Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
Italian scholarships on offer for Indian students
At the beginning of December over 50 universities, offering international masters and PhD programs, will converge on India as the QS World Grad School Tour visits six cities in one of the world’s emerging superpowers. The Tour will include 13 Italian universities, who with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development are offering scholarships to Indian candidates as part of the Invest your Talent in Italy program. QS topgradschool.com looks at the details of this innovative program and speaks to one Indian student whose education, style and taste in cuisine now has Italian flair.
From Chennai, India to Como, Italy, Felix John’s education has variety, much like the experiences he is getting during his time studying in the fashion capital of the world.
“The lifestyle and fashion are one of the highlights of my time in Italy. Living in Milan for a year has made me change my style of living entirely, and I have also learnt to adapt to new culture and practice. Milan is known all around the world for fashion and design and it has helped me to add some spice to my style.”
Felix is studying for his Masters in Management Economics and Industrial Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, courtesy of an €8,000 scholarship he received from the Milan Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship is part of an initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development known as the Invest your Talent in Italy scheme. Established in 2006, Invest your Talent in Italy offers candidates a package of scholarships to attend first-class engineering, management and design courses taught in English at the country’s top universities. The courses, which include a three to four month internship, are highly specialised and tailored to meet the demands of industry and professions.
“I made the decision to study in Italy on the basis of the country's reputation and its economic structure. The reason I chose Politecnico (di Milano) was because of its ranking in Italy’s top universities list and to be honest, because they funded my education. Funding is the barrier for most international students who have a passion to pursue higher studies but Politecnico made it possible for me.”
Mauro Battocchi, head of the desk of trade and investment promotion at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Italian universities participating in the Invest your Talent in Italy scheme, have experienced the benefits of marketing their courses as “Italy” and not as single units. “This has made a real difference in their (universities) ability to attract applicants. It has also prompted other universities to provide courses in English and facilities to make life easier for international guests.”
Felix has one more year in Italy before he finishes his studies. With a Bachelor of Technology already next to his name he feels he’s in a good position to work with a team of international people from various regions and cultures. At the moment, Felix is working in the IT industry and is surrounded by past and present Politecnico students. “Politecnico is one of the most competitive environments. It is a big university and generates a lot of professional engineers and management students, which means we have to be more proactive and adaptive.” But the competitive student environment has meant Felix is compelled to concentrate on his studies, although as a student he can’t miss the weekend parties.
“I broke the language barrier a few months ago, which was the key challenge I faced during my time in Italy. However, I was aware that this would be the case so I began preparing before I even left India to help me adapt to the culture and the language right from the moment I entered the country. One of the things I’ve learnt while studying in Italy is time management and using the most of opportunities to network with people. If you involve yourself in various extra curricular activities, which involve professional organizations you will not regret the time you have spent with them.”
