Stage 1 · Lesson 1 of 7
Your real reason for going
Start by writing two or three sentences about what you want the degree to change. Maybe you want a research career. Maybe you want a specialism your home job market lacks, a job in another country, or time to switch field.
This is . Each goal points to a different degree, destination and budget, so it drives every later choice. It is also the backbone of your , the essay where look for a clear, specific motive.
Weigh the goal against its : the salary and experience you give up while you study. Some reasons are weak, and it helps to spot them early: escaping a job search that went badly, following friends, or an agent saying it is easy.
None of these is shameful. But a degree bought for them is expensive and often disappointing.
Common trapskipping this step and letting a scholarship deadline or a relative decide for you.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- GuideFreeStudy and Research in Germany (DAAD)
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
The official German study portal: degree types, costs and how to apply, from DAAD
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- Sefism 1:1 MentorshipGo deeper
Talk your decision through with someone who has made it, before money is committed