DAAD EPOS Scholarship Scholar Zainab Shahzad from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the University of Freiburg, Germany

My name is Zainab Shahzad, and I am an Environmental Engineer from Pakistan. While I initially chose this field somewhat pragmatically, I gradually developed a genuine interest in its broader significance, particularly in addressing real-world environmental challenges.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg, Germany, as a DAAD EPOS scholar. My decision to continue in this field came from a growing interest in understanding the behind-the-scenes workings of environmental policies and how they are actually formulated. During my previous experience working in a corporate sustainability department, I often found myself at the intersection of translating environmental standards, policies, and SOPs into practical applications in an industrial setting.

This made me curious about how these frameworks are developed in the first place, and pursuing this degree has given me the opportunity to explore exactly that.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Details

I am currently studying at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and I received the DAAD EPOS scholarship. This scholarship is designed for students from developing countries and covers several costs, including tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel expenses. It is also intended for applicants who have at least two years of relevant work experience (internships do not count).

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

One can apply to three programs from the DAAD portfolio in one go, and I decided to make full use of that opportunity. I did progress further in another program, the Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security at the University of Bonn and United Nations University, but I eventually chose to let go of that opportunity in favor of my current program, which was always my first preference.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering with a CGPA of 3.34. My academic background gave me a strong foundation in environmental science, technical problem-solving, and understanding the practical side of environmental challenges. It also helped me develop an interest in how environmental issues are addressed through policy and governance, which is what led me to apply for this field.

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

My best friend was actually the one who first introduced me to this program and encouraged me to apply. From there, I started researching the degree more seriously. I truly believe that the buddy system works outside the gym, too.

We went through the DAAD course catalogue together, checked the requirements, and kept track of deadlines. The catalogue, which is updated every year, was the perfect starting point because it already provides a detailed overview of programs and scholarship options. After that, I explored university websites for curriculum outlines, professor profiles, and most importantly, alumni diaries and student experiences. Those resources really helped me make informed decisions about which programs to apply to.

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

I took the IELTS exam and scored a Band 8. I started by directly practicing the sample exam papers available on the British Council website. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos of mock exams, especially for the speaking part of the test. It’s worth noting that DAAD doesn’t give points for the IELTS score in their candidate assessments, so anything above 6.5 is sufficient for applying.

At the time of my application, my IELTS score had only 20 days left before it expired. I contacted the university to ask if this would be an issue and whether I needed to retake the exam. They reassured me that it was not a problem. So, if your IELTS score has only recently expired and, with its ever-increasing prices, retaking it feels daunting, it’s always worth checking with the university first.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

For many applicants, especially, the process of getting their university degree, transcript, and related documents accredited by the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a time-consuming task on its own. And keep in mind, as you move toward the end-of-year application period, processing times for many of these institutions increase multifold. Since these are the documentation steps that allow your application to be considered in the first place, I tackled them first. It took me about two months.

You also need to give your academic and professional referees enough notice to write your letters of recommendation. At times, there are specific rules for these letters, some just as strict as the letter of motivation, so make sure to set aside enough time for them as well.

How is Your Experience at the University of Freiburg?

My experience has been very positive, especially with the staff and programme coordinators, who have consistently supported us since our first day, and done their best to make the transition and learning curve smoother for international students.

How Do You Rate the University of Freiburg Academically?

I would rate the University of Freiburg and the MEG programme very highly, as they have been transformative in my academic journey. The teaching methods are innovative, application-oriented, and highly effective, which has made the overall learning experience impactful.

Is the University of Freiburg Free for Environmental Governance? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

The University of Freiburg is a public university; however, international students are still required to pay tuition fees and semester contributions. In my case, these expenses were covered by the scholarship.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

The classes are conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

Germany takes great pride in its language, and while most major metropolitan cities have many English speakers, it is still very common to encounter situations where only German is spoken. Because of this, learning the language becomes a great asset in navigating daily life more comfortably.

Academically, however, students in international programmes can usually manage well with English, especially at the university level. In my case, the programme included a mandatory two-month German language course before the start of studies, which was fully funded. After that, I decided to continue taking language classes during my semesters as well, with more than 70% of the course costs reimbursed by DAAD.

Even learning basic German can make a significant difference in feeling more integrated and confident while living in Germany.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I had a CGPA of 3.34 in my previous degree, which goes to show that the DAAD EPOS programme is not solely focused on very high grades. They also place significant value on the professional experience and purpose that applicants bring after their undergraduate studies.

In my case, I worked in the Sustainability and CSR department of a textile manufacturing firm in Lahore, and by the time I resigned to pursue my Master’s, I was leading the sustainability domain. I believe it was the combination of my academic background, relevant work experience, and clear motivation that helped my application stand out.

Equally important, however, is being able to communicate your ambitions and experiences effectively. Before submitting my Letter of Motivation, I reached out to former DAAD recipients and alumni on LinkedIn and asked them to review it. Their honest feedback helped me refine my final draft significantly. Just remember to be respectful of their time and reach out well in advance, as these are often very busy individuals.

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

Time management is key; I cannot stress this enough. If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing my applications and Letter of Motivation much earlier.

There were many aspects of my application that I would have liked to discuss further with academic advisors and previous DAAD recipients, but closer to the deadline, there simply was not enough time. Starting early gives you the opportunity to seek meaningful feedback, revise your materials properly, and approach the application process with far less stress.

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

It may seem like a huge feat at first, but it is actually very manageable and mostly comes down to how well you are able to present your qualifications and experience in a clear, structured way. My number one tip would always be to not look at other people’s applications, even if they were successful. Scholarship committees can easily spot a replicated Letter of Motivation or an exaggerated CV from a mile away, and even if you make it through the first round, you will still have to face an interview where authenticity becomes very clear.

Each of us has had unique experiences, and you should lean into that wholeheartedly. Follow the official guidelines at every step, and when in doubt, just send an email to the institution; they will get back to you, even if not immediately, but usually with helpful clarification.

In the end, there’s a whole community of us scholars, and this website is a testament to that. None of us had any real edge over you other than the fact that we locked in and did our best. Just keep your head down, your ambitions private, and hustle. It pays off.