Master’s Neuroscience and Neurolinguistics Student Elizaveta from Russia Shares Her Journey of Studying at Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary

My name is Elizaveta. I come from a small town in Russia with only 15 thousand citizens. Nevertheless, I was always motivated by the idea of getting high-quality education in the field of my interest, and since primary school worked extra-hard in my academic and extracurricular activities in order to achieve my goals. Now, I am a graduate of the best Hungarian University, Eotvos Lorand University, from which I received a First Class Honours Degree in English and American Studies. Currently, I am preparing for my masters degree in the University of Glasgow in Neuroscience and Neurolinguistics.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I have received a full Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for my 3-year long Bachelor Degree in the Eorvos Lorand University (ELTE). In total, it covered my full tuition for 3 years (around 25000 EUR) and also gave a monthly allowance (around 230-250 EUR) for the consecutive period of my studies.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

For my studies in Hungary, I did not receive any other scholarships.

Educational Background

Before starting my Bachelor’s in Hungary, I finished my secondary school with Honours and won the full free tuition based place in the Moscow State University in my country where I studied for 2 years prior coming to Hungary. My grade average there was 4.9 out of 5.0. Also, I have a professional qualification in neuropsychology, which was helpful.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Eötvös Loránd University?

Stipendium Hungaricum was a scholarship promoted to top-Russian university students during my studies in MSU; therefore, I have learned about it during my second year of BSc in Moscow where I was doing Cognitive Sciences and Language Acquisition program. Once I decided to apply for the scholarship, I researched the educational system in Hungary and chose the best in the field of Humanities.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

• I took IELTS Academic and SAT.
• My IELTS was 8.0, I was taking some courses to prepare online from British Council.
• As for my SAT, I mostly used my university mathematical knowledge, and passed it for the first time at 1450, and then 1500, but used my superscores for admission, which equaled 1520.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

I managed to find some people on Reddit who applied for the previous intakes and collected some practical pieces of advice from them. The most difficult part was preparing my school and university transcripts since they had to be apostilled. My mother and friends supported me a lot through the process, so I managed to prepare the documents such as CV or Personal Statement quite briskly.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Eötvös Loránd University?

The first word I am thinking of is “thankful”. I am thankful for beautiful Budapest for being so welcoming and becoming my second home. I am thankful for my amazing professors for giving top-notch knowledge, being professional yet comforting and supportive. I am thankful for all educational projects, student societies, and professional opportunities this experience gave me. I am beyond thankful for the international friends I have made who became my life-long supporters and family. Surely, there were periods of stress and anxiety, sometimes even loneliness; nevertheless, the academic basis and love I received from this experience is incomparable.

How Do You Rate Eötvös Loránd University Academically and Why?

I would say Eotvos Lorand University is a good starting point for young researchers who did not possess either enough academic preparation for top-schools or money to support their studies there. It is a very liberal and open-minded higher education institution filled mostly with professionals who not only know their field but love it unconditionally. University is not practice-based, so one should be prepared for high demands on research work. Since my area of study is mostly associated with research, I was satisfied with the academic requirements.

How Does Eötvös Loránd University Support International Students?

As an international student I had my own international coordinator who I could visit or contact as soon as I had some academic or organisational inquiries. Also, there was a mentorship program for international students. They helped with acquiring oneself with the city and country rules once I entered the country. Moreover, there is an ESN organisation that supports students and prepares events for them. For instance, I took some trips to Austria and Poland with them, which was a great cultural and social experience. And finally, there is a nice psychological support organised on-campus. Once I felt sad or lost, I could contact the psychology department to have some one-to-one meetings with a professional psychologist to meet. Closer to the end of my studies, when I was occupied with thesis defense and final examinations, I met a psychologist to help me bear the anxiety I felt. Therefore, the university is quite well-equipped with various services. Moreover, it is open to initiatives; consequently, it is possible to promote your own needs and find some response.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Hungarian?

All the classes were held in English. However, as a part of the scholarship conditions, I had to take Hungarian language for a year.

What Did You Pursue After Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

I finished my studies half a year ago and went back to my home country to gain some work experience and prepare for my admissions. I am starting my MSc in the University of Glasgow starting Fall 2026, so I am very excited for the upcoming year.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Hungarian?

I believe there will not be any problems academically, though it might be helpful to study it for some daily interactions. I have my own sad but realistic example: on the second year of my studies I broke my leg, and but for my Hungarian friends, I would have never made into the Hungarian Hospital just because I understood nothing from what was said to me. So it is definitely helpful to study some Hungarian for one's own convenience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe I am academically strong candidate since my GPAs are very competetive. Also, I have done a lot of academic conferences, Olympiads and participated in some big international volunteering projects. Overall, I prepared thoroughly for my admissions now and then. Sending application to the university might sound easy, but to create a competitive and gripping profile one needs to dedicate enough purposeful time and effort.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Worrying less and focusing better. Naturally, I tend to be a perfectionist, so I tried to control every little detail that did not even depend on me. Therefore, I would have been less stressed and more goal-oriented.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Just take your chance. What’s the worst that can happen? Even if for some reason one gets rejected, it only shows you the areas of improvement and opens some new opportunities for you. I am certain that we are never losing in this life, just gaining the experience that shapes our characters and aspirations. So apply and enjoy the journey!