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Heilbronn, Mozambique, Singapore: these three places have shaped Lucas Senghaas alongside his hometown of Meerbusch near Düsseldorf. The 21-year-old is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Management & Technology at the TUM School of Management on Campus Heilbronn. “The familiar atmosphere, the close contact with professors, and the opportunity to learn in small groups offer many advantages,” he says, adding: “The entrepreneurial spirit that is already embedded in TUM’s DNA seems to be particularly strong in Heilbronn.”

Perhaps the optimal study conditions contribute to Senghaas‘ above-average academic performance, which is a decisive criterion in the selection of Deutschlandstipendium recipients. But his social commitment is at least as important. And this is where the second place that has inspired him comes into play: Mozambique.

Joy of Life Despite Poverty and Disease

Senghaas spent six weeks in the southeastern African country in 2023, supporting a bakery run by the “Brot gegen Not” (Bread against Hunger) foundation, which provides food for an entire village. However, economic challenges were taking their toll on the business. Senghaas optimized processes, reduced costs by shortening oven running times and making energy and water consumption more efficient. He also tapped into a new source of income by selling high-quality bread to embassies and hotels.

After work, he spent time with the village children. “Despite their poverty and many illnesses, they were full of joy and happiness,” he recalls. “That showed me what a good life we have and how much these children would give to be able to study and escape their vicious circle.”

Strong Links with the Business Community

The contrast could hardly be greater than to Singapore, the third formative place in Lucas Senghaas‘ life. He spent a semester abroad last year in the ultra-modern Southeast Asian city-state, studying at the Business School of the National University of Singapore (NUS), which cooperates closely with the TUM Campus Heilbronn, and discovered many parallels: “There, they also focus on small learning groups of 20 to 30 people.” The strong links with industry also reminded him of TUM: “Many of the lecturers were former bankers or had founded their own companies.”

Prominent SponsorDuring his stay in Singapore, Senghaas received confirmation that he had been awarded the Deutschlandstipendium – and learned that his scholarship had been donated by a prominent figure: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Helmut Krcmar, founding dean and long-time presidential representative for TUM Campus Heilbronn. "Being supported by such a respected person means a lot to me. Having him at my side strengthens me and makes me proud,“ says Senghaas.

And what does he plan to use the scholarship money for? Senghaas doesn’t have to think long about that: ”I want it to benefit the children in Mozambique above all. With a little money, I can make a big difference there – and I would like to travel back there to continue helping."

Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship at TUM

The Deutschlandstipendium supports students who excel in their academic work and demonstrate social commitment. TUM Campus Heilbronn has been participating in the program since the 2022/23 academic year. Currently, 23 bachelor’s and master’s students are receiving a Deutschlandstipendium here, with a total of 906 scholarships being awarded across the entire TUM in the current funding year. Recipients receive €300 per month, half of which is financed by the federal government and half by companies, foundations, or private individuals. Sponsors can also provide targeted support to students in specific fields and establish early contact with the top talent of tomorrow.

Contact:

Die TUM Campus Heilbronn gGmbH, Manager Forums & Networks, Loana.Huth@tumheilbronn-ggmbh.de

TU Munich, Central University Fundraising Office, Susanne.Birkender@tum.de

https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/tum-scholarships/deutschlandstipendium