My Journey to a Fully Funded LLM Scholarship in Europe By Hafsa Iqbal – LLM in International & European Business Law

Hello! I’m Hafsa from Pakistan, a lawyer by profession. I completed my Bachelor's in Law (LLB) in 2021 from the University of Karachi. After graduation, I pursued my legal career as an in-house corporate lawyer for almost three years.

In 2024, I decided it was time to elevate my academic journey by pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) abroad. Let me be honest, securing a fully funded scholarship is not a walk in the park. It requires patience, perseverance, and relentless effort. I spent a year applying to various scholarships, and eventually, I was fortunate enough to be awarded a fully funded scholarship that turned my dream of studying abroad into a reality.

I pursued an LLM in International and European Business Law. I chose this degree because it aligned with my prior work experience and interests. For law students, especially, choosing the right LLM path is crucial since there are many practice areas to explore. If you’re not sure which legal field you're passionate about, I highly recommend gaining a couple of years of experience in different areas before committing to a specialized LLM. It truly helps shape your perspective if you do it with clear goals in your mind.

This degree has been a game-changer for me. It broadened my horizons in the international business law domain, with a specific focus on the European Union’s legal landscape. Through lectures, presentations, class discussions, and thesis research, I gained a deeper understanding of international trade, commercial practices, and corporate regulations. For anyone passionate about business or corporate law, this degree is a significant milestone.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received is called the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which is a fully funded Hungarian government initiative. It supports students at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels and covers tuition, accommodation, and a contribution to living expenses. The monthly stipend depends on your housing status: 43,000 HUF if you're living in a dormitory and 83,000 HUF if you arrange your own accommodation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

This scholarship is open to various nationalities. Since it's a government-to-government initiative, candidates must first apply through their country’s higher education authority (for Pakistan, it's HEC) and fulfill their specific requirements. This can vary; some countries conduct entrance exams, while others shortlist based on merit.

For Pakistani students, there’s no specific CGPA requirement set by HEC. The selection process is holistic: it considers your academic record, test performance, and the strength of your motivation letter. Even if your CGPA isn’t exceptional, a strong test score and a compelling motivation letter can make a big difference.

Another advantage is that you don't need IELTS or TOEFL. An English proficiency certificate from your previous educational institution stating that your previous education was in English will suffice. Financial documentation isn’t strict either; you just need to provide a guarantor with stable income (no minimum threshold), who undertakes responsibility in case of any failure to fulfill scholarship obligations.

Living in Hungary presents its own set of challenges, similar to other European countries. The language barrier is one of the major hurdles. Although classes are in English and many professors and university staff speak English, you may face difficulties at local offices, restaurants, or stores. Finding part-time jobs can also be tough, especially in smaller cities. The situation is better in Budapest, but outside the capital, it requires consistent effort and persistence. That said, it's not impossible; it just takes extra determination.

If you’re considering applying for this scholarship, now is the right time to start. Gather and attest your documents, prepare for any required test, and explore both the HEC and Stipendium Hungaricum websites for complete guidance. You’ll also find several helpful Facebook groups where students share updates and experiences.

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

The application portal typically opens around November or December and closes in March. The selection process continues for a few months, and successful applicants begin their studies in the September intake.

As I’ve said before, every fully funded scholarship demands dedication and resilience. Stay focused and consistent throughout the process, and don’t lose hope.

Wishing the very best of luck to all future applicants. May your dreams turn into reality just like mine did.