F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here you can find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions. You may find it useful to read this in detail.
My undergraduate diploma is not in Economics. Can I apply?
Yes. A background in economics is not required and we welcome individuals with training in other disciplines. The first two miniterms include intensive courses in micro and macroeconomics.
I am not sure my mathematics background is enough for ISET. Can I apply?
Economics, as taught in US and Western Europe-and at ISET-is mathematically-based. All ISET students take math during eight months of the first year of studies. If you are good at mathematics but have not studied math in a while, you can still do well at ISET. However, if you are unable to learn new mathematical concepts quickly or work with numbers easily, this program may not be for you.
My English is not perfect. Can I apply?
To be admitted to ISET, you have to pass an English exam that tests basic reading and writing skills. But, even if your English is weak, if you are determined to come to ISET, you can work on your English now and attend our preparatory course before the admissions exams.
I have a certificate in English, or have taken the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS exam. Do I still need to take your exams?
Yes. All applicants are required to take the ISET admissions exams which are offered simultaneously in Baku, Yerevan, and Tbilisi each spring. If, however, a student is residing outside of the South Caucasus at the time of the exams, applicants may be granted an exception and allowed to submit results from standardized exams such as the GRE or TOEFL.
Is this Master's program a good investment for me?
If you are interested in economics and are willing to work hard, this program offers excellent career preparation. 98% of our graduates who chose to look for a job (rather than continue onto a PhD abroad) found jobs in their field within the first six months after graduation. Economists typically work in government ministries, central banks, medium and large private companies, private banks, think tanks, and universities, as well as international organizations.
Can I continue to work while I study at ISET?
Due to the very serious workload while a full-time student at ISET, we discourage students from actively participating in outside employment while enrolled at ISET.
Where will I live?
If you are not from Tbilisi, we will offer you assistance in finding suitable accommodation. Students from Armenia and Azerbaijan are also eligible for financial support of $100 to help cover the cost of housing. There is plenty of affordable housing in Tbilisi, especially if you decide to share with other students.
Who teaches at ISET?
All of our economics faculty hold PhDs in Economics from prestigious universities in Europe and the US. We have international professors based at ISET, as well as visiting professors, who come for several months at a time to teach.
How do I apply?
You can apply online at http://www.iset.ge/ beginning in late January 2010.
How much does it really cost?
Providing a first-class education is costly. ISET's tuition is currently set at eight thousand dollars per year. However, ALL of our students currently receive at least partial scholarships, and approximately 30% receive full scholarships, meaning they study free-of-charge. Students are encouraged to apply for bank loans to cover any tuition payments their families cannot cover. For those students who cannot get an educational loan because of family circumstances, ISET offers up to $1600 per year in needs-based financial assistance.
