Mohammed Aldeep came to Augsburg from Syria as a refugee of the civil war there almost ten years ago. Since then, he has completed postgraduate studies, learned German, and earned his doctorate this summer. Alongside his studies, Aldeep has been involved in helping refugees, migrants, and other people in need, both within and outside of the university. “In view of his extraordinary personal and academic development at the University of Augsburg, his outstanding academic achievements and, especially, his social commitments, I am very pleased that Mohammed Aldeep is being honoured with this year’s DAAD Prize,” says Prof. Thilo Rensmann. He nominated Aldeep for the prize and gave the laudatory speech.

From 2016 to 2018, Aldeep completed a master’s degree for international graduates at the Faculty of Law. Building on his law studies in Aleppo, he quickly familiarised himself with German law despite the considerable differences in legal culture, and today he is fluent in German legal terminology, equivalent to a native German speaker. This summer he received his doctorate with “magna cum laude,” the second-highest grade for a dissertation.

Diverse voluntary work with charitable organisations

Alongside his demanding studies and subsequent doctorate, Aldeep was also involved in voluntary work. He was part of the law faculty’s Law Clinic, which provided advice to refugees and migrants seeking help. Outside the university, he was an active volunteer for the Red Cross food bank, as well as an interpreter and homework assistant for migrants. He also worked as a carer for disabled people at various charitable organisations. Further evidence of his social commitment is shown by his work as an election worker in the state elections and his membership of Amnesty International. He currently works as a freelance interpreter for the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

 “Aldeep has developed remarkably as a person at the University of Augsburg. Today, he is a highly qualified expert in German and international law and has also been a German citizen for some time. Throughout all of this, however, he has never forgotten his own fate and has dedicated himself from the outset, both voluntarily and professionally, to helping persecuted people and others in need. His time in Augsburg is therefore not least an outstanding achievement in terms of integration,” said Rensmann.

DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievements of International Students at German Universities

The DAAD Prize, which has been awarded for more than ten years and is endowed with €1,000 per university, aims to give a face to the large numbers of international students at German universities and connect them with stories. In this way, it makes it clear that each and every international student takes a piece of Germany back to their home country and leaves something of themselves behind in Germany – an enrichment for both sides. The students who have received such an award through their respective host universities represent their fellow students from all over the world. According to the DAAD, they are Germany’s future partners in business, politics and science.

206 international graduates and 560 new international students

Every year, the DAAD awards ceremony provides an opportunity for honouring international graduates of the past academic year at the University of Augsburg. They come from countries such as Syria, Latvia, Mexico and Cameroon, with 206 international students from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America having completed their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the University of Augsburg. “Completing an entire degree programme in a foreign language is particularly challenging. We congratulate you on completing your studies and on this great achievement,” said Dr Stephan Hollensteiner, Head of the International Office.

This year, 560 international students from more than 50 countries are new to the University of Augsburg. Many have come for several years to start a master’s degree programme here, for example, while many others are exchange students staying for only one or two semesters. “Your stories, perspectives, and experiences enrich our campus and have a significant impact on life here,” said Prof. Axel Tuma, Vice-President for Internationalisation and Sustainability, addressing the new students.