How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Europa-Universität Flensburg, Germany Through the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

My name is Sainsanaa Amarsanaa, and I am from Mongolia. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering at the German Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology, driven by a strong interest in addressing my country's environmental challenges.

Mongolia is highly dependent on coal, which has long been an affordable and readily available energy source. While coal has played a vital role in supporting the country's economy and meeting household heating needs during the harsh winters, this dependence has also made it one of the primary contributors to severe air pollution. During my undergraduate studies, I realized that understanding environmental processes alone would not be enough to solve such complex challenges. Addressing them requires not only scientific knowledge but also expertise in energy systems, economics, and policy.

This realization motivated me to pursue a Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management at Europa-Universität Flensburg in Germany. I wanted to gain the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to support Mongolia's transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

Throughout my master's program, I learned that environmental issues are deeply interconnected with economic development, governance, and public policy. The more I studied the relationship between energy, economics, and policymaking, the more interested I became in climate change policy and international environmental governance. I came to understand that climate action is not only an environmental necessity but also an opportunity to strengthen economic resilience, improve public health, and create long-term social benefits. This perspective has inspired me to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and advocate for sustainable development that balances environmental protection with economic and social progress.

DAAD EPOS Details

I was awarded the DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) Scholarship, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to pursue my Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management at Europa-Universität Flensburg in Germany. The EPOS programme is one of DAAD's flagship initiatives, supporting professionals from developing and emerging countries who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship provided a monthly stipend of approximately €900, together with health insurance, travel support, and other benefits that enabled me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and professional growth.

Receiving the DAAD EPOS Scholarship was an investment in my future. It provided access to German-standard education, interdisciplinary research, and an international network of professionals working to address global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development. The knowledge and experience I gained have directly shaped my ability to contribute to Mongolia's climate policy, renewable energy transition, and international environmental cooperation.

Programmes such as DAAD EPOS demonstrate how educational cooperation can create lasting partnerships between nations. Every scholarship recipient returns home not only with a degree but also with new knowledge, international networks, and the capacity.

In recent years, Germany has faced increasing fiscal pressures and changing policy priorities, leading DAAD to consolidate some of its international funding programmes and reduce the number of scholarships available. While such decisions reflect broader budgetary realities, they also highlight the importance of protecting investments in international education. Scholarships should not be viewed merely as educational expenditures; they are strategic investments in global stability, innovation, and international cooperation.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, which provided me with a strong foundation in environmental science, engineering principles, pollution control, and sustainable resource management. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked in the field, along with permitting and compliance, for four years before applying for my master's degree. During this period, I gained practical experience in environmental management, health, safety, and environmental policy, the private sector role in the system, and stakeholder engagement, allowing me to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges.

Building on this professional experience, I pursued a Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management at Europa-Universität Flensburg in Germany and graduated with a 1.3 GPA. My previous education, combined with hands-on experience, prepared me to understand the technical, economic, and policy dimensions of the global energy transition and sustainable development.

Although academic performance is important, I believe that applicants should not focus solely on achieving a high GPA. When I applied for my master's programme, my professional experience and clear sense of purpose played a significant role in strengthening my application. My recommendation to future applicants is to demonstrate how their academic background, work experience, and long-term goals align with the programme. A compelling motivation letter that communicates genuine passion and a well-defined vision for contributing to one's country can be just as influential as academic grades. During the interview, being able to articulate this purpose with confidence and authenticity can make a meaningful difference.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Europa-Universität Flensburg?

The application process was also distinctive because the university first reviewed the applicants and recommended selected candidates for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship. Therefore, I did not submit separate applications to multiple universities for the scholarship. My main focus was to prepare a strong university application that demonstrated both my academic readiness and my professional motivation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Europa-Universität Flensburg?

How Did You Find Information About DAAD EPOS and Europa-Universität Flensburg?

I found information about the DAAD EPOS Scholarship through the DAAD's annual list of Development-Related Postgraduate Courses. Each year, DAAD publishes a list of programmes and institutions that are strategically supported through the EPOS programme. I reviewed this list to identify programmes that matched my academic background and professional interests.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes. I took the TOEFL as part of my application preparation. My main recommendation is to become familiar with the test format and question structure before taking the exam. Understanding how the test is organized, how much time is available for each section, and what types of questions to expect can make a significant difference in performance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS?

To prepare for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship application, I first carefully reviewed the programme guidelines and the list of required documents on the official website. This helped me understand the eligibility criteria, application timeline, and the qualities that the programme seeks in its candidates.

I then focused on preparing each application document thoughtfully, particularly my motivation letter. Rather than simply listing my achievements, I explained how my academic background, professional experience, and long-term career goals aligned with the objectives of the programme and the DAAD EPOS Scholarship. I believe demonstrating a clear connection between my passion for sustainable development and the programme's offerings strengthened my application.

For the interview, I conducted a mock interview with a friend, who asked me questions and gave me feedback. Also, I believe that reflecting on my experiences and motivations, instead of memorizing scripted answers is allowed me to be honest, authentic, and able to clearly explain why I wanted to pursue the programme.

How is Your Experience at Europa-Universität Flensburg?

My experience at Europa-Universität Flensburg was exceptionally rewarding, both academically and personally. I am sincerely grateful to the university, its faculty members, and administrative staff for creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. The programme fostered critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical problem-solving through close interaction with classmates from 15 different countries, creating a truly international learning experience.

One of the programme's greatest strengths was its emphasis on teamwork. Most of our coursework was conducted through group projects, where students from different academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds collaborated to deliver a full project. Also

programme's greatest strength was its emphasis on experiential learning. We participated in field trips to Denmark to study its 100% transition to renewable energy systems and visited various energy facilities to observe technologies in practice. In addition, the field course on Ireland's Aran Islands provided valuable hands-on experience in community-based energy planning and sustainability, allowing us to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

Studying alongside classmates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds broadened my perspective on global sustainability challenges and enriched classroom discussions with different viewpoints and experiences. These interactions not only enhanced my academic learning but also resulted in lifelong international friendships and professional networks. I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about energy management, sustainability, and the global energy transition.

How Do You Rate Europa-Universität Flensburg Academically?

Europa-Universität Flensburg's energy studies are already known in the German energy field, and many alumni know each other and work in close collaboration. Also, the university offers great language courses, which helped me adapt to the environment quickly and understand the culture better. As for my class, the program also offers mentor programmes to adapt to the culture more quickly and effectively. And social activities are very fun.

Academically, I think the academy is very high due to it always being projects; thus, my skills in project management and collecting information in a short period of time, and team efficiency skills, have been exceptionally developed. In other to, graduate students must write a thesis, not its also academic papers, allowing students to master int heir field

I would rate it very highly for its academic quality. The university combines rigorous academic training with practical and policy-oriented learning, enabling students to understand complex global challenges from technical, economic, environmental, and social perspectives. The lecturers are highly knowledgeable and approachable, encouraging active discussions and independent thinking. The curriculum is particularly strong because it integrates engineering, economics, public policy, and sustainability, preparing graduates to work in interdisciplinary and international environments. The university also provides valuable opportunities to engage in research and collaborate with students and experts from around the world.

How Does Europa-Universität Flensburg Support International Students?

Europa-Universität Flensburg provides excellent support for international students throughout their academic journey. From the admission process to graduation, the university offers clear guidance and assistance with administrative procedures, orientation programmes, and student services. The international environment makes it easy for students from different countries to feel welcomed and included. Faculty members and administrative staff are approachable, supportive, and responsive whenever assistance is needed. Beyond academics, the university promotes intercultural exchange through student organizations, events, and collaborative activities, helping international students integrate into both university life and the local community.

Overall, I am deeply thankful to Europa-Universität Flensburg for the education, support, and opportunities it provided. The knowledge, professional network, and international experience I gained continue to shape my career in climate policy and sustainable development. I would wholeheartedly recommend the university to prospective students seeking a high-quality education in energy, environmental management, and sustainability.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

Semester fees were around 200 euros, and the dormitory was also 300- 350 euros.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think the strongest part of my application was the clear connection between my academic background, professional experience, and long-term purpose. By the time I applied for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, I already had around four years of professional experience in the environmental field. This helped me understand that Mongolia's environmental challenges could not be addressed through environmental science alone; they also required knowledge of energy systems, economics, policy, and management.

I therefore did not apply simply because I wanted to study abroad. I had a clear reason for choosing Energy and Environmental Management and could explain how the programme would help me address challenges that I had already encountered in my professional work. I also demonstrated how I intended to apply the knowledge gained in Germany to Mongolia's energy transition and broader climate and environmental challenges.

I believe another strength was that my application reflected a genuine passion and a clear sense of purpose, rather than focusing only on academic achievements or grades. I tried to show who I was, what problems I wanted to solve, and why this particular programme was important for my future.

Finally, I think authenticity played an important role. During the interview, I focused on answering honestly and speaking from my actual experiences rather than trying to give what I thought would be the "perfect" answer. I believe scholarship committees are not only looking for academically strong candidates, but also for people who have the motivation, experience, and commitment to make meaningful use of the opportunity.

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

Honestly, I would not change much about the way I approached the application. I carefully followed the application requirements, prepared my documents thoughtfully, connected my professional experience with the programme, and practiced for the interview with a friend.

The process also taught me that authenticity and a clear sense of purpose are more important than trying to present a perfect application. If I were applying again, I would follow the same approach: understand the programme thoroughly, clearly explain why it aligns with my goals, prepare seriously for the interview, and remain honest about my experiences and motivations.

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

My strongest advice to future applicants is to think beyond yourself. A scholarship is not only an opportunity to improve your own education or career; it is also an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience that can contribute to the development of your community and country.