Bangladeshi Twin Sisters Win TUM Scholarships: A Journey to Global Academic Success
How Twin Sisters Chased Their Dream to Win Scholarships to TUM
In a world where academic excellence increasingly shapes future opportunities, the story of Bangladeshi twin sisters Tasmia Tazrian Ilma and Tasnuva Tazrian Iqra stands out as a remarkable journey of ambition, resilience, and shared aspiration. Their pursuit of higher education led them to winning prestigious scholarships at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which is one of Europe’s most renowned universities, demonstrating how dedication and strategic preparation can open doors to global education for students from developing countries.
Their story serves as both an inspiration and a practical roadmap for young Bangladeshis aspiring to study abroad, underscoring the importance of early planning, strong academic profiles, and embracing challenges as pathways to growth.
Early Beginnings and Shared Aspirations
Born and raised in Dhaka, the twins grew up in a household that valued education. From a young age, they were intellectually curious, often helping each other with schoolwork and academic projects. “Our learning was always a joint journey,” Sumaiya said to TBS, noting how their twin bond became a source of motivation rather than competition.
Their interest in science and technology emerged during high school as they consistently performed well in maths, physics, and computer science, subjects that would later form the foundation of their higher education ambitions.
By the time they entered their undergraduate years, the sisters had already set their sights on international scholarship opportunities. They knew that gaining admission to a world-class university like TUM would require more than good grades; it would demand a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and strategic preparation.
A Shared Dream Takes Shape
After enrolling in undergraduate programs at BUP, Tasnuva and Tasmia began exploring global universities that aligned with their interests in technology and innovation. They discovered the Technical University of Munich (TUM), consistently ranked among Europe’s top universities and respected worldwide for its engineering, computer science, and applied sciences programs.
TUM’s strong research culture, international student support, and scholarship opportunities were significant draws. Moreover, the university’s proximity to industrial hubs and research centres in Germany provided an ideal environment for students wishing to pursue cutting-edge development work in technology.
With a clear goal in mind, the sisters committed themselves to building the profiles required to be competitive applicants.
Building a Competitive Academic Profile
To strengthen their applications, the duo focused on:
1. Academic Performance
They maintained strong GPAs throughout their undergraduate studies, ensuring they met the minimum academic requirements for international universities. Their tutors describe them as consistently attentive and committed learners.
2. Research and Projects
Both sisters engaged in research projects and internships that aligned with their intended fields of study. These experiences bolstered their resumes and demonstrated both initiative and practical exposure critical elements for scholarship evaluations.
3. Standardized Tests and Language Proficiency
They prepared for standardized assessments and language proficiency tests where required. Although many European universities, including TUM, offer programs in English, demonstrating English competency through recognized exams helped strengthen their applications.
4. Extracurricular Activities
Beyond academics, the sisters participated in student clubs, coding competitions, and community initiatives, activities that highlighted leadership, collaboration, and time management.
Together, these elements formed a competitive profile that positioned them well for international scholarship consideration.
The Scholarship Journey
Applying to the Technical University of Munich involved a multi-stage process:
Initial Research and Eligibility
The sisters began by thoroughly reviewing scholarship criteria and deadlines on official TUM portals. They paid special attention to eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and application timelines to avoid last-minute confusion or errors.
Application Materials and Documentation
Their applications included:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors
- Certificates of extracurricular participation
- Research abstracts
Crafting a compelling SOP was especially crucial. Both sisters used this document to articulate their academic goals, motivations for studying abroad, and long-term vision of contributing to Bangladesh’s technological landscape.
Referral and Networking
Leveraging connections with faculty members and mentors was also helpful in gathering strong LORs and refining application strategies. Peers and alumni who had studied abroad provided guidance on best practices and common pitfalls.
Interview Preparation
In some scholarship tracks, interviews were conducted to assess the applicants’ motivations and fit for the program. The sisters prepared by reviewing common questions, understanding their own research goals deeply, and practising clear communication.
Letter of Acceptance and Scholarship Award
The day the letters arrived was a moment of shared celebration for the family. Both sisters had secured acceptance to their chosen programs at TUM with full scholarships, covering tuition and living expenses, an achievement that marked the culmination of years of preparation, perseverance, and shared effort.
In interviews after the announcement, both twins reflected on how the scholarship would not only transform their lives but also position them to contribute to Bangladesh’s future scientific and technological development.
“It’s not just a recognition of our past work,” Tasnuva said. “It’s an investment in what we hope to create and contribute in the years ahead.”
Studying in Germany: Broader Experience
Germany has become one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its renowned universities, strong research ecosystem, and, in many cases, low or no tuition fees for public programs. For students from Bangladesh, these features make German universities particularly attractive.
At TUM, international students benefit from:
- Collaborative research projects
- Industry partnerships and internships
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Multicultural campus environments
The sisters’ decision to pursue further education in Germany places them at the heart of European innovation hubs, where they will gain hands-on experience and global exposure.
Why This Matters for Bangladesh’s Youth
The twin sisters success story resonates with young Bangladeshis who aspire to pursue education abroad but face challenges such as:
- Limited access to preparatory resources
- Financial constraints
- Lack of awareness about global scholarship opportunities
Their journey underscores that with strategic planning, academic commitment, and resourcefulness, ambitious students can compete on the global stage, even when coming from developing countries.
Their story also highlights the importance of:
- Early career guidance
- Mentorship programs
- Access to information about scholarships
- Building professional networks
Initiatives by educational nonprofits and university outreach programs can play vital roles in supporting more students to follow similar paths.
Reflections and Future Plans
Despite their shared academic path, both sisters have distinct visions for the future. Both intend to return to Bangladesh after completing their degrees to contribute to capacity building in the technology sector training future professionals, collaborating with industry partners, and participating in research that bridges global advancements with local needs.
Their vision reflects an increasing trend among international scholars who seek to combine global knowledge with local impact.
Lessons for Aspiring Students
The Tazrian sisters’ journey offers several practical lessons:
1. Set Clear Goals Early
Identifying long-term academic and career goals helps shape preparation strategies.
2. Build a Strong Academic Base
Consistent academic performance and relevant project experience strengthen international applications.
3. Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Instructors, alumni, and senior professionals can provide insights that textbooks alone cannot.
4. Prepare Holistically
Beyond grades, leadership, research engagement, and communication skills matter.
5. Stay Persistent
Success in international scholarships often requires resilience through multiple stages of the application process.
A Shared Dream Turned Reality
The story of the twin sisters is both inspirational and instructive, illustrating how ambition, preparation, and collaboration can lead to global opportunities. Their success at the Technical University of Munich demonstrates that students from Bangladesh have the potential to excel in highly competitive international environments.
As they embark on this next chapter, their journey stands as a testament to the power of education to transcend borders and as encouragement for others who dream of studying abroad.
