How a Pakistani Robotics Researcher Won the Fully Funded Marie Curie Fellowship to Pursue His PhD in BioRobotics at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy

I am Syed Ali Hassan, a citizen of Pakistan, currently enrolled in a Postdoctoral Fellowship program at Aarhus University in Denmark. My academic and professional endeavors have focused on the fields of Robotics, Computer Vision, and their intersecting domains, which I have engaged with for many years. This drive encouraged me to pursue a graduate education in these fields so that I could participate in meaningful advancements in robotics and smart sensing systems.

Marie Curie Fellowship Details

Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive two major scholarships:

• Professor’s Scholarship for my Master’s degree in Kumoh National Institute of Technology, South Korea, awarded by the professor based on academic merit and research alignment.
• Marie Curie Fellowship (Marie Sklodowska-Curie) for my PhD in Italy, a highly competitive and prestigious research-based funding scheme.

Educational Background

I obtained my PhD in BioRobotics from the Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa. My practical work experience in software development proved to be invaluable during my Master’s and PhD, particularly in creating practical implementations with robotics and computer vision. In order to find scholarship opportunities and relevant institutions, I used LinkedIn and Facebook academic groups and reached out to relevant professors in my field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Marie Curie Fellowship?

As part of my preparation:

• I took the IELTS exam. Initially, I joined a local institute to understand the format, but most of my effective learning came from self-study using YouTube and online resources.
• For applications, I prepared detailed motivation letters, CVs, recommendation letters, and research proposals. I thoroughly researched the format and expectations for each document before writing it. Crafting a strong and personalized proposal was key.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies? 

Both my Master’s and PhD institutions were very welcoming to international students.

• My PhD university provided temporary guest housing, allowing me time to find a permanent apartment.
• My Master’s university offered student dormitories, making the initial transition smooth.

Courses at both institutions were conducted entirely in English, which eliminated any language barriers in academics.

I believe the strongest element of my application was a clear, relevant, and innovative research proposal, aligned with the institution’s goals and current trends in robotics and AI. Demonstrating initiative and a long-term vision helped distinguish me from other candidates.

Advice for Future Applicants

• Don’t give up. You may need to apply to hundreds of positions before you find success.
• Diversify your approach. If you don’t receive offers from one country, try others.
• Keep learning how to present yourself better with each application, especially through your research proposals and letters.
• Create your own portfolio website. This gives your profile a professional touch and makes it easier for reviewers to explore your work.
• If you’re from a computer science or engineering background, maintain a GitHub or GitLab profile. Upload your academic and personal projects there and refer to them in your CV. This adds credibility and makes your skills visible and verifiable.