How I Pursued a Self-Funded Master’s at the Technical University of Clausthal, Germany

I am Provakar Baruri, and I am from Durgapur, West Bengal, India. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Materials Science and Materials Engineering at the Technical University of Clausthal, Germany.

Educational Background

I have done my bachelor's from India, Durgapur Government College, Durgapur, India. I have done my bachelor’s in physics; I also joined as master’s in physics, specifically Energy and Materials Physics at the Technical University of Clausthal, but later I changed my course, as I wanted more in the direction of Engineering to study and focus.

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

A lot of research first, especially in a field not very theoretical, but which focuses more on applied fields or segments.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No, no scholarship. Took a bank loan as Germany requires a blocked account in order to get admitted here and pursue higher education. FYI: Germany has no high tuition fees like other countries, for example, the USA, Canada, and so on.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

The Background of this country and its contribution to the research field. Also, an industrially developed country. Why not learn from the best? At the end, the Work-Life-Balance that Europe provides.

What Were Some of the Challenges You Faced as an International Student, Particularly Regarding Living Costs or Part-time Work Opportunities?

Language Barrier at the start, but it took time to get it sorted, and later, I did my C1 in German. Due to no language problem, life was easy; I never actually struggled to get work.

Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying Here for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education? Why or Why Not?

Depends on the perspective of the students and what they want to focus on. Geopolitics also plays a significant role in deciding on or picking a country where someone wants to pursue their higher education. But Germany will always be, from my side, recommendable.

How is Your Experience at the Technical University of Clausthal?

A good, small university helps in coming into contact with professors and researchers very easily.

How Do You Rate the Technical University of Clausthal Academically?

Very good, research-oriented, and nowadays a lot of focus on Circular Economy and AI-Engineering.

How Does the Technical University of Clausthal Support International Students?

It also supports them, but the exact ones I don’t know.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master's in Materials Science and Materials Engineering? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

Very little if compared to other universities, around 250 € per Semester.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

Depends on the course medium; I have a German-taught program, but also certain courses have English as the medium.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

Never looked into it.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

Job/Work, Communication problems with people, and at the end, a more isolated life if a language barrier comes in.