Artyom pursued his Master’s degree in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures at the University of Stuttgart. He discovered this programme through Online Result, and here, he shares his insights on navigating the international university application process.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
Hello! My name is Artyom Flerko. I am 26 years old, and I am originally from Belarus.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and since when are you enrolled in this programme?
Currently, I am completing my Master’s degree in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures at the University of Stuttgart.
I officially began my studies on September 1st, 2015. While the semester formally commenced on October 12th, I participated in an intensive German language course throughout September to prepare.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad to immerse myself in new cultures. Germany stood out as my top destination due to its world-class reputation in advanced mathematics and engineering.
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)?
When selecting the ideal university, I carefully considered several key factors:
- How strong the program is in each university
- How big the city is
- How easy it is to find accommodation
- In general, the country (language, the opportunities for travel and finding a job)
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason for your final choice?
I applied to five institutions across two countries. In Germany, I targeted the University of Stuttgart, the University of Bochum, and the University of Siegen; in Sweden, I applied to Linköping University and Linnaeus University.
Although all these universities offered excellent Mechanical Engineering programmes and I received offers from each, I ultimately chose the University of Stuttgart.
Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose this particular location?
Initially, I favored studying in Sweden. However, after researching the academic excellence at the University of Stuttgart and developing a strong interest in learning the German language, I decided it was the perfect fit for my goals.
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?
I took both the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS to meet admissions requirements. In my experience, the IELTS was more intuitive and user-friendly, allowing me to achieve a 6.5 score on my first attempt.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider studying abroad?
My primary advice is to prioritize your language skills and embrace the adventure of studying abroad without hesitation.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
I am currently supported by an ESSYB scholarship. I spent considerable time researching funding options before finding the right fit, so I encourage all students to remain persistent in seeking financial aid.
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)?
I highly recommend Germany, and specifically the University of Stuttgart, for its robust research environment and exceptional faculty. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate my experience a 9. Furthermore, the university provided invaluable assistance in securing suitable, convenient accommodation.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
Stay adaptable, remain open to new experiences, and never stop refining your language skills.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
The most rewarding part of this journey was realizing that starting anew is not as daunting as it seems. While challenging, studying abroad offers the incredible opportunity to build a global network, experience different cultures and cuisines, and travel extensively.
Are you feeling inspired to start your own international study journey?
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