okie! I will speak to the department regarding the possibility of working as a research assistant. Hopefully the funding problem could be solved then. Hope to update you all with good news later on : )

Many thanks for the good pointers! I have a better idea now. What do you mean by private foundations? Private International foundations in Germany / from other countries around the world? Any recommendation for private foundations in the field related to public health? please bear in mind that i'm over age .....

well, I did guess that the situation might bad. The DAAD scholarship application from Singapore imposes age limit. My Deutsch is quite 'limited'. so, it is extremely tedious for me to translate every website and the links. I feel that sourcing for funding could be harder than doing the project itself!! I was told that I could complete the project in 3 years. Maybe less time is required as I had done my Master degree? May I know which field are you in? I was hoping that I could have some luck from Germany Foundations. Most probably, cutting down expenses and maybe working part time seem to be worth some serious considerations for the time being. I will think & think & think first .... looking forward to your continuous support. Vielen vielen Dank!

I'm from Singapore and my application for Phd study has been accepted by a university in Germany. However, I was told that there is no funding for me from the department. Unfortunately, I'm over 32 years old and I am not eligible for DAAD funding and scholarship. I am lost as I am not sure to accept the project without funding or try to apply for another funding. Is the chance of getting funding high for 'overage' student like me in Germany? Please please shed some light for my path in the dark now.....