How a Bangladeshi Business Graduate Earned the Fully Funded DAAD EPOS Scholarship to Study Sustainable Development Management at Rhine-Waal University in Germany

I am Saima Khanam Puspo, a Development Professional from Bangladesh with experience working in both national and international non-governmental organisations across a range of humanitarian and development projects.

My academic background is in Business Administration from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. After graduating, I began my career with BRAC, the world’s largest non-governmental organisation. There, I gained practical experience in designing and implementing humanitarian and development initiatives on the ground. Later, I joined Concern Worldwide, where I worked as Coordinator – Human Resources, supporting the organisation’s operations in Bangladesh and its Emergency Rohingya Response Programme. I had the opportunity to contribute to project design, implementation, and policy development, which helped me develop a more analytical understanding of development work. This journey from community-level engagement to policy-level involvement has given me a comprehensive view of development dynamics in Bangladesh.

Driven by a desire to deepen my understanding of sustainable development and modern approaches to tackling global challenges, the Sustainable Development Management (SDM) program at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany was a perfect choice for me.

It is a two-year Master’s program that offers a limited number of fully funded scholarships each year, and I was fortunate to be awarded one for the summer of 2024.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the DAAD scholarship under the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program. This prestigious award offers comprehensive financial and academic support, including a monthly stipend, an annual research allowance, travel assistance within Germany, and two subsidized international airfare tickets. It also covers mandatory health insurance for the duration of my stay in Germany.

At the start of the program, the scholarship includes a two-month German language course, with accommodation provided, to help scholars integrate and navigate daily life more easily.
In addition, it offers limited funding to attend academic conferences, encouraging scholars to engage in professional networks and present their research on relevant global issues.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Chittagong, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.72 (out of 4).

During my studies, I was actively involved in a range of extracurricular and voluntary activities. These experiences beyond the classroom were instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth. I firmly believe that such engagement, alongside formal education, plays a transformative role in preparing individuals for leadership and meaningful contribution in the chosen fields.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Hochschule Rhein-Waal?

The application process for my university admission and scholarship progressed in parallel. I began by applying for the DAAD EPOS scholarship, clearly stating my chosen degree program and the motivation behind my decision. As part of the application, I submitted all the required documents, including the application form, a motivation letter, letters of reference, employment certificates (as the DAAD EPOS program requires a minimum of two years of professional experience), my IELTS score, academic transcripts, and identification documents.

After being shortlisted, I was invited for an interview by the program faculty at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Following the interview, the university nominated me for the DAAD for final evaluation. Once I received the official scholarship confirmation from DAAD, I proceeded with the formal university admission process, using nearly the same set of documents.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

I began my scholarship journey by listing all the possible opportunities I could apply for and carefully sorting out their eligibility requirements. I paid close attention to deadlines and made sure to submit my applications well ahead of time. It was during this process that I discovered the DAAD EPOS program.

I quickly realized that most globally competitive scholarships require not only strong academic credentials but also a specific number of hours of relevant professional experience aligned with the chosen field of study, as well as a valid IELTS score. While working full-time, I dedicated my evenings and weekends to preparing for the IELTS exam and researching scholarship application procedures in detail.

One important insight I gained was the crucial role of a well-crafted motivation letter. I understood that a strong, personalized motivation letter can make all the difference. So, I gave it my full attention, revising and refining it over several months to ensure it genuinely reflected my goals, experiences, and commitment.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

If I had to highlight one key element in my application journey, it would be my motivation letter. It’s more than just a formal requirement; it’s a personal introduction, a story that presents who I am. In just two pages or less, I needed to capture my background, ambitions, and both short- and long-term goals in a way that would leave a strong impression. Ultimately, this letter could determine whether I’d be invited for an interview or face rejection.

Personalizing the application was essential. I took time to connect the dots of my life—my academic background, professional experience, and future aspirations into one cohesive and authentic narrative. Structuring this story in a compelling way took effort, but I believe it was crucial.

Of course, there are always other factors, some beyond our control, that may influence the outcome. But I firmly believe that focusing on what we can control, our preparation, clarity of purpose, and authenticity can make all the difference.

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

I was fortunate to secure the DAAD scholarship in my first year of applying. Looking back, one thing I would do differently is start preparing earlier. Taking more time to fully understand the application process and staying informed from the beginning would have helped me avoid common mistakes and keep my documents better organized and up to date.

I also learned the importance of patience and self-confidence. Securing a fully funded scholarship is highly competitive, and it's natural to feel anxious or even discouraged at times. If I could give myself advice, it would be to trust the process, keep learning from each step, and stay focused on the goal. The right opportunity will come at the right time for those who are prepared and persistent.

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

From my experience, I would say this: start your application process as early as possible. Keep in mind it’s a journey, not a sprint. The application itself is a learning experience. With time, you’ll begin to understand what makes an application stronger, more efficient, and more aligned with your goals.

Secondly, proper planning is key. Take the time to thoroughly research your chosen degree program. Reflect critically on how it fits with your strengths, interests, and long-term vision. Look for meaningful connections between your background and the program’s focus, and keep refining your motivation letter; it’s one of the most powerful parts of your application.

Third, apply broadly. Don’t limit yourself to just one option. Use your time wisely and explore all possible opportunities. Often, it’s the right combination of timing, preparation, and program fit that leads to success.

And finally, stay hopeful. I know how exhausting, disappointing, or even overwhelming this process can feel at times. You might doubt yourself or feel like giving up. But trust me: you're closer to your goal than you think. It’s okay to take breaks but don’t give up. Your dreams are worth the effort. Prepare early, stay open to opportunities, and surround yourself with others on a similar journey. Connect with fellow scholarship seekers; sharing insights and experiences can make the path feel a little lighter.

You’re not alone in this—and you’ve got this!