How a Ukrainian Student Secured the Fully Funded DAAD Scholarship for a Master’s in Neurosciences at the University of Bonn

My name is Yevheniia, and I am from Ukraine. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology with a specialization in Biochemistry from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. I have always been fascinated by the human brain and the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases, which inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Neurosciences. Among the numerous countries offering scholarship opportunities, Germany stood out for its strong academic environment, and the DAAD Scholarship program proved to be the perfect fit for my professional and academic aspirations. I chose the University of Bonn specifically for its well-developed neuroscience cluster and the diverse range of research groups available in this field.

DAAD Scholarship Details

The DAAD Scholarship for Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines provided me with a monthly stipend of 900 euros, covered my health insurance costs, and supported my accommodation expenses if they exceeded 250-300 euros per month. These benefits fully covered my living costs in Germany, enabling me to focus entirely on my studies. While semester fees are not included in the scholarship, most German universities charge only a nominal contribution of around 300 euros per semester.

Educational Background

I graduated with a GPA of 3.8 and actively participated in extracurricular activities and volunteer programs during my undergraduate studies. The DAAD committee values candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and a well-rounded profile. My academic background prepared me well to pursue Neurosciences, equipping me with a solid foundation in molecular and cellular biology, which is essential for this interdisciplinary field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Bonn?

Applying for the DAAD scholarship requires meticulous planning due to its early deadline. For DAAD, I began preparations more than a year in advance. I created a detailed list of required documents and carefully tracked their completion. Applicants must provide a list of 3-5 preferred universities and programs, along with detailed descriptions of their curricula and why they are interested in these subjects specifically. I prioritized universities with neuroscience and molecular biology programs that aligned closely with my research interests.

Language proficiency is another critical aspect. Most German universities require an IELTS score of 6.5 and higher, and DAAD adheres to the same standard. I ensured my English skills met these requirements before applying. I sat for the IELTS exam and ended up achieving a score of 7.0

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD scholarship application process is thorough and demands attention to detail. Submitting all required documents accurately is crucial, including specifying the scholarship duration to match the program length. The most significant component of the application is the motivation letter. I dedicated significant time to crafting a compelling, personalized letter that addressed all DAAD requirements.

In my letter, I clearly explained why I chose Germany, this scholarship, and my field of study. I avoided generalizations and highlighted specific reasons. Additionally, I showcased my volunteering experience and extracurricular activities, emphasizing how they shaped me as a person and a professional.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My well-structured motivation letter, combined with a strong academic record and extensive extracurricular involvement, made my application stand out. I also ensured I aligned my goals with DAAD’s mission, focusing on how I could apply my education to benefit my home country, Ukraine, after graduation.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start even earlier, allowing more time for refining my documents and preparing thoroughly for each university’s unique application process.

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

For prospective applicants, my advice is to begin researching universities and scholarship deadlines well in advance. Create a table to track university deadlines, application portals, and submission methods (email, regular mail, or online). A similar table for required documents ensures nothing is overlooked. Finally, invest time in writing a tailored and genuine motivation letter, as it is the most crucial part of the application.

Remember, while the DAAD scholarship does not require you to return to your home country after completing your studies, the program’s mission is to develop specialists who will contribute to their country’s growth. Highlight how your education will benefit your country rather than expressing intentions to remain abroad.