How an Indian Biological Engineering Graduate Secured the Fully Funded DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship to Conduct Master’s Research at RWTH Aachen University

I’m Prathiksha from Tamil Nadu, India. I completed my Master’s in Biological Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and my Bachelor’s in Industrial Biotechnology. I pursued further studies after my bachelor’s because I was passionate about research and wanted more control over my academic work. The research-focused M.Tech program at IITGN provided me with an ideal environment to explore my interests, thanks to the support of my mentor.

DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship Details

I was awarded the DAAD KOSPIE scholarship, which supports students from IITs to conduct Master’s research at any TU9 in Germany. The scholarship includes:

• €950 monthly stipend (varies yearly)
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Travel allowance
• One-time research allowance of €266
• 4-week German language course
• Monthly rent subsidy, if applicable

Educational Background

I completed my B. Tech in Industrial Biotechnology with a CGPA of 9.3/10, which provided a solid foundation in biological sciences and engineering principles. My strong academic performance enabled me to clear the GATE exam, facilitating my admission into the M.Tech (Research) program at IITGN. During my master's, I specialized in bioinformatics and computational biology, gaining hands-on experience in research methodologies and experimental design. This academic trajectory equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary for international research collaborations like the DAAD KOSPIE program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to RWTH Aachen University?

To apply for the DAAD KOSPIE program, I began by identifying German universities that aligned with my research interests in bioinformatics and computational biology. I focused on the TU9 technical universities, as the KOSPIE program facilitates master's thesis projects under the guidance of professors from these institutions.​

I reached out to several professors at RWTH Aachen University, detailing my research Proposal and expressing interest in their work. After securing a professor's agreement to supervise my thesis, I obtained a formal letter of acceptance from them (RWTH Aachen University).​

Subsequently, I prepared the necessary documents for the DAAD application, which included:​

• An updated CV
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Research proposal
• The acceptance letter from the German professor
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from IIT Gandhinagar​

I submitted my application through the DAAD portal, ensuring all materials met the specified requirements. Throughout the process, I maintained communication with both my home institution and the prospective supervisor in Germany to coordinate timelines and expectations

The DAAD KOSPIE scholarship did not require standardized tests like the GRE or IELTS. However, since I had already qualified for GATE, it demonstrated my academic competence.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship?

• Researched the DAAD KOSPIE program and eligibility criteria
• Contacted professors at RWTH Aachen to discuss potential research projects
• Secured a letter of acceptance from a German professor
• Prepared a strong application including my academic records, CV, and statement of purpose
• Reviewed my documents carefully before submission

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

• My strong academic background and GATE qualification
• My research experience in biological engineering
• A well-written SOP that clearly explained my research goals
• My proactive approach in securing a German professor’s acceptance

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

• Started the application process earlier to reduce stress
• Connected with more DAAD alumni for insights
• Improved my German language skills before moving

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

• Start early and research the scholarship thoroughly
• Reach out to German professors for project discussions
• Prepare a strong SOP linking your research interests to the program
• Stay persistent and seek guidance from professors and alumni