How I Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s at University of Saarland, Germany Through the DAAD Scholarship

My name is Sevinch and I am from Uzbekistan. I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree at Tashkent state university of law and during my studies I won DAAD scholarship for an exchange semester in Germany. I chose to study law because I wanted to be closer to people, protect their rights, and stand on the side of justice.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I won the DAAD scholarship to study at the Europa Institut at the University of Saarland for one academic semester. DAAD has covered all my expenses, including studies, travel expenses, and a monthly scholarship amounting to 932 euros.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree at Tashkent State University of Law with a GPA of 4.74. My specialization was Private Law, and throughout four years of study, I developed a strong foundation in civil and business law.

During my exchange semester at the Europa-Institut, I expanded my academic focus to the field of international law, where I gained valuable knowledge in international trade law, investment law, and European law.

How Did You Find Information About the DAAD Scholarship and the University of Saarland?

I found information about the DAAD scholarship through the social media resources of my home university. At first, I doubted myself, but I decided to take the risk and apply anyway.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS exam. It was not particularly difficult for me, as it was my second time taking the test. As a result, I achieved an overall band score of 7.5, which met the language requirements of the program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

I started my preparations in my freshman year by maintaining a high GPA and collecting certificates and diplomas from various university competitions as extracurricular achievements. Then, I decided to take the IELTS exam. After successfully passing it, I began working on my motivation letter, where I highlighted my intentions for studying abroad. I reviewed many examples and templates of motivation letters, and by analyzing them, I created my own.

How is Your Experience at the University of Saarland?

I can only say that my stay in Saarbrücken and my studies at Europa Institut were exclusively positive. I am very thankful to the staff of the Europa-Institut for their warm welcome and for supporting me throughout my academic journey.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

Classes in the Europa Institut of the University of Saarland were conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

Most people in Germany speak English, so not knowing the local language is usually not a major problem for an international student. However, if you are planning to stay in Germany for a longer period, I would recommend learning German, as it makes everyday life easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think that in my application, I clearly highlighted why I needed this scholarship and why I was a relevant candidate, which helped my application stand out. My genuine interest in law and academic skills was a key factor. At that time, I already had a solid GPA and a well-developed academic background.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

One thing I would do differently is complete more internships, even unpaid ones. I believe this is very important for law students, as it helps them develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. During the selection process, having experience in the field you are currently studying is a significant advantage.

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

To students who are planning to apply for this scholarship, I would advise them to pay close attention to their academic background. Yes, GPA matters when it comes to scholarships, especially DAAD. Make sure you do your best in your current studies and do not forget to gain some practical experience as well.