News

The University of Botswana (UB) Office of International Education and Partnerships recently organised an interactive DAAD Study and Research Opportunities Information Session for prospective applicants wishing to study or conduct research with German institutions of higher learning.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or German Academic Exchange Service) Study and Research Opportunities Information provides details about scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities for international students, researchers, and academics to study, conduct research or participate in academic exchange programmes in Germany.

The opportunities are typically offered by the DAAD, a prestigious organisation that promotes international academic cooperation and exchange with Germany.

Speaking at the event which attracted scores of prospective students from within and outside UB, DAAD Lecturer at University of Capetown, South Africa, Ms Eva Thamm, explained that DAAD was a self-governing organisation with 241 member universities and 104 student bodies.

Ms Thamma added that it was the world largest funding organisation through which prospective applicants could access detailed information about various scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other funding opportunities offered by the DAAD and its partner institutions.

The opportunities cover a wide range of academic disciplines and fields of study, catering for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students, as well as researchers and faculty members. Ms Thamma explained the importance of studying in German in that if offered high quality internationally recognised programmes both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She said there were more than 420 high education institutions with 20 000 degrees on offer in Germany.

Apart from state-of-the-art facilities, security and stable economy, she said the cost of living was relatively affordable in Germany in that international students could live off an average of P13 000 (euro 934) monthly stipend. The stipend would cover accommodation, transport, health insurance and other incidental expenses.

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Doreen Ramogola Masire, encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunities offered.

Office of International Education and Partnerships Acting Director, Dr Hiri-Khudu outlined the objective of her office that it was to foster international collaborations, partnerships and exchange programmes as part of UB’s internationalisation strategic goal.

Director Public Affairs, Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo also encouraged the participants to utilise the opportunities offered for academic and self-development. She thanked the Office of International Education and Partnerships for organasing the information sharing session given that it was critical to equip applicants with relevant information.