Hamza pursued his Master's degree in in Microelectronics and Microsystems at Hamburg University of Technology. He found this programme via Studyportals. We asked Hamza about his experience of searching and applying to a university abroad.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Hamza Rashid. I have turned 23 on 7th of September and my home town is Lahore, Pakistan.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?
I have done a Bachelor’s in Mechatronics and Control Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan and currently I am enrolled in a Master’s in Microelectronics and Microsystems at Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany. It is a two-year research oriented Master’s course.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I wanted to do Master’s as it is the latest criteria for being considered among highly educated people plus there are a lot of other personal and social benefits. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any Master’s course in a Pakistani university corresponding to my needs.
What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?
As a student, my first priority was to search for an environment that stimulates my skills and abilities while offering professional growth and giving the opportunity to be innovative and flexible.
As an international student, I was obliged to choose a university that offered international cultural and social diversity.
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?
No, I had applied in three universities in total but all in Germany. Besides TUHH, I applied in Universitat Bremen and Bonn-Rhein-Seig University of Applied Sciences.
I got rejected from Universitat Bremen despite my good profile and declined the place at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences because the course there lasts 2.5 years but I wanted to complete my degree within 2 years.
Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose for this particular location?
Yes, I always wanted to study in Germany as it is the pioneer in industrial automation and universities here serve as mega factories producing innovators and technological revolutionists.
Hamburg was ranked 14th in “most lively city and tourist attraction” in the world and 1st in Germany in 2015. So who wouldn’t wish to avail such an awesome package of education with natural leisure?
How did Studyportals help you in your decision process?
Studyportals.com was and will always be my first choice for searching universities as it provides in-depth details about courses as well as their environment plus its special blog about International Students Satisfaction relieves one from worries of uncertainty.
I also used other sites but nothing was more satisfying and convenient than using Mastersportal.com.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?
Yes, I have done IELTS (at British Council Centre) in Feb 2014 as IELTS was one of primary pre-requisites for almost all universities I searched for and also required by Embassy of Germany (for visa in my case).
I was very pleased from the interactive pattern of test that judges our proficiency in a very smooth and yet professional way. The staff of British Council and Test Centre environment was very cooperative and polite. My score in IELTS was L: 7.5 R: 6.5 W: 6.5 S: 7.0 with Overall score: 7.0.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
I would strongly stress the benefits of studying abroad like international exposure and good research facilities. I would advise them to get out of their shell and explore the latest trends in the world by physically witnessing them.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
Well in this field I acted lethargically; I wasted a chance of scholarship and never got another but a billion praises to my parents who supported me with all they have got. My advice is simple “NEVER LET GO AN OPPORTUNITY (NO MATTER BIG OR SMALL) AS SOME THINGS HAPPEN ONCE IN A LIFETIME”.
Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?
There is no reason for not recommending such a package (university + tourist destination) besides to follow your own ambitions. As for security level, I would rank my experience as 9.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
Seize that opportunity of scholarship that I let go.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
Adjusting in an international environment. You just need to be true to yourself to be accepted by others. You will get many surprises during your journey, so just keep calm and enjoy your life!!!
Were you inspired by Hamza’s story?
