Physics Graduate, Rajat Saxena from India, Shares the Story of How He Pursued His MSc in Physics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Was Offered an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Fee Waiver

My name is Rajat Saxena, and I am from Pune, India. Pune is a city in the western part of India, known for being the home of great freedom fighters, scientists, and artists. It is famously referred to as the “Oxford of the East,” and for a STEM student like me, it hosts leading research institutes.

I graduated with a BSc Blended in Physics at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), a course that is in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Australia. With a keen interest in research in theoretical physics and astrophysics, I decided to advance my career by pursuing a master's degree. Currently, I am studying for an MSc in Physics at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich. This four-semester program allows for multiple specialisations and includes a year-long thesis, providing a rigorous, research-oriented academic experience.

Scholarship Details and Other Scholarships Offered

I haven’t received any scholarships at LMU, but since it is a public university, there are no tuition fees for students. Other than this, I received a fee waiver for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Astrophysics and Space Sciences. This fee waiver covered the tuition at each of the consortium universities, as well as health insurance and the CIMEA processing charges. However, I chose not to pursue this program because I wanted to keep my options open in pure physics.

Educational Background

I graduated from SPPU with a CGPA of 9.32 out of 10. I carefully planned my bachelor’s coursework, choosing electives that aligned with my interests, which I believe helped demonstrate to the admission committee my commitment to my research goals and career direction. However, more impactful than the coursework was the project I undertook during my bachelor's program. I worked on projects in Planetary Science, Pulsar Astronomy, Observational Radio Astrophysics, and Statistical Mechanics. Some of the fields are completely unrelated, right? These experiences not only strengthened my understanding of my interests but also provided me with an interdisciplinary approach. As a result, I was able to enhance both my CV and my skills, which also greatly contributed to the effectiveness of my motivation letter.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich?

My primary goal in researching universities was to find a strong research environment that also offers financial aid. To assess the research aspect, I used the Nature Index to identify top universities in my field of interest and to find relevant research groups at those institutions. In my case, access to infrastructure such as observatories and telescopes became a key criterion for evaluating universities. Additionally, I used various online resources and chatbots to search for scholarships. I focused on European universities, most of which only required transcripts, an IELTS score, a CV, and a motivation letter for admission. To perform well on the IELTS, it's crucial to answer questions in the expected format and to follow the specific instructions provided in the exam. Practising with sample papers can help improve your performance in these areas.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

To prepare for applying for scholarships, I first researched the values, missions, and visions of the granting agencies through a careful review of their official websites. This helped me understand what qualities and goals they prioritise. I then reflected on my own academic journey and future aspirations to see how they align with these missions. Based on this, I tailored my Motivation Letter to highlight experiences and ambitions that resonate with the scholarship’s objectives. I also reviewed previous scholarship guidelines and prepared my documents well in advance to ensure a complete and strong application.

How Is (was) Your Experience at LMU?

My experience at LMU has been both academically enriching and personally transformative. The engaging curriculum has deepened my knowledge, while the vibrant academic environment in Munich has broadened my perspective. The city’s numerous research institutes regularly host colloquia, workshops, and conferences, providing invaluable exposure to advances in Physics. At LMU itself, the diversity of research groups working at the frontiers of knowledge has been a constant source of inspiration, motivating me to push my own contributions further.

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

If I could change anything, I would have written my motivation letter in a way that truly reflected my journey and clearly outlined my career goals based on my previous experience. Additionally, I would have researched more scholarships and institutions that align with my interests. Another important change would be to streamline my approach by deciding early whether to focus on competitive exams in India or apply for programs abroad, as many students face this decision. Lastly, I would ensure that I apply for essential bureaucratic documents, such as the German APS and Italian CIMEA, well ahead of the peak season (July–October) to avoid delays and benefit from faster processing times.