Women in STEM Scholar Mariam Gugushvili from Georgia Shares Her Journey of Studying Applied Artificial Intelligence at Cranfield University, UK

My name is Mariam Gugushvili, and I am from Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgia is a small country located in the Caucasus region, between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Because of its geographic position, it is sometimes considered part of wider Europe and sometimes part of Asia, which often creates ambiguity in international contexts.

Our native language is Georgian, which is unique, and we even have our own alphabet, which is one of the first 14 alphabets in the world. In Georgia, we study English as a foreign language in school, but it is not used in everyday life. This meant that pursuing international education required a significant additional effort in terms of language proficiency and cultural adaptation.

Georgia is not a member of the European Union. As a result, students from my country often face more administrative, visa-related, and competitive barriers compared to EU applicants. Even within scholarship communities, it can sometimes feel more difficult to immediately “fit into a group,” especially when you come from a country that is less represented internationally.

Despite these challenges, I completed my secondary education with high academic performance, high marks on Georgian national exams, and received a full scholarship to study Computer Engineering at San Diego State University, Georgia. During my third year, I began working as a database developer and later transitioned into data engineering. Over time, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence to deepen my theoretical knowledge and enhance my ability to build high-quality, impactful technical solutions.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Details

I was awarded the British Council Women in STEM scholarship. The application process allowed candidates to choose both the university and the faculty. I selected Cranfield University for my master’s degree.

Later, during conversations with the scholarship representatives, they mentioned that leadership qualities and authenticity in expressing long-term goals were key factors in their decision. The scholarship covered full tuition fees, provided a monthly stipend of £1,400, and also included travel and visa expenses.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering through a joint program between San Diego State University and Tbilisi State University. My final GPA was 3.6/4.0. The program operated in partnership with Tbilisi State University, which allowed graduates to receive a dual degree. As a result, I hold both an American and a Georgian degree.

However, during the scholarship application process, I primarily applied using my Georgian degree. Legally, validating the U.S. degree required physical presence in the United States for certain administrative procedures, which was not feasible at the time. Therefore, my applications were formally based on my Georgian academic credentials, even though the program itself followed an American curriculum model.

How I Prepared to Apply to Cranfield University

To find suitable institutions and scholarships, I researched university websites, LinkedIn, and Georgian government platforms. Interestingly, I first learned about the British Council Women in STEM scholarship through a television announcement.

For language requirements, I took the IELTS exam and prepared independently for a month using online practice tests and available study materials. It was easier for me because I already had a degree taught in English.

Preparing for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Application

The preparation process required careful organization. Collecting all necessary documentation was the most time-consuming part. Writing the cover letter was particularly challenging, as it required honesty, clarity, and conciseness within a one-page limit.

Rejections were emotionally difficult at times, and occasionally I felt discouraged. However, I had strong support from a friend who was also applying for international scholarships. That mutual encouragement helped me stay motivated and continue applying.

Experience at Cranfield University

Overall, I had a very positive experience at Cranfield University. Initially, it was challenging because I did not know anyone, but over time, my classmates and the societies I joined helped me integrate and build meaningful friendships.

Academic Evaluation of Cranfield University

I would rate the university academically 7 out of 10. Cranfield is highly specialized in aerospace and engineering disciplines, and those programs are extremely rigorous. Applied AI, however, is a relatively new course. While it has strong foundations, I believe the curriculum still requires refinement and further development.

Support for International Students

Coming from Georgia added a unique dimension to my experience abroad. At Cranfield University, I was the only Georgian student, which initially felt isolating. However, over time, I found myself naturally connecting with students from post-Soviet and Balkan countries. We shared similar historical backgrounds, educational systems, and social norms. That common cultural foundation made communication effortless and created a sense of familiarity far from home.

At the same time, I intentionally stepped beyond that comfort zone. I joined different societies and built friendships across diverse international communities. Being from a country that is sometimes categorized as European and sometimes Asian made me more conscious of identity and representation in global academic spaces. Rather than seeing it as a disadvantage, I treated it as an opportunity to develop adaptability, intercultural competence, and resilience.

Post-Scholarship Plans

After completing my master’s degree, I returned to Georgia and continued working in the data engineering field. In the future, I plan to pursue a PhD after gaining additional professional experience.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe my leadership experience, volunteering activities, and professional growth contributed to the strength of my application. Most importantly, I was honest and clear about my goals and motivations.

What I Would Do Differently

If I were to go through the process again, I would not take rejections as personally. Instead of feeling discouraged, I would actively ask for feedback to understand how to improve. Additionally, I would apply more selectively, focusing only on scholarships that truly align with my goals rather than applying broadly.

Advice for Future Applicants

My advice would be:

• Be authentic and clear about your intentions.
• Prepare your documents early and stay organized.
• Do not let rejections discourage you.
• Seek feedback whenever possible.
• Surround yourself with supportive people during the application process.