How Melissa Rodriguez Martin, a Mexican Scholar, Secured a Partially Funded Master’s Through the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

My name is Melissa Rodriguez Martin. I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I earned my B.A. in Architecture from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Santa Fe (ITESM CSF). Wanting to specialize in Urban Planning, I found that the master’s program at Politecnico di Milano offered exactly what I was looking for to continue my studies. That is when I first applied for a scholarship to study in Italy.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

1. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT).- Offers international students English-taught Master's degrees and mandatory internships at Italian companies, supported by government grants.

• Sponsors: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), ICE (Italian Trade Agency), and Uni-Italia.
• Financial Stipend: €10,800 total, paid in quarterly installments (approximately €900 per month after taxes).
• Tuition: Full exemption from university tuition fees (excluding regional right-to-study taxes and mandatory stamp duty).

2. DAAD.- . Offers funding for students, graduates, and researchers to study, train, or conduct research in Germany. I received a short-term, 3-month scholarship to conduct thesis research for my master’s degree. During this period, I was co-advised by professors from both Politecnico di Milano and the Technische Universität Berlin.

• Financial Stipend: Approximately €900 per month.

Educational Background

• B.A. in Architecture: Graduated with a GPA/score of 90/100.
• Exchange Program & Certificate: Completed an exchange semester in Florence, Italy, earning a Certificate in Urbanism from the Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici (2015).
• Professional Certification: Completed a certification program in Responsive Cities with ETH Zurich.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Politecnico di Milano?

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

Invest Your Talent in Italy: I attended several graduate school fairs and study-abroad expos promoting Master’s programs. That’s where I first learned about the scholarship. I got in touch with a program coordinator who guided me through the application steps.

DAAD: My primary goal was to graduate on time, so I planned to spend the final summer of my Master’s program focused entirely on thesis research. Politecnico di Milano offered a collaborative research track in Berlin; I applied for the program and was awarded the grant.

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

I took the IELTS test. To prepare, I used textbooks and audio preparation courses. Since I was already working with U.S.-based clients at the time, I focused primarily on reviewing formal grammar rules.

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

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT): I completed an online application, submitted my resume, and created a personal motivation video introducing myself and explaining why I deserved the scholarship. Note that you must already be admitted to a participating Italian university before applying for this grant.

DAAD: The application was submitted directly through the Politecnico di Milano portal. It required a detailed thesis abstract and strong letters of recommendation from university professors.

How is Your Experience at Politecnico di Milano?

I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, though they were quite distinct. During my time at Politecnico di Milano, the COVID-19 pandemic began, so much of my learning shifted online from home. In contrast, my experience at the Technische Universität Berlin was very hands-on: I was provided a private office at the research center, allowing me to commute daily to work on my thesis and collaborate closely with my advisor.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

All of my core degree courses were taught entirely in English. However, during my first semester at Politecnico di Milano, taking an introductory Italian language course was a mandatory part of the curriculum.

What Did You Pursue After the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship?

I transitioned into the professional workforce while continuing to engage in research. My original plan was to pursue a Ph.D., but the isolation of the pandemic altered my perspective—I was eager to step away from studying at home and start working immediately.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I actively participated in extracurriculars and student organizations, including AIESEC and TECHO (TECHO - Techo para mi País). Having leadership and volunteer experience on your CV adds immense value to scholarship applications. Additionally, a compelling motivation letter is crucial—you need to clearly articulate why you want to join that specific program and demonstrate genuine passion for your field.

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

I was often overly stressed while studying. Looking back, I would remind myself to relax and enjoy the journey more. Overall, it was an amazing experience where I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and working under exceptional advisors.

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

• Apply Broadly: Don't limit yourself to just one opportunity—apply to as many relevant scholarships as you can.
• Prepare Early: Prepare thoroughly for standardized exams; strong academic scores matter.
• Highlight Extracurriculars & Passion: Beyond high grades, what set my application apart was a well-rounded background in extracurricular activities and a clear, passionate vision for my Master's research topics.