Muhammad Sohaib pursued his MSc. in Automation and Robotics programme at TU Dortmund. He discovered his ideal programme with the help of Online Result. We spoke with Muhammad about his personal experience navigating the international university application process.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Muhammad Sohaib Irshad. I am a 25-year-old international student from Pakistan.
Where are you studying now? What university and programme are you enrolled in? What degree are you pursuing and how long is your programme?
I am currently studying in Germany, enrolled at TU Dortmund for a two-year Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Automation and Robotics.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad to gain global exposure and to understand how leading nations drive innovation through advanced research and cutting-edge technology.
How did you find your study programme? Why did you choose this particular university?
I found my study programme through an online search, and the first resource that effectively answered all my questions regarding international admissions was Online Result.
The platform offered intuitive features to filter results by country, language, tuition fees, and course duration. I ultimately selected TU Dortmund due to its strong academic ranking and the high-quality elective courses offered within the curriculum.
Did you know about that university and/or programme before seeing it on Online Result?
The answer is simple: I relied on Online Result from the very beginning of my search process to streamline my choices.
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 decision factors included university rankings, opportunities for professional development, the local cultural environment, and overall cost-efficiency.
Was it your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main influencing factor of your final choice?
I was fortunate to receive multiple admission offers. While choosing between them was challenging, I prioritized the specific course content, university reputation, and associated tuition and living costs.
Did you already know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose this particular location?
I focused primarily on finding the perfect course curriculum rather than limiting myself to a specific country or city. Quality education is the most important factor in long-term career success. Once I decided on TU Dortmund, I began exploring the lifestyle in Germany.
While Dortmund may appear modest at first glance, it is an incredibly welcoming city that goes to great lengths to help international students, or "Auslanders," settle in and enjoy their new environment.
Did you do 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 the IELTS exam as it was a mandatory requirement for my application. My experience with the British Council in Pakistan was quite frustrating due to poor management, so I ultimately opted to take the exam through AEO.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
My advice is to make your academic decisions carefully, keeping your long-term career goals in mind. Once you commit to a path, pursue it with confidence.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
Most German universities offer programs without tuition fees. I mainly had to plan for living expenses, which are very manageable. Additionally, there are numerous scholarships available if you take the time to research them.
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)?
While finding accommodation can be a challenge, the university administration and the teaching faculty are generally excellent. I would rate my experience at TU Dortmund a 6 out of 10.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
In hindsight, I would explore additional universities to see if they offer a wider range of specialized electives within the field of Automation and Robotics.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
The most pleasant surprise was how friendly the people were. Germans are genuinely helpful and make a concerted effort to integrate international students into their society.
Did you find Muhammad Sohaib's study abroad journey inspiring?
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