Hamza pursued his Master's degree in Microelectronics and Microsystems at the Hamburg University of Technology. He discovered this program through Online Result. We spoke with Hamza about his personal journey of researching and applying to universities 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 am from Lahore, Pakistan, and I celebrated my 23rd birthday on September 7th.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics and Control Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, and I am currently enrolled in the Master’s in Microelectronics and Microsystems program at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) in Germany. This is an intensive, two-year research-oriented Master’s course.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I decided to pursue a Master’s degree to stay competitive in today’s professional landscape and to benefit from the associated personal and social growth. Unfortunately, I could not find a program in Pakistan that fully aligned with my specific academic and professional goals.
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)?
My primary goal was to find an academic environment that would stimulate my skills, foster innovation, and provide opportunities for significant professional growth.
As an international student, I wanted to study at a university that embraced cultural diversity and offered a vibrant, inclusive social environment.
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?
I applied to three universities, all located in Germany. In addition to TUHH, I submitted applications to the University of Bremen and the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences.
I was unfortunately rejected by the University of Bremen despite my strong profile, and I declined the offer from the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences because their program duration of 2.5 years did not fit my goal of completing my degree within two 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?
I had always dreamed of studying in Germany. As a global leader in industrial automation, Germany is home to universities that act as innovation hubs, training the next generation of technological pioneers.
In 2015, Hamburg was ranked among the world’s most livable cities and top tourist destinations. Who wouldn't want to pursue a world-class education while enjoying such a vibrant urban culture?
How did Online Result help you in your decision process?
Online Result.com has always been my go-to resource for university research. It provides comprehensive course details and insights into campus life, and its feature on International Student Satisfaction really helps alleviate the uncertainty of moving abroad.
While I explored other platforms, I found that nothing matched the convenience and reliability of Online Result.
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 completed my IELTS exam at the British Council in February 2014, as it was a core requirement for the universities I selected and for the German visa application process.
I was impressed by the professional and interactive nature of the test. The British Council staff were incredibly supportive throughout the process. I achieved an overall band score of 7.0, with L: 7.5, R: 6.5, W: 6.5, and S: 7.0.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
I highly recommend studying abroad to gain international exposure and access to world-class research facilities. My advice to other students is to step out of your comfort zone and witness global industry trends firsthand.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
I regret being hesitant early on, which cost me a scholarship opportunity. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their unwavering support. My advice is simple: Never let a scholarship opportunity slip by, as some chances come only 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 not to pursue this path—the combination of an excellent university and a stunning tourist destination is unbeatable. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the safety and quality of my experience a 9.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
Always prioritize securing those scholarship opportunities that I once let go.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
Adjusting to life in an international environment requires being authentic. Embrace the surprises that come your way, stay calm, and enjoy every moment of your journey!
Were you inspired by Hamza’s story?
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