How Emmanuel Kimbi Teh, a Cameroonian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Energy Engineering at University of Genoa Through the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship

My name is Emmanuel Kimbi Teh, and I am from Cameroon. I am currently in the final year of a Master's degree in Energy Engineering at the University of Genoa in Italy, supported by the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship.

Growing up in Cameroon, I experienced the challenges associated with unreliable electricity and limited access to clean cooking energy. These experiences influenced my interest in engineering and, eventually, my decision to specialize in energy systems. I have always been interested in understanding how things work and finding practical solutions to technical problems.

Before coming to Italy, I completed a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Thermo-Fluids Engineering, at the University of Buea. I also gained practical experience in renewable energy through my work with DeWise Energy in Cameroon, where I supported solar energy projects and youth training initiatives.

I decided to pursue further studies in Energy Engineering to build the technical knowledge needed to support renewable energy integration, expand energy access, and develop more reliable, sustainable energy systems, particularly in underserved communities.

Italian Government MAECI Scholarship Details

My university tuition fees were also waived.

I received the Italian Government Scholarship for Foreign Students, commonly known as the MAECI Scholarship, awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the official scholarship grant was €9,000 for a nine-month period, disbursed in three installments. The scholarship also includes medical and health insurance during the grant period, subject to its terms and conditions.

The scholarship was subsequently renewed based on good academic performance.

Educational Background

I obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Thermo-Fluids Engineering, from the University of Buea, Cameroon, in 2020. I graduated with a CGPA of 3.27/4.00.

How Did You Find Information About the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship and the University of Genoa?

I started by identifying the engineering area I wanted to specialize in and looking for Master's programmes that aligned with my academic background and long-term career interests.

I paid particular attention to the programme curriculum, admission requirements, language of instruction, and opportunities for practical and research-oriented learning. Then I searched for available scholarship opportunities and applied.

I relied on official scholarship and university information rather than depending exclusively on third-party websites.

For the Italian Government Scholarship, the main resource is the MAECI Study in Italy portal, where scholarship calls, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines are published.

I also consulted and worked closely with a mentor – a previous awardee of the scholarship. He especially helped me during the interview phase.

I would encourage prospective students to use official university and government websites as their primary sources of information and to verify important details before applying. Furthermore, they should seek a mentor or get assistance from previous scholarship awardees.

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

I did not take IELTS or TOEFL for my application. Instead, I provided a Medium of Instruction certificate issued by my university to demonstrate my English proficiency.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship?

I approached the scholarship application by ensuring that my academic background, professional experience, and motivation for further studies were clearly presented.

I focused on demonstrating how my undergraduate training in Mechanical Engineering, practical experience with renewable energy projects in Cameroon, and interest in energy access had prepared me for advanced studies in Energy Engineering.

I also made sure to understand the scholarship's eligibility criteria and application requirements, prepare the necessary supporting documents, and present a clear academic direction.

One important lesson I learned is that an application should communicate more than the desire to study abroad. It should explain why the chosen programme is relevant to the applicant's background, what they hope to gain from it, and how they intend to apply that knowledge in the future.

How Is Your Experience at the University of Genoa?

The programme has allowed me to build on my undergraduate engineering background while exploring more specialized areas of energy engineering, particularly renewable energy integration, smart grids, energy storage, and optimization.

I have also had opportunities to work on practical academic projects, collaborate with students from different backgrounds, and engage with energy-sector initiatives and industry-related research opportunities.

What Is the Language of Instruction?

My Master's program in Energy Engineering is taught in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Italian?

Not necessarily. Since my Master's program is taught entirely in English, knowledge of Italian is not a prerequisite for understanding the academic content. However, knowing Italian is of utmost importance in order to harness opportunities, especially in getting jobs.

My advice would be to learn some Italian before arriving and continue improving it while studying.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I was able to demonstrate that my interest in Energy Engineering was not simply an academic choice, but an area connected to challenges I had experienced personally and wanted to help address.

I also believe that having a clear direction for how I intended to use the knowledge gained through the programme helped communicate the purpose behind my application.

I am part of an NGO (Open Dreams) that helped me prepare for the applications and interviews.

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

My first recommendation: begin as soon as you possibly can! Don't wait until it's a week or two before the deadline to research what you need or do all of the paperwork.

Second, be deliberate with which programme you are applying to. It is important to consider how it fits with your educational background, professional experience, and future plans. Your application should reflect a clear course of academic and professional progress.

Third, consider: – the eligibility criteria; – the deadlines; – the language requirements; – the documents required. Always check that you have the correct information from the official website of the scholarship or university.

My other tip for applicants would be not to undervalue their experiences. Work, volunteering, leadership, community work, and motivation can all make for a great application when shared in the right way. This, in particular, helped compensate for my GPA (as you should have seen, my undergraduate CGPA isn’t the most impressive, but my extracurricular experiences compensated for it).

Lastly, never let a competitive scholarship keep you from applying. Get prepared, be truthful in your application, and submit a strong application.