Eiffel Excellence Scholar, Anita Halnazarova from Turkmenistan, Shares Her Journey to Pursue a Master of European Affairs at the University of Lille

My name is Anita Halnazarova. I was born in Turkmenistan, and I am a Turkmen citizen. I lived in Kazakhstan for more than eight years before moving to France in 2023. I already hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations, yet I decided to continue my education to broaden my expertise. I believe it is crucial to combine social sciences with elements of quantitative disciplines, which is why I chose the Master of European Affairs program at the University of Lille. This program, with its concentration on financial economics and European affairs management, enables me to become more competitive in the global labor market and to deepen my knowledge of European politics and economics.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

I was awarded the prestigious two-year Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. In 2023, I was the only finalist from Turkmenistan. The competition is highly selective, with an admission rate of about 4–5% worldwide, and only one or two candidates are chosen per country annually. The key advantage of this scholarship is that it fully covers study and living costs: students do not need to take loans, are not bound by post-graduation obligations, and can freely choose among France’s leading universities.

Other Scholarships

Yes, I also received a scholarship from KIMEP University in Kazakhstan to pursue a master’s degree. This program provided international students with the opportunity to study tuition-free. It allowed me to obtain my second higher education and further develop research skills that later proved invaluable.

Previous Education

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan University in International Relations and Social Sciences, earning a GPA of 3.87/4.0 and ranking among the top 2% of students. Later, I completed a master’s degree at KIMEP University in Kazakhstan, where I graduated with honors (Cum Laude) and a GPA of 4.01/4.33. The American-style curriculum at KIMEP equipped me with modern academic approaches, while my high GPA became a decisive factor in being admitted to a French university and receiving a prestigious scholarship.

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

I started preparing two and a half years in advance, fully aware of the competitiveness of the scholarship. I studied French at the Alliance Française in Almaty, reaching level C1 and passing DELF/DALF exams (B2 being the minimum requirement). I also passed IELTS. To strengthen my profile, I gained academic achievements such as an internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Almaty, participated in international conferences and forums, and actively researched scholarship opportunities through Campus France and education fairs.

Preparation for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Application

I carefully assessed my strengths and weaknesses and gave myself time to improve the latter. I authored five academic publications, took part in conferences, the Model United Nations, and international forums. Additionally, I studied Arabic and achieved level B2, because I believe that specialists in international relations should know at least several UN official languages. This not only demonstrates commitment to global diplomacy but also makes a candidate more competitive and visible to employers, alongside other strengths in the CV. One of my most significant experiences was an internship with UNESCO in Almaty, where I worked for six months after passing a selective recruitment process. These achievements significantly strengthened my application.

Experience at the University of Lille

I am proud to be completing my studies at the University of Lille, where I am currently preparing for my thesis defense. The programs are diverse and intellectually stimulating. In the French education system, second-year master’s students can either write a traditional thesis or complete a professional internship followed by a research project. Since I had already written an academic thesis in Kazakhstan, I chose the internship track. This decision gave me the honor of completing an internship in an international environment, which greatly enriched my academic and professional experience. This achievement was possible thanks to the encouragement and support of my department and professors, who inspired me, boosted my confidence, and guided my professional growth.

Academic Evaluation of the University of Lille

I chose the University of Lille because of its distinguished faculty and high academic standards. The program balances rigorous theoretical foundations with practical projects. Group assignments play a central role, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills. The university also prepares students for their careers by offering internships, project-based courses, and connections with European institutions.

Support for International Students

The University of Lille provides extensive support for international students: psychological assistance, orientation weeks, French language courses, and cultural events. Several times a year, it organizes career fairs and job exhibitions, helping students secure internships and job opportunities. It also offers workshops on resumes and cover letters, where experts help students refine their applications. These initiatives significantly ease the integration process and boost students’ confidence in both academic and professional settings.

Language of Instruction

My program is taught about 90% in English. However, some lectures, administrative meetings, and the thesis defense are conducted in French. This was an advantage for me, as I already knew the language. The university also offers free French courses, making adaptation easier for students.

Academic Challenges Without Local Language

Officially, the scholarship itself does not require knowledge of French, and several universities in France offer full programs in English. From an academic standpoint, it is possible to succeed without speaking the local language. However, based on my personal experience, knowledge of French makes a significant difference: it helps in finding internships, securing jobs, and adapting both socially and academically. I strongly recommend learning at least the basics of French, as it provides additional confidence and competitiveness.

What Distinguished My Application

My application stood out due to my academic achievements, multilingual skills, publications, and clear motivation. Equally important was my background: I am proud to represent Turkmenistan, a country not often visible in such global academic competitions. For me, it was vital to demonstrate that a woman from Turkmenistan can succeed in international politics and education programs at the highest level. My country has been a powerful source of inspiration and motivation, driving me to develop educational initiatives that could further improve quality education in Turkmenistan and strengthen international cooperation. In fact, my guiding mission has always been aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. This focus on SDG4 has consistently motivated me to pursue projects and programs aimed at advancing educational opportunities and equity.

What I Would Do Differently

I would have invested more time in finance and economics before starting the program. Coming from a background in social sciences and diplomacy, I initially struggled with courses in accounting and economic analysis. If I were to repeat the process, I would take additional preparatory courses in advance.

Advice for Future Applicants

First, clearly define your goals and motivation for pursuing the program. Second, prepare plans A, B, and C: apply to several universities rather than just one or two. Third, submit your applications early, as some French universities may close portals before the official deadline. Thoroughly research the university’s website, program, faculty, and internship opportunities. Finally, critically evaluate your application, strengthen your achievements, and perfect your motivation letters and supporting documents.