local culture, making our experience smoother and more engaging. 

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German? 

No major academic problems arise, as courses and research supervision for international students are often in English. However, learning some German greatly helps with cultural immersion and day-to-day interactions. 

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out? 

I believe my strong academic performance (gold medal at IIT Roorkee), prior research experience in transportation and sustainability, and a clear alignment between my proposal and the host institute’s expertise helped my application stand out. Additionally, demonstrating how the exchange would contribute to long-term Indo-German collaboration made a strong impact. 

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing my German language skills earlier, which would have further enhanced my cultural integration. I would also spend more time networking with faculty in advance to build stronger research collaborations. 

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

My advice would be: 

• Start early and research opportunities through official sources like the DAAD website. 
• Align your application with the host institute’s research focus and show how the scholarship fits into your long-term goals. 
• Highlight academic achievements, research experience, and any international exposure. • Work on your proposal and recommendations carefully—they make a huge difference. 
• Even if courses are in English, learning the basics of the host country’s language will improve your overall experience.