I nostri testimonials: Yunus - Turchia

Student of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

"Whenever you face a difficulty, just remember: this is all part of the journey. You came here to challenge yourself and grow. It might feel tough at the beginning, but you will adapt sooner than you think. Keep your chin up and enjoy the Dolce Vita!" 

About myself 

Hi, I am Yunus. I graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Hacettepe University in Turkey in 2025. During the final year of my undergraduate studies, I applied to the Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies programme at the University of Padua and was accepted. I am currently in my first year of the programme. Before coming here, I conducted two scientific projects in Turkey and completed an Erasmus internship in Finland. These experiences naturally led me toward the field of biotechnology and the University of Padua.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies? How did you learn about our institution?

After deciding to pursue a career in biotechnology, I started looking into international programmes because I believe this field is more developed abroad. Italy was a great option, both scientifically and economically. I researched prestigious universities in Italy and found options like the University of Padua, Bologna, and Tor Vergata.
If you do some research, you will notice that while most European programmes are named "Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology," Padua offers two separate programmes: Medical Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. I checked the curriculum of the Pharmaceutical Biotechnology programme and found it to be very well balanced. It covers biology essentials like Molecular Biology and Structural Biochemistry, while the pharmaceutical side includes Pharmacology and Formulation Design, covering all aspects of biotechnological drugs. Additionally, the fact that the programme requires seven months of laboratory work for the thesis, along with the practical lab courses, was a major factor in my decision, as I really wanted to gain hands-on lab experience during my Master’s.
The fact that it doesn't include "Medical Biotechnology" (like gene therapy or diagnostics) actually turned out to be an advantage for me. It allowed me to focus more on drug development, which is the field I want to work in. By the way, I think it’s very important to decide which area you want to specialize in before applying, and I highly recommend checking the course contents for this. In short, all these features made the University of Padua stand out to me.
As for how I learned about the university, I had heard about it from friends who went there for Erasmus or other projects. While researching for my Master’s, I realized how international and world-class an institution it truly is.

What are the main features of your degree programme?

The programme provides a deep understanding of biological sciences, including molecular biology and protein engineering, which are crucial for biotechnological drugs. At the same time, it covers the pharmaceutical side in great detail, focusing on pharmacology and biotechnological formulations for drug development and the industry. The fact that the programme is well balanced between these two key areas is one of its most important features. Also, It starts with a strong theoretical foundation and then transitions into a practical approach, especially with the thesis, allowing you to apply what you have learned in the lab. I think that this approach is very useful to learn this field completely.
Additionally, the University and the programme are very welcoming to international students. The atmosphere in our classroom, along with the friendly and supportive attitude of the professors toward international students, is another standout feature of our programme.

Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?

Among the courses I have taken so far, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology has truly stood out. The complexity and the cutting-edge biological methods it covers are fascinating. For instance, analyzing specific spectra to decipher the structure and behavior of a biodrug is incredibly rewarding for me.
This course also bridged the gap between theoretical molecular biology and practical application. For example, I was particularly blown away when I learned about the Tet-on/Tet-off systems, which allow us to control gene expression using antibiotics like tetracycline. This kind of precise mechanism really expanded my horizons, and I could list many more examples that were just as impressive. Furthermore, even though I am a pharmacist by training, Molecular Pharmacology allowed me to dive much deeper into oncology. Studying pathways like RTKs and MAPK provided me with a sophisticated understanding of cancer that I hadn’t reached during my undergraduate years. It felt like I was finally seeing the full picture of the molecular landscape.
Lastly, the approach to experiments in the laboratory sessions has been a turning point for my scientific thinking. Specifically, the process of diagnosing a disease and trying to build a biological model in Molecular Biology was a challenging yet profoundly educational experience. It taught me not just how to follow a protocol, but how to think like a researcher.

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application?

First, I should say that the most important thing is that to keep a close eye on the deadlines. Missing a date is the simplest way to lose an opportunity, so stay organised.
Next, pay special attention to your Motivation Letter (if required). It is crucial to clearly demonstrate why you chose this specific field and this university. You need to show how this programme aligns with your future career goals and personal aspirations. Regarding your CV, keep it clean, professional, and easy to read. I highly recommend using the Europass format; it’s a standard that works very well for these applications. Another important point to keep in mind is that you might be invited to an interview as part of the evaluation process. It’s better to be prepared for the format: it is a video interview consisting of 6 questions. You generally get 30 seconds to think and a maximum of 1 minute to answer each question. Because of this fast-paced format, I suggest reviewing your notes on Immunology, Biology, and Pharmacology before you start the session. Having those core concepts fresh in your mind will help you stay calm and concise.
I wish you the best of luck with your application. I truly hope you all achieve your dreams!

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy?

Starting with the practical side of things: as soon as you find out you have been accepted, celebrate for a moment—and then immediately start looking for accommodation. I strongly recommend securing a place before August. You can use platforms like Joivy or HousingAnywhere, but don’t stop there. Check out private companies like Homstudent and Camplus, as well as the university’s own housing options. Also, joining housing groups on Facebook and WhatsApp can be a real lifesaver.
Another critical step is the visa process. More importantly, finding a visa appointment can be a challenge, so try to start your application at the earliest possible date.
Beyond the paperwork, you might face challenges like homesickness or the general adjustment period. Having lived in various parts of the world before, I can honestly say that Italy’s beauty and its people make these struggles much easier to handle. Specifically, Padua has such a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to build great relationships with people.
Whenever you face a difficulty, just remember: this is all part of the journey. You came here to challenge yourself and grow. It might feel tough at the beginning, but you will adapt sooner than you think. Keep your chin up and enjoy the Dolce Vita!

What do you do when you’re not studying? How do you like to spend your free time?

When I am not studying, I usually go out with my friends for an aperitivo and an Aperol Spritz, or we go grab some gelato. Exploring the areas around Padua and Venice is also one of my favourite weekend activities. The region has so many beautiful museums and cultural sites to see. Of course, if I’m feeling tired from the intense schedule, I also like to stay in and just have some quiet "me time" to recharge.