Mariam Gordeladze’s Stipendium Hungaricum Journey: From Georgia to a Master’s in Public Policy at Corvinus University

I am Mariam Gordeladze, a 29-year-old from Tbilisi, Georgia. I hold an MSc degree in Public Policy and Management (PUMA) from Corvinus University of Budapest, Class of 2020.

Currently working as an Executive Recruiter for the International Projects. I assist global organizations in finding exceptional individuals to join their teams while supporting candidates in pursuing new and fulfilling career paths. I engage in business communication with clients and experts from all around the world. PUMA prepared me well for this cultural exposure, as my class was multicultural. Even though we left Hungary, our friendship continued.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covered my full tuition and gave me a monthly allowance for living expenses. It also included accommodation support, medical insurance, and access to Hungary’s public healthcare. In short, it took care of all the essentials to make it possible to focus on studying and living in Hungary.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Public Governance from International Black Sea University in Georgia, graduating with a GPA of 3.97 out of 4.0. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to continue my studies in the same field, focusing on Public Administration.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Stipendium Hungaricum?

Although I had a strong GPA, I understood that this alone would not be enough. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship process is highly competitive and involves multiple stages. The first step is passing the local sending partner selection process in Georgia. Only after this can candidates be recommended to the Hungarian side for further consideration.

I prepared extensively for every phase. I anticipated potential questions, especially those related to my field, and kept myself up to date with legislative changes and trends. This preparation paid off, as I felt confident throughout the interviews and written assessments.

Even before submitting my application, I invested significant effort in drafting a precise cover letter. I knew that hundreds of candidates were applying and wanted mine to stand out by clearly expressing my motivation and aspirations. This approach worked - I was invited for an interview, passed it successfully, and progressed to the next round.

From the very beginning, my goal was to study at Corvinus University of Budapest, as it was the only institution offering a master’s program that matched my interests. To prepare for the final interview with the institution, I thoroughly researched the program, its faculty, courses, and curriculum, arriving fully prepared and knowing exactly which subjects inspired me the most.

Being awarded the scholarship was an incredibly rewarding moment, and it came with its own set of responsibilities. I handled medical checks, translated documents, and managed every administrative detail to ensure everything was in order.

How Did You Gather Information about Stipendium Hungaricum?

At the time, the scholarship was not well-known in Georgia, and I had no one to guide me. To gather information, I called the scholarship office, exchanged emails, and connected with alumni from other countries. I joined a Facebook group where candidates shared information - even when some of it was misleading, it was still valuable for connecting with others going through the same process.

I also met other Georgian candidates applying for the program. The Hungarian Embassy organized an introductory meeting where we exchanged insights and supported one another. In the end, this experience was challenging, and rewarding, and shaped both my academic and personal growth.

How Was Your Experience at the Corvinus University of Budapest?

My experience at Corvinus was very different from what I had experienced in Georgia. The teaching approach was more focused on group work and collaborative learning, and everyone was incredibly supportive. I valued being surrounded by people from different educational and cultural backgrounds, as it offered a unique opportunity to adapt to new communication styles and ways of thinking.

Although I felt well-prepared for the academic side - many subjects overlapped with those I had studied for my bachelor’s degree - I also gained a deeper understanding of Economics, which was a core part of the program. In Georgia, my studies were broader, focusing on Public Administration and Governance, whereas Corvinus gave me the chance to explore more specialized economic topics. Another adjustment was studying exclusively in English. In Georgia, I earned my degree primarily in Georgian, so this required adapting to a new academic language. It was challenging at first but ultimately became an enriching part of the experience.

While studying in the PUMA programme, I became close friends with many people from various countries, making my academic journey more enjoyable every day. From this experience, I learned to be more patient and tolerant and to handle stressful situations calmly. The programme’s teachers were always ready to help, and the group activities advanced my teamwork skills. I learned about diverse teaching methods and academic approaches, and adapting to a new culture strengthened my problem-solving abilities and encouraged innovative thinking.

During the second year of my master’s studies, I took on a role as a part‑time teacher, gaining valuable experience in balancing academic work, professional responsibilities, and personal life. It was challenging, but I found ways to manage these distinct areas effectively.

I returned from Hungary with an MSc degree in Public Policy and Management and will forever be grateful for this unforgettable experience.