This year’s MBA fair was the fourth overall, except this time it brought not only business programs, but also master’s programs. The QS World MBA Tour gave opportunities for MBA and MA candidates not only to meet representatives from admissions committees and graduates from business schools, but also to learn about scholarships, financial aid and employment prospects.

Naturally, given the economic conditions in our country, the most pressing question was that of available scholarships and funds. It is no secret that the MBA is an expensive degree. Depending on the country, prices can range from 15 000 to 40 000 USD. Typically, business schools offer partial scholarships to particularly gifted candidates. This is also true for M.A. degrees. However, independent scholarship programs that cover the entirety of one’s graduate studies also exist. Chevening is one such program. We talked about it with Dilara Woodward, the British Council’s marketing and public relations coordinator.

What can you tell us about scholarships for graduate studies?

I would mention the prestigious Chevening program, which is financed by the government of Great Britain and overseen by the British Council. Since its inception in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 1992, over 250 people from both countries have benefitted from the scholarship. I should note that we recently conducted a study regarding how our various programs affect participants’ professional and personal growth, as well as how the participants go on to contribute to society, and Chevening scholars received the highest marks.

How many spots are reserved for Kazakhstan?

For the 2010 school year, of the 5 scholarships offered, 3 are reserved for Kazakhstan. Last year, there were 90 applicants for each spot.

Could you give a rough description of the successful candidate?

It is a candidate with work experience and leadership potential. The government of Great Britain places a special accent on the leadership qualities of future applicants. High English language proficiency is also very important.

What do you mean by “leadership”?

By leadership, I don’t necessarily mean your job description. It is more important to demonstrate leadership qualities in the social sphere than in the workplace. One should be able to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal, to adapt in rapidly changing circumstances, to have a positive psychological outlook, and to work in different cultural environments. All this must be reflected in the essay competition. It is important for the committee to see that the candidate is adequately prepared and independent, that he possesses a certain amount of professional and life experience, as well as the right knowledge base and learning skills.

Besides official business school representatives, several Kazakh graduates took part in the fair as well.

Shokan Dusipov is a graduate from the Belgian school of business and management in Antwerp. He tells us about how he found the Global Management program and how it differs from the MBA.

Why Belgium and why Global Management?

This program is very similar to the MBA, but, as you know, the MBA is pretty expensive (in England, for example, it can cost up to 40 000 pounds). Therefore, the Global Management program at a good Belgian university was a great alternative for me. The disciplines of management and business administration are basically the same; the difference is intensity. I think MBA graduates are a class above in terms of their competence.

Was it difficult to get in?

The most important thing was to overcome fear, especially right before the selection process.

In the end, did the program meet your expectations?

Education in Belgium surpassed all my expectations. The professors’ attitude, their dedication to teaching, the students from all over the world – all this was a great help in my education.