How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Padua, Italy Through the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

My name is Alfandy Bagus Pramudyansyah, and I am from Indonesia. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Water and Geological Risk Engineering (WGRE) at the University of Padua, Rovigo Campus, supported by the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship.

Communities are increasingly exposed to floods, droughts, landslides, and other water-related risks due to climate change. Solving these challenges requires engineers who can combine scientific knowledge with practical solutions to reduce risks and improve community resilience. The WGRE program provides strong theoretical knowledge, hands-on technical training, and an international learning environment to prepare students for these challenges.

Before starting my master's degree, I worked for more than three years in water resources and civil engineering projects, including flood risk management, watershed management, and infrastructure monitoring. Through these experiences, I realized that many real-world engineering problems require more advanced knowledge and analytical skills than I had at the time. That motivated me to continue my education. I believe this program will help me strengthen my technical expertise so that I can contribute more effectively to engineering companies and develop solutions that benefit both society and the environment.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

I received the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The scholarship supports international students who pursue selected Master's degree programs in Italy while promoting cooperation between Italy and partner countries. It provides a monthly allowance and includes tuition fee support according to the program regulations. I was awarded the scholarship to study the Master's degree in Water and Geological Risk Engineering at the University of Padua.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), one of Indonesia's leading engineering universities, graduating with a GPA of 3.57/4.00. My undergraduate thesis focused on stormwater management using a Low Impact Development (LID) system.

After graduation, I gained professional experience in several engineering positions. I worked on flood risk management projects funded by the Asian Development Bank, monitored national highway projects for the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and later managed watershed rehabilitation and drainage infrastructure in the mining industry.

Both my academic background and professional experience strengthened my interest in water resources engineering and prepared me for the interdisciplinary nature of the WGRE program, which combines hydrology, geology, remote sensing, hydraulic modeling, and climate-related risk assessment.

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

I prepared my applications independently by conducting extensive research through official university websites and trusted online resources. I carefully reviewed the admission requirements, curriculum, and application procedures of each institution before preparing my application documents.

How Did You Find Information About Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship and University of Padua?

I first learned about international scholarships through Indonesian educational social media accounts that regularly share scholarship opportunities abroad. After discovering the scholarship, I always conducted further research through the official scholarship and university websites because they provide the most complete and reliable information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes. I took the IELTS Academic test because it was one of the scholarship requirements.

For the Listening and Reading sections, I studied independently using Cambridge IELTS books, the IELTS Online Tests website, and several other practice materials. For Writing and Speaking, I joined private lessons because I wanted regular practice and constructive feedback from an experienced instructor. This combination of self-study and guided learning helped me improve all four language skills.

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

The scholarship website already provides comprehensive information about the application requirements, so understanding the technical requirements was not the biggest challenge. The most important part was explaining my personal motivation clearly and convincingly.

I spent a lot of time reflecting on my educational background, professional experience, and long-term career goals. I wanted to explain why pursuing a master's degree was a necessary step in my career and how the knowledge gained from the program would create a meaningful impact. For the IYT Scholarship, applicants are also required to submit a motivation video, so I carefully prepared my message to communicate my motivation in a clear and authentic way.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

Yes. The WGRE program is an international Master's program, and all classes are conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Italian?

Academically, no. Since the program is fully taught in English, students can successfully complete their coursework without speaking Italian.

However, learning some basic Italian is very helpful for daily life. Activities such as grocery shopping, finding accommodation, using public services, and communicating with local people become much easier with basic Italian. Translation applications are also very useful, especially during the first few months after arriving in Italy.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it presented a clear connection between my academic background, professional experience, and future goals.

Instead of simply saying that I wanted to study abroad, I explained how my work experience exposed me to knowledge gaps that could only be addressed through advanced education. I also described specific goals after graduation, including contributing to engineering companies and developing solutions for water-related hazards that could benefit both Italy and my home country. I think presenting a clear purpose and realistic long-term impact made my application stronger.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would start preparing for the IELTS exam much earlier.

At that time, I was still working full-time, so I only had about three months to prepare and usually studied after work in the evenings. Starting earlier would have allowed me to prepare with less pressure and possibly achieve an even better score.

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

Start preparing as early as possible because every part of the application takes time. Give yourself enough time to improve your English, prepare the required documents, and refine your motivation.

Do thorough research before asking questions. Most scholarship providers already explain the application process clearly on their official websites, and many additional resources are available online. Today, AI tools can also help applicants understand requirements and organize information more efficiently.

If you still cannot find the answer after doing your own research, do not hesitate to contact previous scholarship recipients. Their personal experiences and practical advice can provide valuable insights that are not always available on official websites.