Iuliana Stețenco wins 2025 French Government Excellence Scholarship
A student from the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) was awarded the prestigious excellence scholarship for master's studies offered by the French Government in 2025. Iuliana Stețenco, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics, is the only recipient of this scholarship from the Republic of Moldova. This scholarship is one of the most competitive international educational opportunities, designed for students with exceptional academic achievements.
Iuliana Stețenco, a young woman with ambitious plans for the future, faced a difficult decision when choosing her field of study. Ultimately, she opted for information technology (IT), and after four years of dedicated study, she is confident that she made the right choice.
"The first year was challenging because it focused more on mathematics and physics than on IT. I thought, 'I came here to learn programming, not math!' But I soon realized that the Technical University is the best place for STEM fields," Iuliana explained.
Iuliana aspired to continue her education in France. Her DALF C1 diploma from the French Alliance in Moldova significantly enhanced her chances of receiving the Excellence Scholarship, offered by the French Government.
"I was advised that my chances of being accepted were slim, so I decided to apply to everything available; taking a chance is never a mistake. Then I received an email stating that I had been accepted. I had no idea that there was only one scholarship available, and I’m glad I didn’t know how selective it was," she admitted.
Starting in the fall, Iuliana will pursue her master's degree in "Cognitive Ergonomics of Digital Technologies" at the University of Côte d'Azur in France. The scholarship will cover several expenses related to her studies.
"First of all, they will pay for my tuition, as there are no scholarships for that in France. They also offer a monthly allowance of €860 and provide opportunities for students to apply for housing. Additionally, they cover all medical insurance costs," she shared.
Iuliana's teachers take pride in her achievements and supported her wholeheartedly.
"This scholarship highlights that studies in the Republic of Moldova can provide opportunities for further development abroad. We are also grateful for the value this student brings to her studies at UTM. It demonstrates the relevance of our programs in Moldova and the recognition of our diplomas," said Dumitru Ciorbă, Dean of the Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics.
The scholarship, which is awarded annually by the French Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, is one of the most prestigious and competitive international educational opportunities. It is designed for students with exceptional academic records who intend to pursue their master's studies in France.
