Aravind got a scholarship to continue his master's studies at KTH

You were awarded the KTH Joint Programme Scholarship. What has this scholarship meant for you?

First, it gave me a positive outlook, and I was very grateful to receive this
scholarship. But primarily, it allows me to be financially independent, which enables me to focus entirely on my studies.

What was your academic or professional background before applying for the scholarship?

I graduated from NIT-Trichy in India with a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. I worked on multiple research projects during my term there (based on Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Technology). In my first year of the master's programme, I was involved in projects related to decarbonisation, power process simulations, thermal energy storage, and research with biomaterials. 

Do you have any recommendations for students applying for the Joint Programme Scholarship?

The biggest tip I can give you is to organize your time properly. I believe this is one of the crucial things that helped me maintain a good GPA during my first year of study. The first-year GPA is important when deciding on scholarship applicants, so all you can do is give it your all and hope for the best. Nevertheless, if you do not receive the scholarship, there are always alternatives, and you will be able to recoup your expenditure on education pretty swiftly following graduation.

What are the best aspects of your programme and your school?

One of the finest aspects of my programme is its diversity. I've made friends from all over the world, and hearing their thoughts and insights has been quite enlightening. Most importantly, my programme conducts a Winter School every year that allows you to meet and engage with students from all different study tracks. I honestly believe that the two institutions where I am pursuing my master's degree (Aalto University and KTH) are two of the greatest places to study Sustainable Energy. Most importantly, the curriculum strongly focuses on putting your knowledge into practice, allowing you to comprehend theoretical concepts better.

What would you say to a student applying for your programme?

If Sustainable Energy Engineering is something you're passionate about, I'd absolutely recommend this programme to you. Take the time to carefully review the courses and study tracks to make the most of your time. I'm confident it will be an experience to remember, and it will leave you with the essential expertise to advance in your career in the sustainable energy field.