Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellow Sarbinaz Nagyzkhan from Kazakhstan Shares Her Journey of Studying Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Innsbruck, Austria

My name is Sarbinaz Nagyzkhan, and I am originally from Kazakhstan. I am currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellow within the SEIZMIC Doctoral Network and a PhD researcher at the University of Innsbruck. I am passionate about social entrepreneurship in conflict and extreme contexts and aim to contribute to creating conditions that help social enterprises survive and grow in times of crisis. My research focuses on social entrepreneurship activation in conflict zones, exploring how local communities can strengthen digital ecosystems and support self-organized entrepreneurial networks. My research expands knowledge on activation under military and hybrid conflicts and develops practical recommendations and training programs for municipalities.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Details

I am currently employed as a PhD researcher under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network (SEIZMIC).

As an MSCA Doctoral Fellow, I receive:

• A full PhD salary (as an employee of the university)
• A mobility allowance
• Research and networking funding
• Budget for secondments

Currently, I am doing my visit to Copenhagen Business School.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes.

I was admitted to:

• ESADE (PhD track, including a fully funded Master of Research, followed by a funded PhD position with a competitive stipend)
• Ca’ Foscari University (PhD with full tuition waiver and monthly scholarship, including a double-degree from SKEMA Business School in France).

For my Master’s degree at Ca’ Foscari University, I received:

• A merit scholarship of €5,000 per year
• A full tuition fee waiver

For my Bachelor’s degree at Eastern Mediterranean University (Northern Cyprus), I received:
• A 100% merit-based scholarship (full tuition coverage).

During my studies, I also participated in:

• Erasmus+ exchange at Aarhus University, Denmark, where tuition was fully covered, and I received approximately €1,200 per month mobility support, during my masters
• Exchange semester at Eastern Illinois University (USA), fully funded in terms of tuition (no additional stipend).-during my bachelors

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree – GPA: 3.8/4,0
Master’s Degree – Final Grade: 110/110

I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees fully in English.

I also took the GRE and scored 330/340. While the GRE was not required for all programs, it was mandatory for some institutions I applied to.

My academic background prepared me well for PhD applications because I consistently focused on maintaining a strong GPA, engaging in research early, and developing a clear academic direction.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Innsbruck?

I always knew I wanted to pursue an academic career, so I prepared intentionally throughout my studies.

• I maintained a high GPA from the beginning.
  • I worked on developing a strong research proposal early.
  • I prepared for the GRE about six months in advance (though I recommend starting earlier).
  • I built relationships with professors who later supported my applications.

Since both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were conducted entirely in English, I did not need to take IELTS or TOEFL.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network?

For doctoral applications, the most important element was a strong and clearly structured research proposal. I invested significant time refining my research question, theoretical positioning, and methodology.

I also tailored each application carefully instead of submitting generic materials.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It is difficult to say definitively, but I believe several factors contributed:

• A strong and focused research proposal
• A consistent academic trajectory
• Relevant professional experience (including founding a social enterprise in the education sector in Kazakhstan)
• Strong academic performance

What Would You Have Done Differently?

I would have started preparing for the GRE earlier. Six months of preparation was manageable, but I would recommend at least 8–12 months for top scores.

I would also have reduced stress by preparing application materials even earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Future Applicants?

Apply broadly. Do not limit yourself to one or two institutions. When you apply to multiple strong programs, you give yourself the opportunity to choose what truly fits you — instead of simply accepting the only offer you receive.

Also, prepare intentionally and early. Strong GPAs, clear research direction, and strategic preparation matter.

Finally, believe that competitive scholarships are achievable. They are not reserved for a specific nationality or background — they are awarded to prepared candidates.