The importance of scholarships
For Abdelkader Elkaddaf from Egypt (4th semester, Bachelor Information Engineering), the scholarship is an important honour: ‘Receiving the scholarship has helped me financially, but more importantly, the scholarship is a special recognition of my hard work. Being recognised as one of the best students is a great honour for me and has given me the opportunity to get to know other excellent students. This motivates me to continue to give my best in my studies.’
Terry Lians from Indonesia (7th semester, Bachelor of Process Engineering) emphasises the opportunities that the merit-based scholarship has opened up for him: ‘The scholarship has helped me to acquire new hobbies and new experiences. I've taken tango and tennis lessons because I no longer have to work so much part-time to finance my studies.’
Tips for successful studies
We asked Mukhayyokhon Numonjonova from Uzbekistan (4th semester, Bachelor of Social Work) what tips she has for her fellow international students. Her answer: ‘Always be up to date with your studies. Find out what modules you have to do and how you can complete them. Don't wait for the perfect moment, refrain from putting off taking exams and writing assignments. Always make a plan and take it seriously.’
Mukhayyokhon Numonjonova, who is already working in a company where she would like to work after graduation, has a particular sense of purpose. She can even imagine setting up her own company in the social sector after graduating, either in Germany or in her home country of Uzbekistan. She encourages her fellow students and names what she considers to be the three most important things for a successful degree programme:
1. For me, self-confidence is most important. Have the confidence to express yourself, even if you don't speak the language at a native level! Have the confidence to go to your professors or fellow students, ask questions and actively seek advice.
2. Move away from perfectionism! Not everything has to be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes.
3. Take your time, but not after the end of the semester, but before and during it. At the beginning of the new semester, make it clear to yourself what you want to hand in at the end of the semester and how you want to do it.
Kiyo Cheung from Hong Kong (3rd semester Master's, Illustration) was awarded a merit scholarship for the second time in the winter semester 2024/2025. She explains ‘At the beginning of my studies, I looked at the study plan and made a list of the credits and courses I had to take. This was very helpful and important for organising my studies because it gave me a clear overview of my Master's programme. At first the process was a bit confusing, especially registering for courses, so I enlisted the help of my fellow students and some older students. I am very grateful that I have many nice fellow students who are always friendly and helpful.’
Maria Paniz from Italy (7th semester Bachelor, Social Work) was also honoured for the second time and summarises her tips for international first-year students as follows: Take your time to find your feet and be patient with yourself. Living in a foreign country is a challenge, and it also takes time to understand the university system. Approach people, ask questions if you don't understand something or are unsure. (...) If you are studying German, take your time. Academic texts and all the new technical terms can be a challenge at first, but it gets easier with time.’
Ali Aliyev from Azerbaijan (5th semester, Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering) student was awarded a merit scholarship for the third time and recommends ‘Attend all lectures etc. You never know what you will miss. You never know what you are missing if you don't attend. (...) Start your exam preparation as early as possible so that you don't have countless sleepless nights before the exam when you need the full power of your brain.’
Challenges and approaches
All international students agreed on one point: finding accommodation in Hamburg and the initial language difficulties are among the biggest challenges for international students. One solution for dealing with the initial challenges lies in networking with international students as early as possible. It is also important to form study and working groups, plan your time well and maintain good contact with fellow students and professors. Some of the scholarship holders actively participated in the International Office's weBuddy programme.
