Swedish Institute (SI) Scholar, Nino from Georgia, Pursues the LUMID Master’s Program at Lund University

My name is Nino, I am from Georgia, and every important step of my life has been connected to my home country, from school and university to my first job and career growth. For nearly a decade, I have worked with local and international NGOs, supporting rural communities, youth, women, and farmers to turn ideas into businesses, strengthening citizens’ voices, and empowering civil society.

Over time, I also saw how vulnerable our societies can be to disinformation and propaganda. This made me realize the importance of resilience and safeguarding civil society’s independence.

That is what brought me to Lund University. The LUMID program stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach, focus on field-based learning, and commitment to collaboration. It is exactly the kind of environment I need to deepen my understanding of development strategies and gain the tools to design inclusive, sustainable solutions.

Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I am studying in the LUMID program at Lund University with the support of the Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals. This was the only program I applied for, because it felt like the perfect fit both academically and personally.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Georgian American University. Later, I completed an MBA at Ilia State University, where my thesis explored the role of cooperation among farmers in strengthening agricultural supply chains. This academic foundation, combined with my professional work, naturally led me to pursue studies in international development.

Preparing to Apply for the SI Scholarship

I first learned about the SI scholarship from a few friends who had received it. Their stories inspired me and gave me the courage to try.

In reality, applying for both the LUMID program and the SI scholarship is a detailed and time-consuming process. It means carefully preparing documents, tailoring motivation letters, meeting deadlines, and, in my case, taking the IELTS test to prove English proficiency. It can feel stressful at times, especially since the SI scholarship has a very competitive selection process, but it is absolutely manageable if you plan your time well and stay focused on why you are applying in the first place.

Studying in Sweden

All classes are conducted in English, so international students do not face difficulties academically. People in Sweden are very open and speak excellent English, which makes daily life much easier. The only challenge is that much of the written information is in Swedish, but with online tools and the helpfulness of people around you, it is easy to navigate.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe my honesty stood out. I did not try to present myself as someone with all the answers. Instead, I shared my genuine curiosity, my current questions, and my wish to find answers through studies, experiences, and friendships in Sweden.

What I Would Do Differently

At this point, I would not change anything in my process.

Advice for Future Applicants

Be honest, clear, and true to yourself. Do not overcomplicate your application. What matters most is showing your passion, your values, and the changes you want to contribute to in the world.