DAAD Scholar Ramuza Makhammetsheripova from Uzbekistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Trier University, Germany

My name is Ramuza Makhammetsheripova, and I am originally from Nukus, Uzbekistan. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management and Economics at Trier University in Germany. I am deeply grateful to the DAAD scholarship program, which made my dream of studying abroad possible.

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Governance in Uzbekistan with a government scholarship that fully covered my tuition and provided a monthly stipend. After graduation, I worked in NGOs focusing on education, economic, and social development projects. This experience strengthened my interest in sustainability, particularly in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics.

Germany stood out to me as a global leader in sustainability practices and innovation. This motivated me to pursue my studies here, where I could gain both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.

DAAD Scholarship Details

The DAAD scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs. In 2025, it celebrated its 100th anniversary and has built a global network of alumni, offering not only financial support but also valuable networking opportunities. DAAD provides funding for a wide range of programs, including language courses, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, as well as short-term exchanges.

I was awarded the “Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines” scholarship. It covers:

• Travel allowance
• Two months of preparatory language courses
• Study allowance (€460)
• Health insurance
• Monthly stipend (€992)

Additionally, the program offers transparent financial support options such as rent subsidies and family allowances. https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50026200

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

In addition to DAAD, I was selected for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship in 2024 to study International Relations at the University of Szeged. However, I chose to pursue my studies in Germany through DAAD.

Educational Background

In 2020, I graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry (Corporate Governance) with a GPA of ~3.3 (84/100).

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Trier University?

I first learned about DAAD through friends, social media, and independent research. For language requirements, I took the IELTS exam. My preparation included working with a tutor to understand the exam structure and strategies, followed by intensive self-study using available resources.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

It was not the “win” from the first attempt. I applied multiple times before succeeding. These earlier attempts helped me understand the expectations and significantly improve my application. I actively sought feedback from friends who reviewed my essays, mentors who supported me with letters of recommendation, and alumni who shared insights into the process. This combination of persistence and external feedback played a crucial role in my success.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

If you have a short plan to study and go back to your country or any other country where the language is familiar to you, and if you know some basics and have the “survival” level of the local language, then you won't have any problems. But if you have long-term plans to stay here and work, you might have problems, as most companies require German at a native-speaker level.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my motivation, my past experience, which proves my words in my motivation letter, and the tangibility of it. Yes, the majority of us have the will to make this world a better place to live, but how? I think the granularity and the possibility of making it come true are what the selection committee is looking for.

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

I would have contacted more people from the beginning. Of course, first we need to do our own research, but sometimes it can be difficult and not that obvious to find certain information. And alumni know that, and most of the time are very welcoming and kind in supporting applicants.

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

Start your application as early as possible. If you want to study in a high-ranking university in Germany, grades and language scores matter a lot. Learn the language – it is very important for easy adaptation to the culture.