Erasmus Mundus Scholar Davi Augusto Mattoso from Brazil Shares His Journey of Studying at the University of Trieste, Italy

Hi! My name is Davi Augusto Mattoso, and I am originally from Brazil. I have a Bachelor's in Chemistry from the Federal University of São Carlos, followed by an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (TCCM), and currently I am pursuing my PhD as an MSCA researcher at Software for Chemistry and Materials B.V. (SCM) in Amsterdam.

I decided to pursue the field of computational chemistry because I have always been interested in computer science as well as the natural sciences. In this field, we bridge the gap between chemistry and technology, trying to understand how chemistry happens at the molecular level.

Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship Details

Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship (EM-TCCM) at the University of Trieste, Italy. Fully funded (tuition and living stipend).

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was also offered a fully-funded EM-FAMEAIS Scholarship that I decided to reject to pursue the TCCM program.

Educational Background

BSc in Chemistry from the Federal University of São Carlos. GPA: 8.9/10. My undergraduate studies heavily helped me to pursue a master’s abroad, since it was heavily research-oriented. I participated in undergraduate research for 3 years, including a research internship at the University of Southern California (USC) via a Brazilian funding program (BEPE-FAPESP). These experiences provided me with a solid academic foundation and also real-world practical research experiences that definitely helped me secure the Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

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

I talked to former and current students for tips related to the application process. I also heavily focused on writing a great motivation letter, which I also asked several people to proofread. For the interview, I also prepared clearly my motivation, main strengths, weaknesses, and why I believed I would be a good fit for their program.

How Did You Find Information About Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship and the University of Trieste?

By searching in the official EU Erasmus Mundus catalogue.

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

Yes, I had to take the TOEFL. I prepared by taking practice exams online.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship?

I talked to previous students about their experiences during the application process.

How is Your Experience at the University of Trieste?

My experience at the University of Trieste and the University of Groningen was both great; they’re amazing universities in beautiful cities.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

Classes in Italy were mixed English and Italian.

What Did You Pursue After the Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship?

I am currently a PhD researcher in Amsterdam, as an MSCA fellow.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Italian?

I believe that now the TCCM program in Trieste is fully in English. The best way is by clearly asking the coordinators the language of the course. I believe that potential students would have a few problems if they did not speak/learn the native language of the country.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that my research experiences during my undergraduate program were the clear differentiator in making my application stand out. I did around 3 years of undergraduate research, including an internship abroad in the USA, which resulted in the publication of a research paper. I also did quite well in my classes, leading to a high GPA that also showed academic rigour.

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

I wouldn’t have done anything differently since I had a positive outcome :).

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

I would be very careful about using AI-tools to help write the CV and motivation letter. I think it’s definitely a good tool to proofread, but do not use it to help with the writing. Most of the content generated by AI is vague, and your application will look very generic. Put a lot of time into crafting your story, writing multiple drafts, and asking for a close professor and friend to read and give suggestions.  A genuine motivation is a great start!