How an Indian Student Got the DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship to Research on Sustainable Transportation at TU Dresden

I am R. Shabarinath from Kerala, India. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the National Institute of Technology, Nagpur (NIT Nagpur), where I discovered an unexpected love for academic research. This curiosity led me to challenge myself during my pre-final year by taking the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – a national exam for postgraduate admissions in India. I achieved a national rank of 69 in it, which unlocked my path towards getting admission for my master’s at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee). During my time here, I delved deeper into research in the field of transportation and how we can bring about sustainability in our existing transportation systems.

DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship Details

I received the DAAD KOSPIE scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which is one of the largest international scholarship awarding organisations in the world, headquartered in Germany.

The scholarship offers students the opportunity to complete a project work as part of their master’s thesis under the guidance of a German professor at one of the TU9 technical universities in Germany for 7 months. I got accepted into the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) to conduct my research.

The scholarship offered a monthly stipend of around 1000 euros per month, health insurance coverage, one month of German language course and Intercultural training sessions at the host university to prepare us for our stay, research allowance of 266 euros, and a lump sum travel allowance of 1400 euros. It also offered an additional monthly rent subsidy if the rent in your place of stay was higher than the average rent across Germany.

Educational Background

I was pursuing M. Tech in Transportation Systems with a CGPA of 9.421/10.0 at the time of my application, which proved crucial in my selection for this scholarship.

My background in the field of transportation influenced my research project in electric vehicles and sustainable transportation. This eventually led me to connect with my supervisor at TU Dresden, who shared an interest in this field of research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

The primary eligibility criterion for this scholarship was maintaining a CGPA above 8.5 at the time of application. Determined to qualify, I dedicated myself to my studies at my home university and successfully kept my CGPA well above the required threshold. Then, in the second semester, when it was clear which field I wanted to research, I created a research proposal showcasing what I would like to do as part of my project. I began shortlisting professors at TU9 universities in Germany whose research interests aligned closely with mine. I reached out to them, sharing my proposal and expressing my enthusiasm for potential collaboration.

I was fortunate enough to be selected at TU Dresden. Subsequently, I had to apply to DAAD for the scholarship with my proposal, a letter of acceptance from my professor and the university, academic credentials, and other achievements. DAAD subsequently awarded me the scholarship.

How Did You Prepare for the Standardized Exam?

There was no specific test requirement as such. However, being qualified in the GATE entrance exam, which was used to get admission to a master’s program, was a requirement.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

A key factor in my selection was the strength of my research proposal, which outlined clear objectives and tangible deliverables. The societal impact of my research, particularly its contribution to a sustainable future and its long-term relevance, helped my application stand out from the rest. Additionally, my consistently strong academic performance throughout both my bachelor’s and master’s studies played a significant role in reinforcing my selection.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the process again?

Finding a supervisor in one of the TU9 universities who is also working in the same field of research is not easy, especially if you are not researching a broad topic. I would suggest searching for such a professor early on. Networking among your university peers plays a considerable role.

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

I highly encourage prospective students to apply for the DAAD KOSPIE scholarship or any other DAAD scholarship relevant to their field. Being associated with one of the world’s largest international academic cooperation organisations is a tremendous honour and opens doors to invaluable opportunities.

Beyond the scholarships, it is essential to have clarity about your research interests, objectives, and what you hope to achieve by the end of your studies. A well-defined vision not only strengthens your application but also makes the entire process more focused and meaningful. When you are clear about your goals, a significant part of the journey is already accomplished.