How an Indian Student Secured the Fully Funded Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship for a Master’s in Energy Engineering at Politecnico di Milano

My name is Akhil Mohan, and I come from a humble farming family in Kerala, India. Growing up in a small village, I understood early on that education was my most valuable tool to change my life. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and am now pursuing a Master’s in Energy Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. My passion for sustainability and renewable energy drove me to pursue this field, with a clear goal of contributing to clean energy solutions for communities like mine.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

I received the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship, offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The scholarship provides a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of €900 to support my living expenses in Italy during the program.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering with a CGPA of 9.1/10. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a research project focused on platinum-group-metal-free electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. I received funding from the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IICHE) to support this research, which reinforced my interest in renewable energy and innovation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Politecnico di Milano?

To shortlist institutions, I researched academic programs in Europe that aligned with energy engineering and sustainable technologies. I explored university websites, curriculum structures, and career prospects to make informed decisions.

I took the IELTS exam and scored an 8.0 overall. Although not mandatory for all programs, I took the test to improve my chances of receiving the scholarship. I prepared using self-study and online practice tests, focusing on time management and language clarity.

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

For the IYT scholarship, I concentrated on writing a clear and focused motivation letter that described my academic background, my research experience, and how studying in Italy would help me contribute to clean energy development back home. I also obtained recommendation letters from professors who knew my academic strengths and dedication. Additionally, I had to submit a short video introducing myself and explaining my motivations for applying. I made sure to present myself confidently and authentically, staying true to my goals and story.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was a combination of strong academic performance and the ability to communicate my goals and background clearly. With a CGPA of 9.1 and a research project funded by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IICHE), I was able to demonstrate both competence and commitment to my field. These achievements reflected not just academic excellence but also initiative and a genuine passion for energy research.

Equally important was the way I communicated my story. I didn’t try to use fancy language; I focused on being sincere and clear. I explained where I come from, why I chose energy engineering, and how I plan to use my education to bring change, especially in developing communities like my own. This clarity, paired with authenticity, helped the selection committee connect with my application beyond just numbers and scores.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I spent a lot of time researching, carefully planning every step, and pouring my blood and sweat into the process. I gave it everything I had, and in the end, I achieved exactly what I set out to do. Every effort paid off.

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

My advice to anyone applying for a similar scholarship is to be authentic and start early. Understand what the scholarship stands for and align your story with it. Build a strong academic base and take every opportunity to gain relevant experience, whether it's a research project, an internship, or self-learning. Focus on writing clearly and purposefully—don’t just list achievements, tell your story and explain why it matters. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your journey. No matter where you come from, your determination and clarity of vision can take you far.