How a Colombian Engineer Won the Fully Funded Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship to Pursue His Master’s in Food and Health at the Università degli Studi di Padova

Hello everyone! My name is Adrian Yaya-González. I’m proudly from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, a vibrant and culturally rich region where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Agroindustrial Engineering from Universidad del Atlántico in Barranquilla. It’s a field that combines agricultural sciences, food processing, and chemical engineering, a perfect blend for someone passionate about sustainability, food systems, and innovation.

I graduated in 2021, but the road wasn’t always smooth. The pandemic disrupted my timeline, altered my thesis topic, and introduced unexpected challenges. But it also became a transformative period in my life. It gave me time to explore new skills, adapt to change, and find new purposes.

Instead of giving up on research, I pivoted to studying Biorefineries and the Optimization of Chemical Processes, fields that strengthened my technical knowledge and solidified my interest in the intersection between engineering and environmental responsibility. I also took on freelance work with U.S.-based companies, which helped me improve my English, gain international experience, and develop soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability. After two years of professional growth, I felt ready to take the next big leap: applying for a Master’s degree abroad.

Today, I’m living that dream. I’m pursuing a Master’s in Food and Health at the Università degli Studi di Padova—Italy’s top-ranked state university. And the best part? I was awarded a fully funded scholarship that made it all possible.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship, a prestigious program funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The IYT scholarship supports outstanding students from 18 countries, including Colombia. It’s a highly competitive program that doesn’t just offer financial support, but it also opens doors to industry exposure and cultural immersion.

The scholarship covers full tuition, offers a monthly stipend of €1,000 (paid quarterly), and includes the opportunity to intern with an Italian company during the final year of the program, a truly unique feature. This internship opportunity was a key deciding factor for me.

But IYT wasn’t the only opportunity I received. I was also awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship in Hungary and was selected for COLFUTURO’s loan-scholarship program in Colombia. However, I chose IYT for two main reasons: (1) Italian, as a Romance language, is more accessible for Spanish speakers like me; and (2) the scholarship is fully funded with a clear academic-to-industry path. It just made sense.

Educational Background

My undergraduate program in Agroindustrial Engineering gave me a comprehensive understanding of how to innovate along the food supply chain. It combined biology, chemistry, process engineering, and agricultural technology with an emphasis on sustainability and food security. During my studies, I became increasingly interested in how we can produce more food, of better quality, using fewer resources while protecting our planet in the process.

My GPA was 4.36 out of 5.00, and I achieved the highest national score in my field on Colombia’s state graduation exam (Saber Pro). My undergraduate thesis received the meritorious distinction, and throughout my academic career, I cultivated both technical and interpersonal skills that later proved invaluable when writing motivation letters, presenting in interviews, and engaging with international institutions.

I believe the foundation built during my undergraduate years made me a competitive candidate, not only for scholarships but also for admission into top-tier universities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Padova?

One of the first and most crucial steps was taking the IELTS test. Since my goal was to pursue a Master's taught in English, this was a non-negotiable starting point. I dedicated two full weeks to preparation using online resources, YouTube videos, practice exams, and official guides. On test day, I felt calm and confident, and the score reflected my efforts.

Once that was out of the way, I dove deep into research. I didn’t just look for the highest-ranked universities; I looked for programs that aligned with my personal goals and values. I reviewed:

• QS World University Rankings
• Academic staff profiles
• Course content and curriculum
• Research focus areas
• Alumni testimonials
• Industry partnerships

I highly recommend reaching out to professors or current students if you have questions about a program. In some cases, establishing contact with faculty can strengthen your application. A polite message on LinkedIn or via email can go a long way.

Documentation is another critical phase. Make sure to have your transcripts translated and legalized ahead of time. This step can take longer than expected, and delays here can cost you an opportunity. Once I had my documents ready, I focused on crafting a compelling motivation letter tailored for each program. You can’t afford to send the same generic letter to multiple institutions. Customization shows effort, clarity, and respect for the university’s values.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship?

The first thing I did was translate and legalize all my academic records. Since the programs I applied to were in English, this was a fairly smooth step.

Each scholarship has its own process. For Invest Your Talent in Italy, I needed to submit my academic records, a well-structured CV, and a 2-minute video presentation.

Creating the video was both exciting and intimidating. My advice? Be yourself. Be real. Be passionate. They want to see who you are, not just hear buzzwords. Watch videos from past recipients to get inspired and gain confidence, but don’t copy their style. Use your voice. Speak your truth.

If the scholarship you’re applying for asks for a motivation letter instead of a video, treat it like your personal manifesto. Start from a solid draft and tailor it specifically to the scholarship’s goals and values. Read it, refine it, ask for feedback, then read it again. There’s always something to improve.

But above all, speak from the heart. That’s what makes an application stand out.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Italian

As a non-Italian speaker, one of my biggest concerns was language. Thankfully, all of my classes are in English, and the university provides plenty of resources for international students. From orientation sessions to visa and housing assistance, Padua makes sure you never feel like you’re doing this alone.

That said, learning some basic Italian goes a long way in your day-to-day life, and locals truly appreciate the effort. Italian hospitality is unmatched. People are warm, helpful, and welcoming.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Beyond academics, I think what really stood out was the clarity of my purpose and the authenticity of my goals. I didn’t try to be someone I wasn’t. I focused on what I knew I could bring to the table: my academic achievements, professional experience, cross-cultural awareness, and passion for food systems.

I made sure that every claim I made in my motivation letter was supported by concrete examples. I didn’t exaggerate or overpromise; I simply aligned my skills, values, and vision with what the program and scholarship were looking for.

Equally important: I presented myself as someone who would not only benefit from the program but also contribute to it. That mindset shift from “what can I gain?” to “what can I give?” makes a real difference.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Time management is everything. If I had to do this again, I would start earlier and create a clearer timeline for deadlines and requirements. Being proactive reduces stress and gives you time to handle unexpected delays like document processing or travel logistics.

Also, it’s crucial to budget for the first few months, as many scholarships only release funds after arrival. Have at least 2–3 months of savings to cover your initial expenses and settle in smoothly.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Start early and be strategic. IYT is merit-based and age-restricted; you must be under 26 when you apply. If you’re 25 or younger and passionate about studying in Italy, go all in.

Focus on telling your story honestly and powerfully. Ask yourself, “What do I bring to the table?” Show your commitment not only to your field but also to making a difference. Take every opportunity to stand out, and most importantly, believe that you’re worthy of this opportunity.