When up2date. first met with them in April 2024, their unshakeable resolve was evident. It’s this same tenacity that has enabled them to attain the C1 language skills necessary to begin a degree in Germany, despite the obstacles and difficulties they encountered along the way. All three Afghan students have now reached this milestone and are ready for the next step in their academic journey. What are their plans now?

Nazdana Sultanfar

When we met Nazdana Sultanfar in early 2024, she had a clear goal in mind: to become the Minister for Women’s Affairs in a free Afghanistan. Although her goal of one day becoming a leading politician and promoting women’s rights has remained, she now wishes to pursue this in Germany, not Afghanistan. “The situation in Afghanistan has worsened to the point where there are no prospects for women,” the 24-year-old explains.

Her connections to her homeland remain strong; she still regularly calls and chats with her older sister and friends in Kabul. However, Nazdana’s life in Bremen has changed significantly in the meantime. “I’ve joined a gym, I can go for a walk whenever I want, and I can read specialized literature at the library whenever I want. All of these are things women in Afghanistan are not allowed to do.”

For now, she cannot imagine returning to her home in Kabul. Her life and dreams are unfolding in Bremen, where she has found friends, an apartment, and a part-time job. “Bremen has become my home away from home, and I feel welcome here,” she says. Last year, her brother and other family members were able to join her in Germany, and they now live in Lower Saxony, not far from Bremen.

And what about her academic goals? Pursuing a degree remains at the top of Nazdana’s priority list. In the 2026 summer semester, she wants to begin a degree in political science at the University of Bremen. She intends to use the time between now and then to brush up on her English skills. “I was studying so intensively for my C1 test in German that my English skills were neglected a bit. I am now taking a language course so that I will be able to communicate confidently again,” the ambitious young woman notes. In addition to her language training, she is also doing an internship to familiarize herself with Germany’s work culture. She also wants to finish reading Angela Merkel’s autobiography and learn to ride a bike. “That’s just part of living in Bremen,” she remarks.

Mohammad Fahim Amini

Mohammad Fahim Amini learned a valuable German saying today in the bakery and committed it to memory right away: “Halt die Ohren steif” (keep your chin up). “I am still learning German, every day. Especially at work, since my coworkers make a point to teach me new things,” the young man says right off the bat. He is appreciative of the warm welcome he received from the very first weeks after arriving – at the university, in his language courses, and at work. This positive environment has really helped him to stake out his path. “I am really grateful for the many possibilities I have here to learn and to work. There are so many opportunities available if you are willing to work hard and responsibly,” he says.

The 28-year-old sees his job in sales at a bakery in Bremen-Walle as the perfect way to bridge the waiting time until his certificates from Afghanistan have been translated. He plans to start a degree apprenticeship program in electrical engineering at Bremen City University of Applied Sciences in the 2026/27 winter semester – by then, all of his paperwork from Afghanistan should be here. He already studied computer science for a few semesters there and hopes to transfer some of those credits.

“Computer science was always my dream. But since being here in Germany and spending so much time practicing for my language exam, I have realized that I would rather do something with more practical applications,” he says. His chosen electrical engineering program combines lectures and practical work experience. “I want to actively shape my future while giving back to the German society, and am working hard to do so. I am convinced that immigrants like myself can play a crucial role in society by getting involved and taking on responsibilities,” he adds.

To aid in preparing for his degree, Mohammad Fahim Amini has hung up important mathematical formulas on the wall of his dorm room. “I’ve been away from the university for three years; I have a few things to catch up on,” he explains. In his free time, he loves to cook – especially Afghan cuisine. Mohammad Fahim Amini has also developed an appreciation for typical German food. The walnut raisin bread in “his” bakery has particularly gained his favor. “I often eat it for breakfast; there is no better way to start the day.”

One message is of utmost importance to him. “I want to thank the University of Bremen, the HERE AHEAD Academy, the Casa language school. Thanks to your help, I have regained control over my life.”

M. Sohrab Zarbafiyan

“I’m living a good life,” M. Sohrab Zarbafiyan makes clear right at the beginning of the interview. He has attained C1-level German language skills, found a nice apartment in Bremen-Schwachhausen, secured a lucrative job as a software developer, and to top it off, he’s made good friends. “Never in my life was I so alone as I was when I first arrived in Germany,” says the 28-year-old. The cultural differences were a shock to him. Compared to the way of life he was accustomed to in Afghanistan, Germans seemed very reserved. Added to all of this was the difficulty of studying for the German language exam. “It was a rough time, but I am proud of myself for getting through it. We accomplished something extraordinary here,” M. Sohrab Zarbafiyan is convinced.

He is filled with gratitude for the opportunities he has received and wants to continue to make the most of these. As of the 2026 summer semester, he will continue the computer science degree he started in Afghanistan at Bremen City University of Applied Sciences. “I am beginning a degree apprenticeship program. And as soon as I have completed my degree, I want to start my own business,” says the computer scientist.

The rest of his life is just as well structured as his plans for the future. M. Sohrab Zarbafiyan cooks all of his meals from scratch, and values a healthy lifestyle. He goes to the gym four times a week, goes swimming, and – if time permits – plays an evening round of snooker with friends. He has fully arrived in Bremen. “Two years ago, I had nothing and now I have built a life here,” he summarizes.

Information about the Omid Farda Scholarship

The very name of the scholarship conveys hope: “Omid Farda” is Persian for “hope for tomorrow” and it provided eleven Afghan students the chance to pursue a degree in Bremen. The scholarship posting took place in 2022 via the HERE AHEAD Academy. After a difficult selection process, eleven scholarship recipients were able to begin their language training in 2023. The financial support elapsed after one year, but the Afghan students found ways to continue to pursue their goals. By now, all have completed their C1 language exams and have thereby secured the qualification to study in Germany. The Omid Farda scholarship was a one-time offer; there are currently no further scholarships available.

Further Information

up2date. article from April 2024: The Only Chance to Do Something Meaningful HERE AHEAD Academy