How a Lawyer from Paraguay Secured the Fully Funded Utrecht Excellence Scholarship to Study Law and Technology at Utrecht University

My name is Adriana Figueredo, and I am originally from Paraguay. I am a lawyer specialized in corporate and labor law, and I hold a Master’s degree in Law and Technology in Europe from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. I chose this path because studying abroad had always been a dream of mine, not only to gain international experience but also to challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally. I intentionally chose a program taught entirely in English, in an emerging field at the intersection of law and technology.

Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, a full merit-based scholarship granted by Utrecht University to outstanding international students. The scholarship covered a total amount of €29,827 and is known for its highly competitive selection process.

Educational Background

I earned my Law degree from the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at the National University of Asunción, graduating with a GPA of 4.62/5.00. I also hold a postgraduate specialization in Labor Law and Practice, with a GPA of 5.00/5.00, along with degrees in University Teaching and Notary Public, both completed with GPAs above 4.50/5.00.

This academic foundation provided me with a solid understanding of the legal field. Combined with my professional experience, it helped me recognize the evolving challenges in law and inspired me to pursue further education. By the time I applied for the scholarship, I had accumulated over five years of legal practice in both the public sector, having worked at the Supreme Court of Justice, and the private sector, in law firms. This combination of experience significantly strengthened my profile for international programs.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Utrecht University?

The preparation process took about a year. I began by researching programs that aligned with my interests and professional goals, focusing on European universities offering English-taught master’s degrees. I thoroughly reviewed admission requirements and took the TOEFL exam to meet the language criteria. I dedicated a lot of effort to crafting a strong motivation letter and securing meaningful academic and professional recommendation letters.

To prepare for the TOEFL, I took private lessons with a tutor who specialized in test preparation, and I also found several YouTube channels incredibly helpful. The whole process required a lot of dedication and discipline.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?

I researched scholarship opportunities at the universities I was interested in. In the case of Utrecht, I found the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship listed on the official university website. I focused on meeting all the eligibility criteria and highlighting my academic achievements, professional experience, and motivation. I submitted a clear and well-structured application that reflected both my accomplishments and potential. I also included additional materials, such as my high school GPA, to further demonstrate my consistent academic excellence.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the strength of my application lies in the combination of my leadership skills and my strong academic and professional background. In my motivation letter, I explained how my interest in Law and Technology developed through my work experience. I shared my aspirations to expand my legal knowledge in emerging areas and how I hoped to contribute to my personal development and to my country.

I also emphasized my willingness to step out of my comfort zone to face new challenges in a demanding, multicultural academic environment. Most importantly, I believe I clearly conveyed my determination to overcome the limitations often faced by individuals from underrepresented regions. I showed that I was truly eager to learn and committed to making the most of the opportunity. Conveying that message clearly was key.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier. This would have given me more time to fine-tune my application, especially my motivation letter, and to further strengthen my English skills before taking the language exam.

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

Here are my main pieces of advice:

• Start early – Planning ahead is essential.
• Think about your future specialization while in university – Reflect on what subjects excite you and which ones you could study deeply and enjoy. Participate in relevant extracurricular activities or internships.
• Set clear goals and create a roadmap – Know what you want and build your path toward it.
• Research scholarship opportunities thoroughly – Many universities offer great financial support.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions – Reach out to universities via email. In my experience, European universities are very responsive and helpful.
• Enjoy the process – It can be demanding, but it's incredibly rewarding.