How an Azerbaijani Mechanical Engineer Won the Fully Funded Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship to Pursue Her Master’s in Energy Engineering at Politecnico di Milano

My name is Sevinj, and I’m from Baku, Azerbaijan. Many people know Baku for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Neft Daşları as the world's first offshore oil platform, or as the “Land of Fire,” but it’s much more than that — it's one of the most vibrant and captivating cities.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Baku Engineering University. While the field of mechanical engineering is broad, I found myself particularly drawn to energy-related topics, which ultimately led me to pursue a master's degree in the energy field.

Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Energy Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. The scholarship covered my university tuition fees, provided a monthly stipend, and included an Italian language course along with an internship opportunity in Italy. In addition to this, I was admitted to CentraleSupélec – Université Paris‑Saclay in France for a master’s program in Energy Engineering, supported by a scholarship from the French Embassy.

Educational Background

I studied at one of the top technical universities in Baku, where the language of instruction was English. I graduated with a GPA of 95/100. During an internship in the building construction sector in Baku, I had the chance to work with an inspiring engineer who introduced me to the concept of energy efficiency in buildings and shared valuable technologies and resources in the field.

I also spent a semester at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey, as part of the ERASMUS Exchange Program, where I worked on an energy modelling project, a pilot initiative at METU. After returning to Baku, I chose an energy-focused thesis and applied the model we had developed during the project in Ankara.

Additionally, I participated in a pilot project on electric car development at my home university. I believe that all these experiences laid a solid foundation and motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in the energy field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Polytechnic University of Milan?

My main focus when choosing where to apply was the content and specialization offered by the degree program. The master’s program at Politecnico di Milano stood out because it was designed to address real-world energy challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. The structure of the course aligned perfectly with my interest in practical, impactful solutions in the energy sector.

Additionally, Politecnico di Milano’s strong academic reputation, being ranked among the top 5 universities in Europe and within the top 15 globally in mechanical/energy engineering, gave me confidence in the quality of education and global recognition of the degree.

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

For the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship, I needed to meet several key requirements: a high GPA, proof of English language proficiency, and a 30-second video introducing myself, my background, and my motivation for studying in Italy. I submitted my IELTS score of 7.0 as proof of language proficiency.

In the video, I briefly explained my academic journey, my passion for the energy field, and how this scholarship would support my long-term goals. I also submitted documents such as my CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe two main factors made my application stand out. First, my academic and practical background followed a clear and logical path leading to my interest in the energy field. Each step, from coursework to projects and internships, was relevant and reinforced my commitment, making it clear that I wasn’t just choosing energy randomly, but had a consistent and genuine interest.

Second, I focused on being authentic. Rather than trying to impress, I aimed to show who I truly am and what inspires me. I believe this sincerity helped my application feel more personal and memorable.

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

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much about what I had already done; my background and preparation aligned well with my goals. However, one thing I would add is learning Italian earlier. If I had prepared for the language in advance and included some level of Italian proficiency in my application, it might have made me an even stronger candidate.

Also, understanding the language and culture helps you position yourself better by identifying common values and making a stronger, more relatable connection.

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

I would suggest two key things. First, invest in building a strong profile beyond just meeting the scholarship or university requirements. The stronger and more well-rounded your profile is, the more opportunities will naturally come your way, sometimes even unexpectedly.

Second, don’t lose your authenticity. It’s perfectly fine to learn from other examples, get help from various resources, even artificial intelligence, but always present your uniqueness, because you truly are.