How Roksana, an Iranian Scholar, Secured a Partially Funded Master’s at the University of Pavia Through the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

My name is Roksana, and I work in marketing while also pursuing teaching as a second career. I’m originally from Iran but was raised in Malaysia, and I completed my master’s degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pavia in Italy. Continuing my education was always an inevitable path for me, so I was excited to find a programme that aligned so closely with my strong interest in entrepreneurship.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

The Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship is a government-funded, merit-based programme designed to attract international talent to Italy. The selection process is rigorous, with the committee initially narrowing down a few thousand registrations to around 350–1,000 candidates before selecting the final recipients. While the total number of scholarship recipients typically ranges from 140 to 150 each year, around half of these are renewals awarded to students who received the scholarship the previous year.

The scholarship included a monthly stipend for nine months of each academic year, with the possibility of renewal for the second year of studies, provided that the requirements were met. The main requirements were completing an internship of at least three months at an Italian company and a minimum number of ECTS. The scholarship also included full exemption from university tuition fees and covered an Italian language course offered by the university’s language centre.

For the 2026/2027 cohort, I believe the stipend will be paid in quarterly instalments. I also understand that completing the internship may no longer be a requirement for renewal, allowing recipients to undertake it at any point before the end of their second year of studies.

Educational Background

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Malaya (UM) in 2022, graduating with distinction. My experience at UM was both strenuous and rewarding, preparing me for the challenges that lay ahead. The courses were demanding and required consistent effort throughout each semester, as well as meticulous organization and time management. I was also exceptionally active in extracurricular activities, which added to my already heavy schedule. However, my time at UM ultimately prepared me to perform at my best as I entered the workforce and faced new challenges.

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

The University of Pavia requires applicants to meet specific credit distribution requirements, which was not an issue in my case. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic transcripts and CVs, as well as their English language proficiency. The English language requirement was waived because I had completed my bachelor’s degree in an English-taught programme. The application portal was very organized and easy to navigate.

How Did You Find Information About Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship and University of Pavia?

Information is clearly provided on both the scholarship website (Invest Your Talent in Italy) and the university website (University of Pavia), and applications must be submitted separately. However, the University of Pavia is not listed among IYT’s partner universities for the upcoming academic year, so it is important to check the list of partner universities before applying.

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

The IYT application process involves uploading academic transcripts, a bachelor’s degree certificate, proof of English proficiency, a one-page Europass CV, and a motivation video. The video must be under 60 seconds, which means covering all the required questions within a very limited time. I had all my documents ready, but fitting everything I wanted to say into 59 seconds was not easy. I revised my answers several times until I found the right balance between keeping them concise and maintaining a natural pace. I didn’t overthink it and focused on providing simple, honest answers. I later heard from other scholarship recipients that some candidates may be invited for an interview, although I was not asked to attend one.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

The classes are conducted in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my academic and professional background prepared me well for the application. I have always been a strong writer, but the video application took me out of my comfort zone. Despite that, I believe it gave me a better opportunity to showcase my personality in ways that written answers could not, while also allowing the committee to assess my English proficiency more directly.

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

Frankly, nothing. I tend to overthink things, but this was one of those times when I simply trusted myself and went through the application process without overthinking every step.

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

I would recommend reading the requirements carefully and more than once to ensure that your answers align with the scholarship’s objectives. For example, if a scholarship aims to promote cultural exchange and diversity within a community, applicants can highlight their experiences and strengths that reflect those specific values. Familiarizing yourself with the requirements can also help you avoid small mistakes that could jeopardize your application. For instance, I heard that videos exceeding the time limit, even by a single second, were automatically rejected.