How a Colombian Scholar Won the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Pursue His Master’s in Social Integration at Eötvös Loránd University

My name is Florencio Venté. I am originally from Colombia, and I have been working in the areas of civic engagement, minority rights and integration, peacebuilding, and social entrepreneurship. Most recently, I served as the Co-Director of MYCP, advocating for over 4,000 youth and youth organizations worldwide to influence international policymaking. I have led initiatives with organizations such as UNICEF, working to bring opportunities to youth in contexts of displacement. I am also the founder of Glocals, an initiative that connects diverse communities through social dialogue to combat discrimination.

Some of the recognitions, scholarships, and fellowships I have received including Next Civil Society and Civic Servants Future Leaders from ISPI, Bocconi University, and OECD; Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Class of 2025; Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leader 2024; Fundación Carolina Scholarship awarded in 2024; Watson Institute Western Union Fellow for Social Entrepreneurs; SDNS Youth Local Pathways 2023 Cohort Fellow; Aspire Leaders founded at Harvard, DYLOTT BDA Academy Fellow; and United People Global Sustainability Leader 2021.

I am currently pursuing my Master's in Social Integration at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. I decided to pursue this degree to complement my professional journey, as I have worked in this field for more than a decade. Although I was initially more interested in the academic and research side of the subject, I saw this as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge in integration and public policy.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

The Stipendium Hungaricum is a scholarship program established by the Hungarian Government in 2013. It promotes the internationalization of Hungarian higher education and strengthens cultural and academic ties between Hungary and partner countries. The scholarship is open to students from over 90 countries with bilateral agreements with Hungary. It supports Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, and non-degree programs across all major academic disciplines, including science, engineering, arts, medicine, and social sciences.

The scholarship covers tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. More information about the scholarship can be found on its official website.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in International Business at EAN University in Colombia. I also obtained a postgraduate degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNICESUMAR University in Brazil and specialized in expert assistance and cooperation for conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict at the International University Centre for Peace Missions Helsinki, Spain.

I have also participated in formal education programs in areas such as migration, minority rights, technology and innovation, negotiation, and governance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)?

For my master's program, I had an exam and an interview that involved analyzing a paper related to the program topics. The paper was sent a few hours in advance and discussed during the interview. In addition to academic credentials, previous work, and community experience, a motivation letter was required.

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

The scholarship preparation and application process can take up to eight months. First, applicants must meet the criteria of the program, university, and scholarship. Each country has its own system. In Colombia, applicants must first apply through the sending partner, ICETEX, which verifies eligibility. After submitting documents and meeting the criteria, candidates are evaluated by a panel that shortlists nominations to be sent to the Tempus Foundation. In parallel, applicants must upload documents to the scholarship website. Once the Hungarian institution confirms acceptance, additional steps include a medical examination and declarations in the home country. After institutional approval, the final step is to wait for confirmation from the Tempus Foundation on the award of the scholarship

How Is (Was) Your Experience at the Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)?

Eötvös Loránd University is considered one of the best universities in Hungary and Central Europe. My experience has been excellent. The faculty infrastructure is well-equipped, the professors are high-quality, lectures are dynamic, and the courses are diverse, with students from all over the world

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Hungarian?

Courses are conducted in English. As a scholarship requirement, Hungarian language courses are taken during the first two semesters

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Hungarian

In the context of the University, all the academic services have support for English speakers.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

1. First, I made a strong effort to contact former students of my program and the university, as well as past scholarship recipients.
2. Second, I reviewed my master's program, the professors, and their research in my area of interest.
3. Third, also clearly defined my motivation for applying, my reasons for choosing the university, and my future plans after graduation, highlighting how the scholarship would help me achieve those goals.

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

Talk to former or current students who have already won the scholarship and seek guidance.

Carefully review all details about the scholarship, including what it covers and whether additional funding will be needed for living expenses or emergencies. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with the local language, culture, and processes around student residence permits, housing, jobs, projects, and exchanges available during your studies.

Take the opportunity to explore areas beyond your studies, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and build lasting connections that will be valuable for your future.