Eiffel Excellence Scholar, Vatsalya Sohu from India, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in International Economic Policy at Sciences Po Paris

My name is Vatsalya Sohu. I grew up in India and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) at Delhi University. This programme was rigorous and gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking and economic theory. Wanting to deepen this knowledge and apply it to real-world global issues, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in International Economic Policy at Sciences Po Paris. It felt like the perfect combination of advanced economics and a policy-oriented curriculum, which aligned with my goal of building a career in international policymaking.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, awarded by the French government. The scholarship provided a monthly stipend of €1,181 and subsidised accommodation in Paris, which made studying in France significantly more accessible.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also awarded the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, offered directly by Sciences Po.

Educational Background

I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) from Delhi University. It is an intensive and highly quantitative programme, and it prepared me very well for pursuing graduate studies in economics and policy. I performed strongly, consistently scoring around 70%, which strengthened my applications and demonstrated my readiness for a demanding master’s programme.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sciences Po?

I began researching programmes and scholarships more than a year in advance to ensure I understood all requirements and deadlines. This early preparation helped me stay organised and reduce a lot of stress during the application season.

How Did You Find Information About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Sciences Po?

I relied heavily on university websites, scholarship portals, alumni testimonials, and online forums. I also reached out to current students and alumni whenever possible to get first-hand insights.

Did You Take Any Standardised Tests? How Did You Prepare?

Yes.

I took the GRE, preparing on my own using prep books and online resources.

I also took the TOEFL. Since I am bilingual in Hindi and English, the test was not too challenging, but I still completed several mock tests to familiarise myself with the format.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

I spoke to students who had previously received the scholarship to understand what made their applications strong. I also dedicated significant time to refining my essays. Multiple people reviewed my drafts, including family members, peers, and professors. This helped me sharpen my narrative and present my motivations clearly.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

At Sciences Po, classes are offered in both English and French. Students can choose to take all their courses in English if they prefer.

Would Potential Students Face Academic Difficulties if They Do Not Speak French?

No. Sciences Po offers full English-language tracks, so not knowing French is not a barrier academically, though learning some French definitely helps with daily life.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application showcased not only academic merit but also a well-rounded profile. I emphasised my extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and my genuine motivation for pursuing international policy work. I also made sure the letters of reference that I submitted were from professors and mentors who knew me well and could really highlight my strengths in the best way possible. This combination helped present a strong, coherent narrative.

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

Honestly, nothing. Starting early and preparing well in advance made the entire process smooth and relatively stress-free.

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

Start early and give yourself enough time to research, gather documents, and refine your essays. Speak to past scholars if you can; their insights are incredibly valuable. Focus not just on grades but on building a compelling personal story that connects your experiences, ambitions, and reasons for studying abroad. And finally, don’t self-reject; many strong candidates underestimate themselves.