How Emmanuel Neil Pinto, an Indian Scholar, Secured a Partially Funded Master’s Through the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

My name is Emmanuel Neil Pinto, age 24, from India. I am an Electronics and Computer Science Engineer. I am pursuing an MSc in Computer Science and Engineering (ICT Engineering, Business & Innovation) at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. I chose this program to combine my software engineering background with business strategy, innovation, and product development.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

I was selected for the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship 2025-2027, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of University and Research, the Italian Trade Agency, and Uni-Italia. According to my LinkedIn profile, I was among 76 awardees from 17 countries, selected from 1,757 applications worldwide. The scholarship amount is 9000 Euros for the 1^st year, and 10,800 Euros for the 2^nd year.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also awarded the Debesh-Kamal Scholarship 2025 by the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata. This scholarship supports Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. The award amount was Rs. 1Lakh, around 950 Euros.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Computer Science Engineering from Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, University of Mumbai, India, graduating with a CGPA of 9.2/10. My academic background provided a strong foundation in programming, electronics, software engineering, and problem-solving, preparing me for advanced studies in computer science.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Politecnico di Milano?

I focused on my academic achievements, hackathons, technical skills, and professional experience. My two years as a Software Developer at C2L BIZ Solutions, Mumbai, India, helped me build practical expertise and understand how technology solves real-world business problems.

How Did You Find Information About Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship and Politecnico di Milano?

I researched postgraduate study opportunities abroad and explored programs that aligned with my technical background and career goals. I also searched online for scholarships and found several for which I was eligible.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS examination in October 2024 and achieved an overall score of 7.5/9. I prepared for the exam in just 20 days by taking an online course from LeapScholar, which cost ₹499 (approximately €5). The course provided multiple mock tests, which helped me practice and prepare effectively for the examination.

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

I focused on highlighting my academic achievements, professional experience, technical projects, and leadership skills. My experience as the Marketing Head of my college’s Student Council strengthened my leadership and communication abilities. Additionally, securing first place at Crescendo Elexathon 2023, where my team developed an IoT-based predictive maintenance solution, showcased my problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation skills.

How is Your Experience at Politecnico di Milano?

Studying at Politecnico di Milano has given me the opportunity to develop both technical and business-oriented skills. Alongside my studies, I have gained professional experience in Milan, progressing from Full Stack Developer to Product Engineer at Innova ET Bella.

How Do You Rate Politecnico di Milano Academically?

I would rate the institution as 8/10 academically. The professors are knowledgeable and supportive, and the practical sessions are particularly valuable for applying theoretical concepts. However, some courses involve long lectures lasting two to four hours, which can be challenging. Additionally, making five attempts to pass a course can make the academic process demanding. Overall, I appreciate the quality of teaching and the practical learning opportunities the institution provides.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

The classes are conducted in English.

What Did You Pursue After Receiving the Scholarship?

I pursued my master's degree at Politecnico di Milano while continuing to build my career in Italy. I currently work as a Product Engineer at Innova ET Bella, contributing to full-stack development, product improvements, analytics, and user engagement initiatives.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Italian?

Italian language proficiency can be useful for daily life and professional integration in Italy. However, I would recommend checking the program's language requirements and considering the language used in individual courses before applying. If the course is in English, then no issues as such.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my strong academic record, professional software development experience, practical projects, and leadership achievements helped strengthen my profile. My 9.2/10 undergraduate CGPA, first-place hackathon achievement, and experience working with cross-functional teams demonstrate my commitment to continuous learning and practical problem-solving.

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

Nothing.

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

Start early, research scholarship requirements carefully, and build a strong profile that combines academic performance with practical experience. Highlight your projects, leadership activities, and professional achievements, and clearly explain how the chosen program supports your long-term goals. Do not overlook smaller or less widely known scholarships, as they can also provide valuable support for studying abroad.