How an Azerbaijani Student Won the DAAD Scholarship to Study European and International Law in Germany

Hi, my name is Sevil Haziyeva, and I am from Azerbaijan, often called the Land of Fire, which is a country where breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern innovation. I completed my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Baku State University. I am pursuing my Master’s degree in "European and International Law" at Saarland University- Europa Institut in Germany. I chose this program because it aligns perfectly with my career objectives: to promote sustainable business practices while protecting the environment. The program's specializations in Track 1: European Economic Law – Compliance – Regulation and Track 2: Trade, Investment and International Dispute Settlement allow me to deepen my understanding of how law can drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship to support my Master’s studies. The scholarship provides monthly financial support of 992 euros and additional coverage for administrative, accommodation, and insurance expenses. This prestigious support has been instrumental in helping me focus entirely on my academic and professional growth during my time in Germany.

Educational Background

I graduated from Baku State University with a GPA of 98.4 out of 100 during my LL.B. studies. Before that, I completed high school with honors. Beyond academic success, I engaged deeply in research and writing. My article titled "Underground Waters as Object of the Law: Issues of Regulation, Utilization and Protection Under Azerbaijani and International Legislation" was published in the Journal of the Baku State University Student Academic Society in April 2022 and was later cited in HeinOnline in May 2022.

Additionally, I won several academic competitions, including the Students’ Essay Competition on the theme of “International Humanitarian Law and Protection of Environment in Time of Armed Conflicts” organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross Society.
All these experiences not only strengthened my academic profile but also guided my decision to continue my education internationally, with a focus on legal regulation of business under the guidance of environmental objectives.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Universities in Europe?

After completing my LL.B., I took a gap year to carefully reflect on my career aspirations and educational goals. During this time, I thoroughly researched universities and programs that matched my professional objectives, paying particular attention to those offering strong sustainability and international law components. I identified programs and institutions, like the Erasmus Mundus program, and also universities in Finland, Austria, and Germany, that aligned best with my vision and explored the scholarship opportunities available to support my studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to DAAD Scholarships?

For my application, I took the IELTS exam and achieved a score of 8.0 out of 9.0. As my LL.B. program was taught in English, I found it somewhat easier to adapt to the IELTS preparation process. In my experience, success in such standardized tests depends heavily on mastering time and stress management techniques, which can significantly impact performance on the day of the exam.

The preparation for the scholarship application required strategic planning, appropriate time, and commitment. After identifying suitable programs and scholarships for me, I compiled all necessary documents carefully from my university and institutions where I interned and worked, and also my motivation letter that conveyed my aspirations, qualifications, and how the scholarship would help me achieve my goals. I believe that taking the time to thoughtfully reflect on my ambitions and articulate them convincingly was key to a successful application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Apart from my academic achievements and practical experiences, I believe what truly made my application stand out was my clearly defined goals for pursuing further education and my commitment to contributing to sustainable development after completing my studies. I am sure what I want and why. So, demonstrating a strong link between my background, future plans, and the impact of the scholarship likely resonated with the selection committee.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would be more confident during both the application and interview stages. Self-doubt is common, but believing in my own journey and qualifications is crucial when presenting myself to scholarship committees. I also researched more about German universities` application deadlines, as I could not apply to some universities because I did not consider the deadlines.

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

When it comes to my advice, I can say that securing a scholarship is a highly competitive and challenging process. Unlike standardized tests, scholarship awards often involve subjective evaluation criteria and the impressions of the admissions committees. Therefore, it is essential to be crystal clear about what you want, why you are pursuing a particular program, and how the scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals. Authenticity, clarity, and determination are key elements that will strengthen any application.