From Vietnam to Italy: How Minh Won the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship to Study Management at LUISS University

My name is Minh, and I'm originally from Vietnam. I come from a background in Human Resources Management, having completed my bachelor's degree in HRM and gained nearly two years of work experience in the field before pursuing further studies. My long-term goal is to become an HR Business Partner who can closely collaborate with business leaders to offer people-related solutions that support business goals. To do this effectively, I realized I needed to deepen my understanding of business and management, so I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Management in Italy.

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarships Details

Currently, I am a recipient of the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) scholarship. I’m studying Management at LUISS University in Rome. The IYT program is a government-funded initiative that supports talented international students in pursuing graduate studies in Italy.

The scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver and provides a monthly living allowance of €1,000 for 9 academic months each year, over the two-year program, amounting to a total of €8,100 per year. This support has been essential in allowing me to focus fully on my academic and professional development without the burden of financial stress.

Educational Background

I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.55/4.00 in Human Resources Management. During my undergraduate studies, I also took several general business courses, which gave me exposure to broader areas such as strategy, marketing, and organizational behavior. This academic foundation not only strengthened my understanding of people-related functions but also sparked my interest in how HR can align more closely with business strategy. The combination of my background in HR, my business coursework, and my motivation to become a strategic HR Business Partner has prepared me for a Master’s in Management, where I can deepen my business knowledge and learn how to offer people-centered solutions that support business outcomes.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Italian Institutions?

I started my preparation about a year before applying. I researched institutions and programs that focused on practical, business-oriented learning and had strong ties to industry. My goal was to gain applicable knowledge and skills that would help me succeed in the corporate world. LUISS stood out because of its reputation and straightforward admissions process for international students. For my program, I needed to submit transcripts and an English proficiency certificate. While the GMAT or GRE was optional, I chose not to include it.

How did you find your information? Also, how did you prepare for the IELTS Exam?

At that point in my journey, securing a scholarship was a top priority for me because I knew that without financial support, studying abroad wouldn’t be possible. I began by researching scholarship opportunities and came across the Invest Your Talent in Italy program. From there, I explored the list of partner universities and programs, which is how I found the Master’s in Management at LUISS University, a program that strongly aligned with my career goals. To better understand whether it was the right fit, I also reached out to Vietnamese alumni who had received the same scholarship and studied at LUISS. Their insights helped me make a more informed decision.

Regarding the IELTS exam, I had taken it once before, so when I needed to retake it, I spent about a month reviewing and practicing. Since I was already familiar with the format, I focused intensively on sample tests. I reviewed answers carefully, studied collocations in context, and practiced consistently by theme.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarships?

Besides standard documents like CV, transcripts and English proficiency certificates, the IYT application was unique because it required a one-minute video instead of a traditional motivation letter. This was actually more challenging for me - I’m used to expressing myself in writing, so condensing my motivation and introducing myself clearly within 60 seconds took a lot of thought and preparation. I made sure my message was concise, authentic, and aligned with my goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the consistency across my academic path, professional experience, and motivation video made a difference. I had a clear story to tell, one that connected my past decisions to my future aspirations. I think this coherence helped the admissions and scholarship committees understand not just what I’ve done, but why I’ve done it, and where I want to go next.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would remind myself to focus less on worrying about whether I would get the scholarship or not, and more on understanding myself, my goals, strengths, and what I truly wanted from this journey. Instead of stressing over the outcome, I would spend that energy on thoughtful planning and taking meaningful action. In the end, being clear about your own path and being well-prepared makes a much bigger difference than trying to control things that are ultimately out of your hands.

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

My advice is to treat the scholarship journey as more than just a funding opportunity. Use it as a chance to reflect on your personal and professional path. Understand your own story, why you're doing what you're doing, where you want to go, and whether the program you're applying to will truly support your growth. That clarity will not only strengthen your application, but also help you make better choices along the way.