How a Nigerian Student Earned the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Study Nursing at the University of Szeged in Hungary

My name is Danjuma Favour Dan, and I am from Niger State, Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at the University of Szeged in Hungary, thanks to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. My journey hasn’t been easy. It is a story of persistence, rejection, and eventual triumph.

My Nursing Program in Hungary

Studying Nursing at the University of Szeged in Hungary has been a rewarding and life-changing experience. The program is rigorous, hands-on, and deeply rooted in real-world application. Every moment has been worth it. Nursing is more than memorizing medical knowledge; it’s about learning how to think critically, solve real health problems, and advocate for patients. I’ve had the opportunity to study and interact with people from various parts of the world. These experiences have broadened my understanding of global healthcare and prepared me to be a more competent and compassionate nurse.

What I love most about this program is that it aligns with my purpose: I’m not studying just to be a nurse. I’m studying to save lives. I believe Nursing is a form of service, and through it, I want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully-funded government scholarships in Europe, which covers full tuition, accommodation, and also offers monthly stipends. The scholarship is open to students from diverse countries and supports studies at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.  The process includes:

1. Application in your country’s provided website
2. Application in the dream apply website.
3. Been nominated by your country
4. Examinations conducted by the schools
5. Admission
6. Scholarship

Educational Background

I graduated from Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja, with a CGPA of 3.90 out of 4. This strong academic foundation significantly boosted my scholarship applications. It reinforced the importance of academic excellence and made me a competitive candidate for multiple international scholarships.

How I Prepared to Apply to the University of Szeged

To prepare for my university applications, I took the IELTS exam, which I used for the Stipendium Hungaricum application, and the SAT (though I didn’t end up using the SAT score). I applied to both Semmelweis University and the University of Szeged, taking admission exams required by the institutions.

I prepared for these exams by studying subjects like Biology and English through YouTube tutorials and Google resources. YouTube was especially helpful in guiding my preparation and helping me learn from others’ experiences.

How I Turned Rejections into Growth

Before receiving this scholarship, I faced several rejections from universities, partial scholarship programs, and more. Each “no” felt painful. There were times I felt like giving up. But those rejections became my greatest teachers. They taught me to pause, reflect, and build myself intentionally. And none of that growth would have happened without my family, all thanks to them. They forced me to pause, build myself, and gain new skills. I am forever grateful.

How I Prepared to Apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

My preparation went far beyond academics. Here’s what I did:

• I joined a mentorship program and engaged in community service at Keene Learning and Information Center ( Kelic), which helped me grow in leadership and responsibility.
• I launched a research project on Gender-Based Violence and Its Implications on Health. As part of this, I visited schools, started a school club, and educated children about how to recognize and respond to violence.
• I worked with the Frest Empowerment Initiative, contributing to youth development programs.
• I began volunteering with the World Health Organization (WHO), where I participated in vaccination campaigns.
• I expanded my technical and professional skills:
  • I learned Python programming through an organization.
  • I taught myself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through self-study and paid online courses.
  • I also purchased and completed additional online courses in health, technology, and leadership to broaden my knowledge and improve my application. These courses not only added to my CV but also gave me real-world skills I continue to use today.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe what truly made my application stand out was my well-rounded profile. I combined strong academic performance with impactful community service, public health advocacy, and tech skills. My motivational letter was a genuine reflection of who I am, what I’ve been through, and the value I want to add to the world. It wasn’t just about achievement, it was about purpose and passion.

What I Would Have Done Differently

Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything about my Stipendium Hungaricum application; it was detailed and successful. However, with some of my earlier applications, I would have done things differently. I now understand the importance of:

• Carefully check whether a scholarship is fully funded.
• Reading the eligibility criteria and application requirements thoroughly.
• Not rushing to apply to many schools that mention scholarships without verifying the details and actual support offered.

Advice to Other Applicants

• If you’re applying for Stipendium Hungaricum or any other scholarship:
• Build yourself holistically—focus on academics, leadership, personal values, and professional skills.
• Earn excellent grades—they matter.
• Take initiative—volunteer, start projects, make a difference in your community.
• Learn extra skills like programming, public speaking, or digital literacy through free and paid online courses.
• Read every scholarship and university detail carefully—ensure you know what’s covered (tuition, stipend, accommodation) and if you’re eligible.
• And above all, never give up and believe in yourself because
• “Every setback is a setup for a comeback.”