The polyglot scientist: How Iva won a full scholarship to the Sorbonne

Iva Bujanic holds C1 diplomas in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Italian. She is also a researcher at the Petnica Science Center, with national awards in Biology and Geography.

She looked for a university built for interdisciplinary connections and found it in Paris. She won a full scholarship to Sorbonne University.

Student Snapshot

• Target: Life Sciences (Biology)
• Spike: Petnica research and C1 fluency in four languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian)
• Outcome: Full scholarship and housing, Sorbonne University (Paris)

Equedu: Most applicants look at the US or the UK. Why France?

Iva: It started with a summer camp. After my freshman year, I spent a summer learning languages in the South of France.

That trip was a turning point. Being the only person from the Balkans in that group gave me a taste of true independence. I fell in love with the mix of cultures and the feeling of finding my way in a foreign environment on my own. When I got home, I started researching. I saw that France offers one of the best student lifestyles in the world, and it has been attracting global talent for centuries. I knew I wanted to be part of that tradition.

Equedu: The Sorbonne carries a heavy name. Why was it your first choice?

Iva: I chose Sorbonne University precisely because it is the most prestigious institution in the country. But it wasn't just the name; it was the curriculum.

I needed a program that offered a balance of theory and practice. The Sorbonne is famous for its interdisciplinary programs and its access to top-tier laboratories, both in Paris and across France. I wanted to get my hands dirty in the lab, not just sit in a lecture hall.

Equedu: You are a scientist who speaks four languages. How hard was that profile to build?

Iva: It was exhausting, but worth it. My path was defined by two things: Petnica Science Center and Languages. On one side, I was doing independent research projects at the Petnica Science Center and competing nationally in Biology and Geography. On the other, I was studying until I obtained C1 diplomas in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Balancing intense scientific research with that level of linguistic study required incredible organization. But I learned that with enough ambition and the right support, everything is possible.

"I was studying until I obtained C1 diplomas in four languages... Balancing intense scientific research with that level of linguistic study required incredible organization."

Equedu: The Sorbonne is selective, especially for science tracks. How did getting in feel?

Iva: I was thrilled. I knew they accept a very limited number of international students for the Natural Sciences track. When the email arrived, I was overjoyed.

But the real shock came when I read the full offer. Not only was I accepted, but I received a full scholarship and an offer for student housing in central Paris. That changed everything. It’s a unique chance to live in the center of the capital, close to my faculty, without the stress of high Parisian rents and tuition fees.

Equedu: France has its own application conventions. How did the work with Equedu shape your application?

Iva: Before this, I was clueless about the application process. I didn't know where to start. Equedu was vital from day one. After my first interview, they gave me a tailored list of universities across Europe. We narrowed it down to 10 schools. France requires very specific formats for your CV and Motivation Letter, which are totally different from the American or Serbian styles. My mentors, Miloš and Nikola, helped me craft those perfectly. The result? I received acceptances to all universities where I applied.

France expects a CV and motivation letter in conventions that differ from the American Common App and from the UCAS Personal Statement. The strongest French applications Equedu sees start that document work in February, not August. Iva's 10 out of 10 was unusual, but it was not an accident.

Equedu: What would you tell younger students looking at European universities?

Iva: Time is your best asset. Start the process early. You need to ensure you have all your language diplomas, extracurricular records, and documents ready well before the deadline. By finishing early, you bypass the stress. You get this confidence boost because you know you have finished the hard work, and you still have time to polish your application while others are panicking.