How a Pakistani Environmental Engineer Landed a Fully Funded DAAD Scholarship for Water Resources and Environmental Management at Leibniz University Hannover

My name is Rabeia Malik, and I’m originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Growing up in a country facing severe water pollution and environmental degradation, I witnessed firsthand the impact of unsustainable development, especially during a visit to River Ravi, where I saw toxic grey waters used to irrigate food crops. That moment stayed with me and ultimately shaped my decision to become an environmental engineer. I hold a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering from NUST, one of the top engineering institutions in Pakistan. Today, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Water Resources and Environmental Management at Leibniz University Hannover in Germany. My purpose in furthering my education is clear: To shape practical, long-term solutions that make industries more sustainable, from the materials we use to the systems we build around them.

Educational Background

I completed my BSc in Environmental Engineering at NUST in 2019. While I didn’t graduate with the highest grades, my curiosity and research instincts set me apart. I was awarded the Rector’s Gold Medal for my final year project, an acknowledgment of the originality and depth of my work rather than textbook performance. I explored solutions grounded in local realities, like turning food waste into biohydrogen and building an aeroponic system that used 98% less water. These experiences shaped how I work today: asking the right questions, staying close to the problem, and building things that are both imaginative and grounded. That’s the mindset I carry forward.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Leibniz University Hannover?

My search for a master’s program started with a clear purpose: I wanted a course that blended engineering with sustainability-focused research. I narrowed my options through DAAD’s portal, reaching out to alumni, and reviewing curriculum details closely. I prepared for the IELTS on my own while working full-time, using online resources and mock exams to reach the required proficiency. I also spent time refining my motivation letter to ensure it clearly reflected my academic trajectory, personal drive, and the environmental crises I aim to solve.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the DAAD Scholarship?

I approached the DAAD scholarship application with structure. I made a checklist of all required documents, CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, transcripts, language proof, and letters of recommendation, and gave each piece dedicated attention. I started the process well before the deadline, and started massive Excel sheets to keep track of the deadlines and my progress. My motivation letter was not just a statement of achievements, but a story, about that day at River Ravi and how it led to years of technical learning, research, and professional I highlighted concrete results and gave the committee a sense of how this scholarship would multiply my impact.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was that I stayed true to the process. I didn’t just submit a generic application. I dove deeply into researching the universities I was applying to, understanding their values, programs, and the cities they’re located My goal wasn’t just to use impressive words on paper, but to express my authentic self, my passion, and my genuine alignment with their mission. This authentic approach, combined with my

real-world experience designing sustainable solutions and working on impactful projects like the collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, showed that I was not only capable but deeply committed to making a difference.

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

If I could do it again, I would make more time to talk to people. At the time, I was so focused on getting every document right that I overlooked how helpful it would’ve been to connect with others, students who had gone through the process, scholarship recipients, or even alumni of the program. Hearing their experiences, asking questions, and just having someone say “you’re on the right track” would’ve made the journey less overwhelming and more grounded. I’ve come to realise how much strength there is in reaching out.

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

Be clear on why you’re applying. Not just why you want to study abroad, but why it matters for the communities you care about. Then back it up with real work, projects, research, and fieldwork that prove your commitment. Don’t underestimate the power of a strong, personal motivation. Tell your story, show your passion, and link your past with the potential you see in your future. And finally, believe in your value, your unique experience can bring something powerful to the world.