How an Ethiopian Scholar Won the Fully Funded Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Economics and Data Analysis at the University of Verona

My name is Tegegn Mokona, originally from Ethiopia. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Economics and Data Analysis at the University of Verona, Italy, as a recipient of the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) scholarship. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and applied for the IYT scholarship while studying for my Master's degree at Addis Ababa University. I am particularly passionate about data-driven policymaking, with a specific interest in behavioral and experimental economics. My academic and professional background in research, youth advocacy, and consultancy motivated me to pursue further education in this field to contribute to evidence-based economic policymaking.

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the 2024/25 academic year. The scholarship covers tuition, provides a monthly allowance of €1,000, includes an Italian language course, and mandates an internship at an Italian company. I am currently studying at the University of Verona and have been accepted into a double degree program in International Economic Policy with the University of Würzburg, Germany. Previously, I also received the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in-country scholarship during my master's in Ethiopia, as well as the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Collaborative Master's Programme (CMAP) scholarship, which supports students in sub-Saharan Africa pursuing master’s degrees in economics. I received this scholarship while studying at Addis Ababa University.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Addis Ababa University, which I used to apply for the IYT scholarship. While studying for my master's at the same university, I explored multiple international opportunities and developed my research and policy analysis skills. My solid academic performance, research work, and leadership experiences have laid a strong foundation for my international academic journey.

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

I searched for programs aligned with my academic interests and professional goals, particularly those offering scholarships. I mapped these programs based on compatibility with my profile and concentrated only on institutions that provided financial support. I thoroughly read the application requirements and focused on personalizing each application, especially the motivation letter.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)?

My preparation involved strategic research and selecting scholarships that matched my goals. I applied for many scholarships, focusing on quality and relevance. For IYT, I created a compelling one-minute motivational video that reflected my story and ambition. I refined my documents and practiced presenting a clear link between my background and my aspirations.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My academic background, combined with leadership and research experience, made my application strong. I also ensured every part of my application, CV, essays, and video aligned with the values of the scholarship. Authenticity and clarity in communicating my goals were key to making my application stand out.

Additionally, I believe one of the most powerful things you can do is to tell your story in a way that aligns with the objectives of the scholarship program. Every small experience matters, whether it’s a volunteer activity, academic achievement, or leadership role. I made sure to demonstrate that I have what it takes to succeed and to contribute meaningfully to the goals of the scholarship provider.

It’s important not to play the victim or focus solely on hardships, such as coming from a rural or poor background. While those experiences shape us, scholarship providers are more interested in how you can help them fulfill their mission. I positioned myself as a valuable candidate who understands their objectives and can actively contribute to them. If you show them that selecting you means advancing their mission, your application will stand out. Be intentional, connect your background, your aspirations, and your actions to what they are looking for. That’s what makes a compelling and memorable application.

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

If I were to start again, I would focus more on scholarships specifically targeting students from developing countries. Rather than applying to every opportunity I came across, I would be more targeted to avoid burnout and manage time better. Being selective helps maintain motivation and improves the quality of each application.

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

Be strategic and targeted in your approach; don’t apply to every scholarship you see. It can become overwhelming and lead to early burnout. Stay persistent. Rejections will come, sometimes in large numbers, but don’t take them personally. Learn from each one. Seek feedback, refine your applications, and keep applying. The rejection is not a reflection of your worth; it's part of the journey. You CAN do it, so don’t give up.