Activities daad former fellows. Study in Germany: how to get a German scholarship from DAAD
Live Journal
Facebook
TwitterIn this post, I answered frequently asked questions about applying to German universities and getting a DAAD scholarship. I share my personal experience.
If you are thinking about continuing your education, then I advise you to pay attention to this scholarship. In Kazakhstan, applications are accepted annually until November 5 (exact date varies). For applicants from other countries, I recommend checking the deadline on the website of the DAAD representative office (search in the Regional sites section of the global portal).
In a year, you will have time to decide on a specialty, pass language tests, etc. What documents to collect, how the selection process goes, when the results of the competition and other answers to formal questions are announced, you will find on the regional website. In Kazakhstan, this is daad.kz (all procedures are described in detail there).
Attempt no...
I learned about the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship in my 4th year undergraduate from a friend. She posted the link when the deadline was less than a month away. Then I thought about the Bolashak scholarship, but still submitted the documents. I spent a couple of nights in front of the monitor, ran around the university, wrote letters to German universities, registered for TOEFL, sent a heavy package to Almaty and forgot. Unexpectedly, I was in an interview. At this, relations with DAAD were interrupted for 7 years.
In 2014, the desire to continue academic education was renewed. This time the choice fell on Chevening. I was attracted by the fact that in the UK a master's program lasts a year. The break from production is minimal. The application is filled out online. A language certificate is not required when submitting documents. Letters of recommendation from professors or employers are sent to e-mail. This chapter ended with a polite rejection after the interview.
Why Germany?
I didn't forget about Germany. In 2009, she received the Sur-Place Fellowship of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Every year I went / went to seminars in Almaty and Astana. Then I signed up for German courses. True, after receiving a refusal from DAAD, the motivation dropped, and I could only tell about myself and ask what time it was.
This did not prevent me for 7 years imbued with sympathy for Germany. This is not a valley of gingerbread houses and carelessness. Like all countries. So why did I reapply for DAAD when I could have better prepared for Chevening or tried Fulbright?
- At the intersection of disciplines. German universities are strong in medicine, psychology, philosophy, engineering, and there are also many interesting interdisciplinary programs. I was looking for a program that would combine interests in the media field and the study of the humanities.
- A new foreign language. Living in an English-speaking country, the motivation to learn another language is not so strong. In Germany without German you feel helpless. The older generation does not speak English, the documentation is in German. It is problematic to get into practice without knowing the language.
- Mutual interest. German professors and employers are just as interested in personnel as students are in obtaining a European education with further employment. Unlike other programs, there are no obligations if you choose to stay in Germany. After graduation, they give 18 months to look for work, extending the residence permit.
Applying for a scholarship
Is it necessary to know German?
No. Lots of programs in English. But the choice in German is wider. Those who are going to apply for media and communications, know that only one English-language program meets the requirements of DAAD (as of June 2016). This is Media and Communication Science in Technical University Ilmenau.
DAAD requirements: semester fee no higher than 500 euros, continuous residence in Germany. The joint program of St. Petersburg State University and the Berlin Free University Global Communications and International Journalism does not correspond, because 2 semesters are held in Russia.
Economists, engineers, physicists, take it easy. There are plenty of interesting programs in the language of Shakespeare for you. Those who have chosen an English-language program are sent to intensive courses before the start of the winter semester. Before coming to Osnabrück, I lived in Marburg for 2 months. Raised from level A1.1 to A2.1.
Knowledge of the German language will be an advantage in the selection?
There are no statistics that would say how minimal knowledge of German helps those who choose an English-language program. Although sometimes people switch to German during interviews to impress the selection committee.
It happens that graduates of the Kazakh-German University, who speak German and are going to study in it, do not pass. Fluency in English is not a guarantee either. It is important to meet the requirements of the university. More often they require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL - 80. In the humanities, a little higher.
How to choose the right university?
The letter is the answer to the question “Why do you deserve a scholarship?” The mistake of applicants is that they praise themselves, forgetting about the main goal - study. I will not get tired of repeating: "Put the emphasis on the academic part." This time, I indicated the approximate topic of my master's thesis (the influence of media on consciousness) and the subjects that are of particular interest to me. Finding the names of professors you want to learn from, or even the titles of their publications, will only enhance your writing.
DAAD, of course, will appreciate your leadership qualities, but the commission will be convinced by a clear and understandable motivation to continue your education in Germany. It should be clear to you. I know those who consider studying abroad as a journey. It's hard to convince you of something you don't believe in yourself. Another mistake is to take as a basis a motivation letter for admission to American universities. There is less emphasis on academic success.
Since I left my friends, work projects, established connections for 2 years, then for me studying is more than another master's degree. I intend to become an international level specialist and gain knowledge that will not be given at home. If you are also 20+ (or even 30-) and want a change of scenery, then consider a European tour or a trip to India. Master's is not the right place to find yourself.
It was easy for me to write a motivation letter: I told what I had already done and what I want to do in the future, who I became and who I want to become after graduating from a German university. In 2009, the motivation letter was much weaker. I repeated the information from the resume, which is not recommended. The letter complements, strengthens, explains.
Although no one will oblige you to return to your country, it is better to mention plans related to your homeland. Maybe you are planning to work in Germany, but you want to establish relations in your field with the Kazakh side. Also an option.
Professor by profession. The higher the rank, the better. I asked the dean to write a letter. I was surprised that she remembered me, although we had not seen each other for more than 5 years.
Letters from employers are attached upon request. I did not bother the former leaders, since they had already written more than one letter to Chevening (to the commission and universities). If this was a requirement of DAAD, I would apply again.
What to say in an interview?
Anwser the questions. This is not a monologue. Speak calmly, unfolded, to the point. Be careful with humor! Representatives of DAAD and German professors sit on the commission. Speak the language of your chosen program to feel more comfortable. Mention the status of correspondence with universities. I was not asked, but at the end of the interview, she casually added that my applications were waiting. I don't know how this information influenced the final decision. I believe the details are important.
They asked the question, what is the difference between Unicast and Broadcast. We touched upon the topic of freedom of speech and its connection with the development of democracy in the country. She told which organizations defend the rights of journalists, shared her opinion on the situation in Kazakhstan. We talked about manipulation in the media, coverage of the topic of refugees in Europe. Dialogue within the scope of work and study. Engineers, physicists, mathematicians were asked to solve problems.
What if you didn't get a DAAD scholarship this year?
- Let go and move on.
- Try again. At least next year, at least after 7 years. Like some. =)
- Apply for other scholarships. To study in the same Germany, scholarships are also given by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Only German is needed here.
- Save up and go to study at your own expense.
- What I do not advise you to do is consider yourself a failure. Yes, the scholarship is not a lottery, but there is some luck involved.
Moment of inspiration 🙂
Story #1: Twins with identical resumes were interviewed by DAAD. We chose one. Another received a scholarship to study in a developed Asian country.
Story #2: the girl did not receive a DAAD scholarship, but later graduated from the Ivy League University.
Story #3: the girl did not pass the DAAD, but in the same year she won the Chevening.
Story #4: the girl did not receive a DAAD scholarship, but later won Erasmus.
Story #5: the girl received a Chevening scholarship from the third time.
And there are many such stories. And about guys too. =) Dare!
I studied German for two months in Marburg Admission to German universities
What documents are required by universities?
Much smaller volume than St. Petersburg University. Standard package: motivation letter, copy of diploma and transcript, resume, letters of recommendation, language certificate. Documents are sent by mail. It's long and expensive, but it's necessary. I registered online and then sent paper copies to Osnabrück via Pony Express.
How is the selection process going?
I have passed the "pleasure" of sending a package to Uni-assist , but I know that this saves time for the selection committee in universities and takes away your money and nerves. Services cost 75 euros + another 15 euros for each subsequent university. The service checks documents according to the formal requirements of the university. Then they themselves send them to universities. It is advised to apply in advance so that there is time to send the missing documents. Send an application to the DAAD portal as soon as possible. There are technical problems.
Creative specialties have an exam, where applicants show a portfolio or complete assignments. Sometimes economists and journalists are also interviewed. Each program has different requirements.
When will I know about the selection results?
Follow deadlines. You will learn about the award of a scholarship in March-April, and the deadline for your chosen universities is at the end of February. Send anyway. Then you will know the results by the end of spring. Save on buying tickets and be able to calmly complete business in your home country.
If the deadline is July 15 (I didn’t meet later), then you will find out the results in August or September. I sent the documents to Osnabrück in June, and the answer came on July 18th. The German courses in Marburg started on August 1st. Bought tickets at the last minute. My case is also a light version. People received answers even before the start of the semester.
If refusals came from 3 universities?
When I found out that I received a scholarship, I sent the documents. The priority university refused, because they need a diploma in the specialty "Media and Communications". Work experience did not help, because in Germany there is an emphasis on an academic background. The second and third universities wrote that the transcript did not have enough credits for compulsory subjects: statistics, research methods, etc.
DAAD in such cases goes forward and offers to enroll in other universities. They even sent me a list of programs suitable for my experience. In addition, I myself again studied the resources for finding programs, contacted former fellows, read the forums. It is not a rare case when 3 universities refuse.
Another point: when applying for a scholarship, applicants skip interesting programs or hope for the first option. It is better to immediately make a list of programs for yourself: 3 priority ones that you indicate in the application and keep at least 3 more in stock.
The trip was in doubt. But what to do? Get a bachelor's degree in another field? 🙂 I calmed down and continued the search. I unexpectedly found Intercultural Theology at the University of Göttingen and already native Cognitive Science. I entered both, but cognitive science turned out to be closer. And the diploma of the philological faculty came up, because linguistics is on the list of areas of this interdisciplinary scientific direction. The puzzle has been completed. Bingo! What I love. Language, psychology, philosophy.
At the same time, I applied to St Petersburg University, although DAAD does not support the program due to the need to live outside Germany for 2 semesters. But they provide budget places, and living in St. Petersburg is cheaper than in Germany. I have compiled such a package: screenshots of printed materials, scans of scientific articles, certificates, diplomas, etc. The desire to study there disappeared when a letter arrived that the Skype interview was starting in 2 hours. She did not refuse, because curiosity played. Got on the waiting list. As I found out later, students and graduates are also dissatisfied with the organization of the educational process.
At the orientation seminar in Bonn financial question
What does the scholarship include?
- 750 euros for monthly expenses(from the beginning of the semester);
- compensation for the flight to Germany, depending on the region (we were given 400 euros);
- payment for German language courses for a period of 2 to 6 months (including housing and pocket expenses - 400 euros per month);
- travel expenses from the language course venue to the university city;
- coverage of tuition fees, if any (up to 500 euros per semester).
What is a "semester fee"?
Although education is free in German universities, every month students pay Semesterbeitrag. Without it, you will not receive a student ID. At the University of Osnabrück, the fee is 330.29 euros. Of these, 192.29 euros goes to the student government, for which they give a semester ticket worth 173.79 euros. The ticket entitles you to use public transport in Osnabrück, travel around Lower Saxony and some cities in neighboring states. Another 63 euros is taken by the student service (Studentenwerk). They run the hostels and are responsible for food. The third part is an administrative fee of 75 euros. DAAD scholarship holders do not pay it, so for us the semester fee is 225.29 euros.
I plan to study on my own. How much money is needed?
To obtain a national visa, you need confirmation of a blocked account in the amount of 7908 euros in a German bank with a monthly withdrawal limit of 659 euros from the account. This is the living wage. As I noted above, DAAD sends 750 euros every month, taking into account the fact that up to a third of the amount goes to rent. In medium-sized cities, rent costs around 250 euros. Those who went to study in Berlin, Munich, etc. are given a subsidy. This list also includes some student cities, where there is an increased demand for housing.
Are scholarships needed?
Depends on needs. This amount is higher than my first salary in Almaty (I count at the rate of 2011). I live in Germany for the 5th month. So far, it has never been possible to fit into 750 euros. This is enough for rent, groceries, lunches and snacks in the dining room, updating the wardrobe if necessary.
But it is better to take care of the stock. DAAD recommends keeping an amount equal to a monthly stipend. The money will be needed to pay for the first month of renting a room upfront or making a deposit, paying for the doctor's services (the insurance company covers the costs after the fact, when you send a check). Some parents help. For those who work, it is advisable to take savings.
I'm glad I won the scholarship. I think if I covered expenses 100% or recently graduated from a bachelor's degree, I would also save money. At the age of 22-23, the requests were different from the current ones. I feel freer, not limited by the amount.
We travel on weekends. Bremen Have a desire to add one item to the list of goals for the year? 🙂
P.S. Still have questions? . Look there too! It's even more detailed.Formalities (printing on documents, language certificate, etc.) are better to check with DAAD employees. By phone, email or in the office. They will advise you, give you brochures and wish you good luck.People get paid for this. =)
Ask questions in the comments on the posts! Do not be shy! By answering you, I will help others who wish to receive a scholarship. My blog is a medium of mass communication. I want everyone to have equal access to information. Therefore, I write posts, go live on social networks.
P.P.S. How the study is structured, I will tell after the end of the semester. I have been living in Germany since the beginning of August, but the lectures did not start until October 24th. I studied the language for two months, and then went to the orientation weeks of the international department and the Cognitive Science Institute.
UPDATE! with questions and answers about the DAAD scholarship and studying in Germany + about my specialty, adaptation, learning languages, etc.
***
“So amazing that someone openly shares their experience, wastes time!” - they write to me in private messages. This is the concept of my blog. This is my personal philosophy. Share knowledge and experience.
Found this post helpful and want to thank me? It's simple!
Like, share the post on your pages and / or in thematic groups, send it to your friends and acquaintances!
Every year DAAD awards scholarships to international students and scientists to study and research in Germany. For all the time of activity in Tajikistan, DAAD has allocated more than 700 scholarships for study and research in Germany for students, university graduates, graduate students and scientists of universities of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Note: DAAD Bonn has set a new rule for scholarship applicants who live or study abroad. All applicants must apply for a scholarship in their country of residence/study regardless of their nationality or country of origin. In the event that in the country of residence / study (For example: India, Iran, China, United United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Korea) a suitable program is not offered, citizens of Tajikistan can apply for a scholarship in Tajikistan.
Here you can choose the scholarship program that suits you. Please click on the name of the scholarship program to get detailed information about the program. If you have any questions, please contact the DAAD Information Center for advice. You can find our office hours and contacts in the section Contacts.
|
students |
▪ Summer courses |
||
|
▪ Group trips |
|||
 |
University graduates |
Master's degree |
▪ Scholarships for university graduates of all specialties - 1 year |
|
▪ Scholarships for university graduates of all specialties - 2 years |
|||
|
▪ Helmut Schmidt Program (Public Policy and Good Governance) |
|||
 |
Young scientists |
PhD, research |
▪ Research Scholarships |
|
▪ Dissertation scholarships |
|||
|
▪ Postgraduate training for professionals from developing countries |
|||
 |
Scientists |
The science |
▪ Scientific internships for scientists |
 |
Creative specialties |
Art |
|
|
▪ Study scholarships |
|||
The German academic exchange service DAAD is the largest organization supporting students and young professionals from all over the world. For applicants from Russia and the CIS countries, the most popular programs are for masters and graduate students, as well as university language courses. About 500 applications are received each year for each of these scholarships, but only a few dozen candidates are ultimately selected. All participants have a chance to win the competition, the main thing is to correctly draw up the necessary papers.
Typically, such programs require a standard set of documents: a completed application form, a resume, a motivation letter, a recommendation from a university teacher, a copy of a diploma with an appendix, international language certificates, references from an employer, certificates of participation in conferences, and internships. However, requirements may vary. What nuances should applicants keep in mind?
Master's Scholarship
DAAD offers several postgraduate scholarships at once. In addition to the support program for graduates of all specialties, the fund has special offers for economists and representatives of creative professions - artists, architects, designers, musicians, actors and directors.
Before participating in the competition, candidates choose any language or country studies course at a state university, which takes place in the summer in Germany and lasts more than 18 days. At the same time, applicants must already speak German at level B1 and have an international certificate. For students of technical and natural science faculties regional universities made an exception - they can apply even at level A2. The commission selects students with good academic performance and convincing motivation. Documents are accepted until December 1 through the DAAD Internet portal and by mail.
Postgraduate Scholarships
DAAD provides young scientists with short-term (up to 6 months) and annual scholarships (7-10 months). To begin, graduate or master students must find a research supervisor in Germany who agrees to oversee their research project. In addition to a written confirmation from a German university or scientific center you will need a recommendation from a professor from Russia - a former diploma supervisor or university teacher. Prior to submitting an application, applicants are required to complete a project description and calendar plan work on it. Otherwise, the package of documents does not differ from the standard set. Applications are accepted until November 15 (short-term scholarship) and October 1 (annual scholarship).
The amount of the scholarship is from 750 to 1000 euros per month, depending on the status of the scholarship holder. In addition, the fund can partially compensate for the cost of renting housing and travel. If necessary, before starting work on a project, DAAD pays for language courses and participation in a German language proficiency exam, for example, for TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat certificates.
See also:
-
10 facts about the German student
Age
Compared to 2012, the average student in Germany is a little older, now 24 years and seven months old. Among university students there are also many over 30. This was revealed in the course of the largest survey, which is conducted every five years by the German Society for the Promotion of University Students.
10 facts about the German student
Origin
Every fifth student in Germany is a migrant or a descendant of migrants. Most of them came from Poland, Turkey, Russia or Kazakhstan.
10 facts about the German student
Family status
About half of the respondents are not married, but are in a permanent relationship. Only six percent of German students already have a husband or wife, the rest are still looking for a life partner.
10 facts about the German student
Popular specialties
Students in Germany prefer engineering and natural sciences, law and economics. Less popular faculties in German universities are philology, cultural studies, sociology and psychology.
10 facts about the German student
deduction
Every fifth student in Germany changed faculty or specialty at least once. About 16 percent voluntarily stopped their studies at the university.
10 facts about the German student
Money
The average German student has become a little richer: today he has 918 euros per month. He receives half of this amount from his parents, another quarter - he earns himself. The remaining funds are either a scholarship or income from other sources.
10 facts about the German student
part time job
68 percent of students in Germany work regularly. Among the reasons why they work in their free time, young people cited the desire to be independent from their parents, gain practical experience and be able to afford something more.
10 facts about the German student
spending
Every month, students in Germany pay about 320 euros for rented housing, the second largest expense item is the purchase of food: 168 euros per month is spent on food. Public transport or - less often - a private car costs 94 euros. For entertainment and sports, a German student needs 61 euros. Total living expenses are about 800 euros per month.
10 facts about the German student
Nutrition
At least once a week, two-thirds of the respondents dine in the university cafeteria. True, five years ago they were more popular. According to the researchers, the demand depends on age - younger students often eat in canteens.
10 facts about the German student
Location
It takes about half an hour for a student to get from the apartment to the place of study. But where does the German student live? A third of the respondents rent an apartment together with classmates or friends, the same number of students rent an apartment on their own or with their partner. Often, students stay with their parents under the same roof, and boys choose this option more often than girls.
When it comes to postgraduate studies in Germany, the first thing everyone remembers is the government fund DAAD. And not just like that, because it is not only the largest scholarship fund in Germany, but also one of the most prestigious funds in the world. DAAD has its offices in different countries world, which is a huge advantage, because the competitive selection takes place only between students and scientists in each individual country. In addition, DAAD not only financially supports selected candidates, but also forms a community of former fellows and organizes annual meetings.
Especially for our readers, we have collected all the scholarships from the fund with current deadlines.
Scholarships for Artists, Filmmakers and Designers
Scholarships for master's degree studies in creative specialties: " art”, “Design / visual communication”, “Cinematography”. Every month, the scholarship holder will receive 750 euros, and with paid tuition, partial coverage of tuition up to 500 euros per semester is possible.
Duration of training: from 10 to 24 months
MSc for Economists
Students and graduates of economic specialties can take part in the competitive selection. A specialist or bachelor's degree must be obtained no earlier than 2011. The scholarship is 750 euros per month. The package of documents must be sent by mail to the DAAD Foundation office in your country.
Duration of training: from 18 to 24 months.
Master's and PhD studies in Germany
DAAD provides scholarships for applicants for Master's and PhD programs in Germany. The scholarship includes monthly payments of 750 euros to students, partial travel expenses, health insurance and a one-time allowance.
Annual scholarships for young scientists
An excellent opportunity for graduate students to spend a year in Germany and write a Ph.D. thesis. The opportunity is also relevant for students and for recently defended candidates of science. The scholarship is open to representatives of all specialties. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the qualifications of the specialist. Recent graduates will receive - 750 euros per month, and graduate students and PhD students - 1000 euros per month.
PhD in Germany
Masters, specialists and, in exceptional cases, bachelors can take part in the scholarship program for young scientists. Opportunity is open to all destinations. It is possible to study both under the program of individual postgraduate study (under the guidance of one professor), and structured postgraduate programs.
Scholarship duration: up to 4 years
CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY OUT OF >100000
StudyQA is a smart search platform of educational programs worldwide. Go through the study programs for studying abroad based on the search criteria. Choose the best study program and contact higher education institution directly from the StudyQA website!
Categories:
follow us:
Ask question about study abroad
Message was successfully sent
- Panel of coffee beans DIY coffee panel
- Panel of coffee beans - a step-by-step master class on creating decorations with your own hands Make a panel of coffee beans with your own hands
- Do-it-yourself football "Making a board game Football Instructions for assembling a kicker board game with your own hands
- Layout "Fire shield" (master class) Craft fire station
- How to clean an oak barrel
- How the gas pipeline is arranged under water Sea pipe
- The main types and requirements for drinkers for chickens, options for their self-production