VISA Meet | Episode # 14 | A Report

VISA Programme – Episode # 14

Speaker: Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy | Germany

Report by Ms. Keerthana

Wednesday, 2nd July 2025 | 7 pm

[Intern, Office of International Programmes, MCC]

VISA - Virtual Interactions with Scholars Abroad

The 14th edition of the VISA Programme was successfully conducted on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, by the Office of International Programmes in collaboration with the Department of Physics (Aided).

The session aimed to bridge the gap between aspiring students and experienced alumni studying abroad by offering guidance on academic pathways, admission procedures, opportunities, and their personal experiences.

The session commenced with a welcome note from the MC, Ms. Rishitha, followed by the college prayer by Ms. Prisella.

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the value of alumni-led mentorship in preparing students for global education.

Following this, Dr. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of the Office of International Programmes, made a formal announcements on the upcoming events and encouraged student involvement. Dr. Nirmal Thyagu N from the Department of Physics (Aided) then introduced the speaker Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy, an alumnus of the department.

Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy completed his B.Sc. in Physics at Madras Christian College and pursued his M.Sc. at Universität Stuttgart, Germany. He is currently engaged in doctoral research at the Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart.

In his session, Mr. Renjith introduced four core elements that contribute to a successful journey: VISA (Purpose of your visit), Vision (building a vision during your Bachelors), “Love Two Subjects”, and Master’s Career Abroad. He also presented a planning timeline, recommending that students start preparing by the second year of their undergraduate programme.

Expanding on the core theme of study abroad opportunities, the speaker covered pathways for undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral education, in addition to industrial roles and internships. He also outlined how various state governments in Germany offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. Detailed information was shared regarding expenses including tuition, cost of living, and the blocked account requirement.

In the latter part of the session, the speaker discussed how to write an effective SOP, maintain motivation throughout the UG years, and prepare mentally and academically for studying abroad. He also gave a brief overview of his current university and the focus of his doctoral research.

Following his presentation, Dr. Nirmal Thyagu N expressed appreciation for Mr. Renjith’s insightful and comprehensive talk and initiated an interactive Q&A session. Students actively participated by posing questions related to career opportunities, admissions, and future planning, all of which were addressed clearly and patiently by the speaker.

The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Millicent Serena A, Associate Dean of the Office of International Programmes. She extended her heartfelt thanks to the speaker, organizing team, faculty, and participants for making the event informative and meaningful.