Iranian Student Shares Her Journey to a Fully Funded Master’s in Italy with the Invest Your Talent Scholarship

My name is Sarina Emami, and I come from Iran. I earned my bachelor's degree in economics from Allameh Tabataba’i University, the largest and most important university for human sciences in Tehran, Iran, graduating with a GPA of 18.5 out of 20. During my studies, I completed an internship at an investment company and worked for a year at an economic news agency. At the same time, I pursued German language studies, reaching B2 level while finishing my bachelor's degree.

How did you apply to the Invest in Your Talent in Italy Scholarship?

In 2022, as I approached the end of my undergraduate program, I started searching for master’s programs abroad, as I had the desire to experience a new culture. I explored several programs in Italy and Germany while also looking for possible scholarships. Meanwhile, I obtained my IELTS certificate with a score of 7. After carefully considering different factors, such as climate, university location, cost of living, visa application process, and program structure, I prioritized the University of Padova and the University of Siena in Italy.

At the same time, I applied for the "Invest Your Talent in Italy" (IYT) scholarship. The application required choosing a university and a program from the scholarship’s official list, either with an ongoing admission process or an already secured offer. Fortunately, by that time, I had already received admission from the University of Siena, and my chosen program was among those eligible for the IYT scholarship. In the summer of 2024, I was awarded the scholarship.

The IYT application required a bachelor’s degree certificate, an English language certificate, and a short video introducing yourself and explaining your motivation. I believe that my high GPA and professional experiences at the age of 22 helped me stand out among other applicants.

Invest in Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

The "Invest Your Talent in Italy" (IYT) scholarship provides financial support for the full two years of the master's program. However, to qualify for renewal in the second year, students must complete at least 30 credits in the first year and find an internship at an Italian company.

In conclusion, I strongly encourage you never to hesitate when applying for different scholarships—you never know what opportunities might come your way!