Somnath, a Scholar from India, Pursues a Master’s in Air Transport and Logistics at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Germany, with a DAAD STIBET Scholarship

My name is Somnath, and I am a Master’s student in Air Transport and Logistics at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) in Germany. I am an international student and moved to Germany from India, specifically for this degree. My academic and professional interests sit at the intersection of aviation, logistics, and artificial intelligence – for example, my Master’s thesis focuses on machine-learning–based safety analysis in air traffic control, and I am also involved in multiple ML research projects. I chose this programme because it allows me to combine my prior logistics experience with advanced quantitative methods and AI, with a strong focus on real-world applications in air transport.

Educational Background

Before starting my Master’s at TU Dresden, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, with a CGPA of 8.47/10. Post Bachelors, I gained several years of professional experience in logistics and supply chain management, including roles at Maersk and Vedanta. I worked with high-volume transport flows, cost optimisation, and operational planning, managing P&L responsibilities and negotiating freight contracts. This combination of technical education and practical industry experience prepared me well for advanced studies in air transport, aviation systems, and data-driven decision-making.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to TU Dresden?

To apply to TU Dresden, I first studied the curriculum of the Air Transport and Logistics programme and the research focus of the Chair of Air Transport Technology and Logistics. I paid particular attention to modules in there and checked if my prior experience of logistics is useful in this, as well as the possibility to work on research projects involving simulation and machine learning.

I then:

• Collected and translated my transcripts and degree certificates using Uniassist and the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) as per the German grade.
• Prepared a focused statement of purpose emphasising my logistics experience, quantitative background, and interest in applying AI to aviation.
• Updated my CV to highlight both academic achievements and industry responsibilities (e.g., managing intermodal flows, cost savings, P&L responsibility).
• Obtained professional recommendation letters that could confirm my analytical skills and suitability for a technical, research-oriented programme.
• Informed myself about residence permit requirements, health insurance, and financial planning for living in Germany.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. During my Master’s at TU Dresden, I was awarded the STIBET Scholarship from DAAD, which provided a monthly stipend of €300 per month for 3 months.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

I chose Germany because it combines:

• Strong reputation in engineering and transport – German universities, especially technical universities such as TU Dresden, are well-known for rigorous education in engineering, transport, and logistics.
• Low or no tuition fees at public universities – this makes high-quality education significantly more affordable compared to many other countries.
• Research and industry environment -which creates opportunities for research collaboration, internships, and later employment.
• Focus on practical, applied work – programmes here generally integrate projects, case studies, and applied research, which fit my interest in solving real operational problems with data and AI.

What Were Some of the Challenges You Faced as an International Student, Particularly Regarding Living Costs or Part-time Work Opportunities?

• Initial relocation and housing: Finding affordable accommodation as a new international student can be difficult and time-sensitive. Even in a relatively affordable city like Dresden, student housing is limited, and private rentals often require deposits and local documentation, but I was fortunate to get one in student housing.
• Living costs vs. income: While tuition is low, living costs (rent, health insurance, transport, groceries) still add up. Careful budgeting is necessary, especially in the first months before you understand typical monthly expenses.
• Part-time jobs:
  • Many part-time jobs, especially outside the university, require German language skills.
  • Balancing a demanding technical Master’s (with projects and thesis work) and part-time work is not trivial; time management becomes critical.
• Language and administration: A lot of official communication, forms, and bureaucracy (e.g., city registration, residence permit, health insurance, banking) are in German. Even with support or translations, this is time-consuming and sometimes stressful.

These factors do not make it impossible, but they require planning, patience, and readiness to deal with administrative and language-related hurdles.

Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying in Germany for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education? Why or Why Not?

Yes, I would recommend studying in Germany – and at TU Dresden in particular – for international students who are seeking affordable, high-quality higher education, with some important caveats.

Reasons in favour:

• High academic quality at low tuition cost: Public universities offer strong programmes with little or no tuition fees, which significantly reduces overall study costs compared to many other countries.
• Strong technical and research orientation: For fields like transport, logistics, and engineering with a quantitative or AI component, Germany provides a solid environment.
• Reasonable living costs in some cities: Cities like Dresden are more affordable than major hubs such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, which helps manage the overall budget.

Caveats:

• Language barrier: Daily life, part-time jobs, and some administrative matters require at least basic German. Without it, you will have fewer options and more stress.
• Bureaucracy: Students must be prepared for administrative processes that are often complex, paper-heavy, and slow, especially regarding visas and residence permits.
• Work–study balance: Technical programmes are demanding; relying heavily on part-time work to fund living costs can be challenging.

If a student is ready to handle these aspects and has a clear plan for finances and language learning, Germany is a very good option for affordable, high-quality graduate education.

 How Is (was) Your Experience at TU Dresden?

My experience at TU Dresden has been academically intensive but positive. The Air Transport and Logistics programme offers a good mix of theory and application, and I have had the opportunity to work on advanced topics and also got a chance to be a working student in a research consulting company in Dresden.

The university environment is generally supportive, with access to supervisors, research groups, and computing resources. Group projects, seminars, and my thesis work have allowed me to connect with both academic and industry partners, which is valuable for my career plans.

How Do You Rate TU Dresden Academically and Why? 

• Strength in transport and traffic sciences: The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences “Friedrich List” is specialised in transport, which creates a concentrated environment of relevant expertise.
• Research-oriented approach: There is a strong emphasis on using real data, simulations, and modern methods (including AI/ML) in student projects and theses.
• Interdisciplinary perspective: Air transport is taught not only from a technical perspective but also includes operations, safety, and logistics, which aligns well with industry needs.

The workload is demanding, but this is appropriate for a Master’s degree and prepares students for both industry and further research.

How Does TU Dresden Support International Students?

Support for international students comes from several sides:

• International Office / Student Services: They provide information sessions and guidance on enrolment, residence permits, and practical questions when arriving in Germany.
• Programme coordination: The programme coordinators and administrative staff are generally approachable and help with study plans, examination matters, and thesis processes.
• Language and integration offers: There are German language courses and various student groups and events that help with integration, although taking the initiative as a student is still very important.

While there is support, international students must also be proactive: many processes are not fully “hand-held,” and it helps to ask questions early and follow up.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German? 

In my programme, the main classes and the Master’s thesis are conducted in English. Administrative procedures and some non-academic aspects (e.g. housing, local authorities, health insurance) are largely in German. 

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing German?

From an academic standpoint, students in my programme can generally manage without German, as the core courses, exams, and thesis work are in English. However:

• Outside the classroom, not knowing German makes everyday life and administrative tasks more complicated.
• Part-time jobs and internships: Many positions, especially customer-facing or smaller local companies, require at least conversational German. This can limit opportunities if you only speak English.

My recommendation would be: German is not strictly necessary to succeed academically in this programme, but learning at least basic German significantly improves your overall experience, employability, and integration in the country