Parvin pursued his Master of Business Administration degree at the Corvinus University of Budapest. He discovered this prestigious program through Online Result. We sat down with Parvin to discuss his experience researching and applying for international graduate studies.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Parvin Fatullayev, a 27-year-old student hailing from Baku, Azerbaijan.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?
I am currently enrolled at the Corvinus University of Budapest, where I began my two-year Master of Business Administration program on September 14th.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Computer Science and Computing Techniques from my home country. Prior to starting this MBA, I spent five years working as an Engineer for a prominent telecommunications firm in Azerbaijan.
After five years in the same role, I realized it was time to broaden my skill set and advance my professional career. I chose to pursue an MBA to pivot into management, and I knew that studying abroad in an international environment would be the best way to gain a global perspective.
What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?
While researching scholarship opportunities on Online Result, I discovered that the Corvinus University MBA program did not require a GMAT score. Furthermore, it proved to be a more cost-effective option compared to many Western European alternatives.
Additionally, the Corvinus School of Management is widely recognized as one of the top business schools in Europe; for instance, in 2014/2015, the full-time MBA program ranked 4th in Eastern Europe.
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?
My initial preference was a Master of Information Systems Management at the University of Muenster in Germany.
While that program focused primarily on IT-related management, I wanted a more comprehensive understanding of general business administration to better support my future career goals. Ultimately, the MBA was the superior choice for my professional trajectory.
Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose for this particular location?
I didn't have a specific plan to end up in Budapest initially, but I had visited the city twice as a tourist and absolutely fell in love with it. Knowing that the cost of living was quite affordable also made it an easy decision.
How did Online Result help you in your decision process?
Online Result is a fantastic resource for exploring various universities, degree programs, and scholarships. Their platform was instrumental in helping me find the perfect program.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?
I sat for the IELTS exam last year and achieved a score of 6.5, which met the university's admission requirements. I spent three months preparing for the test, although I already had a solid foundation in English prior to my studies.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
I can say with certainty that living and studying abroad is a worthwhile investment that enriches your life both during and after your degree.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
Unfortunately, I did not secure a scholarship and am currently self-funded for my first year. I am actively looking for financial support to help me complete my second year.
My best advice to future students is to dedicate time and energy to securing a scholarship, as the long-term benefits are substantial.
Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?
The reputation of Budapest and Corvinus University speaks for itself. Although I have only recently started my studies, I can already tell this is going to be an unforgettable experience. I am incredibly happy with my decision.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
I remain committed to doing everything I can to obtain a scholarship for the remainder of my studies.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
No matter how confident I feel, I am constantly surprised by the opportunities life presents. Embracing this adventure has been a rewarding challenge.
Has Parvin’s study abroad journey inspired you to pursue your own?
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