Aalto University Scholar, Tewodros from Ethiopia, Pursues a Master’s in Geoengineering with a Specialisation in Highway Engineering

I am Tewodros, an Ethiopian who came to Finland to pursue a master’s degree in Geoengineering, with a specialisation in highway engineering at Aalto University. My professional background was in road infrastructure development, which made me choose the postgraduate program given by Aalto University that extensively delivers advanced courses on road infrastructure design, construction, management, and maintenance.

Aalto University Scholarship Details

I had the privilege to be the recipient of the Aalto University Scholarship that covers the full two years’ tuition fee amounting to 30,000 euros.

Educational Background

I completed a B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa University with great distinction. The bachelor's program covers almost all of civil infrastructures, including roads, buildings, hydraulic structures, railways, waste water management systems, etc. However, I specifically made my bachelor’s thesis on bituminous mixtures used for road construction, a topic closely related to the program I chose to study at Aalto University. Given my elevated interest in knowing more about road infrastructure in general and the exposure I had in the construction of the same, Aalto University’s Geoengineering program perfectly aligned with my interest.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Aalto University?

Once I had locked my interest to apply only to the Geoengineering master’s program of Aalto University, I prepared myself very well by getting to know the requirements and guidelines to apply from the university’s official website. I took the IELTS test well in advance and got a 7.5 Overall band score. The sample IELTS exams I practiced on helped me to have a good score in the real exam.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Aalto University Scholarship?

Besides excellent grades, soft skills hold unparalleled positions when it comes to standing out during scholarship applications. I, therefore, spent significant time developing soft skills to prove my worth for the scholarship by demonstrating excellence beyond academic skills. This can be proven in either extra-curricular activities, volunteering, leadership exposures, involvement in societal activities, etc. I also spent a significant amount of thought on writing a concise motivational letter, since one has to demonstrate their value for the scholarship within the scope of a one-page essay.