How an Indian Scholar Won the Invest Your Talent in Italy Full Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Physics of Data at the University of Padova

Hi! My name is Sandra Elsa Sanjai, and I’m from India. During my bachelor’s in Physics, I encountered my very first computational physics problem. What started as an effort to improve my coding skills quickly grew into a genuine passion for Computational Physics and Data Science. That’s when I came across the Physics of Data Master’s program offered by the University of Padova; it felt like the perfect fit for my transition.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

After being admitted to the University of Padova, I immediately applied for the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship, which requires an admission offer from an Italian university.

The scholarship is provided by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It includes a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of €1000 for 9 months in the first year. To renew the scholarship for the second year, I had to meet a minimum credit requirement of 30 CFUs and secure a progetto formativo; essentially, an agreement for a 3-month internship with an Italian company. After fulfilling these conditions, I received the scholarship again for my second year with the same benefits.

I was also selected for the Erasmus program to the same university, but ultimately chose IYT, as it was a better fit for my academic and financial needs.

Educational Background

I previously had a Bachelor's in Physics at St.Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, graduating with a GPA of 8.35. Alongside academics, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, from national-level competitions to leading student clubs, which gave me platforms to initiate my own projects. These experiences helped me build an interesting resume that demonstrated my interests and capabilities beyond grades.

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

Honestly, I didn’t prepare as thoroughly as I could have. I took the IELTS, scoring an 8, but that wasn’t a major factor for the scholarship. I didn’t take any other standardized tests. Most of my preparation was about finding the right program that aligned with my interests.

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

I focused mainly on preparing for the interview. I revisited my past courses and internships, learned to summarize my experience concisely, and worked on overcoming my nervousness. My goal was to clearly express why I’d be a strong candidate, not just academically, but as someone genuinely motivated.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application had a coherent story. I had a mix of projects, leadership roles, and internships that painted a picture of someone who had a growing, organic interest in Physics and Data Science. Of Course, this was helped by the amount of time I spent refining my motivation letter to ensure this story came through. I think that sincerity made a difference because I was driven by a genuine curiosity to learn beyond my coursework, as I had a passion for the field.

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

I would’ve believed in myself a bit more. At the time, I didn’t think I stood a chance, but sometimes you just need to be that audacious when the worst they can say is no. I also wish I had reached out to others who had taken similar paths instead of trying to figure everything out alone. Maybe I’d also pay more attention to my grades, but in the end, it was my overall profile that mattered more.

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

Be clear on what you’ve done, what you love, and why you’re a good fit. Practice articulating it confidently, especially under pressure. If you truly enjoy learning, grab every opportunity: seminars, competitions, and self-driven projects. Build a story around your interests. After that, the main challenge is just convincing them, and if you believe in your story, that part becomes easier.