How a Tunisian Student Secured the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Study Architectural Engineering at the University of Pécs

My name is Koussay Farah, I’m 21 years old, and I come from Tunisia. I'm currently pursuing a full-time Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs in Hungary, fully funded by the Hungarian government scholarship STIPENDIUM HUNGARICUM.

Choosing architecture came from my wide-ranging interests and strengths spanning science, art, and music. I was always versatile and couldn’t see myself confined to a single field. As I explored my future, I realized that buildings, design, and the concept of creating space were always present in my thoughts. Architecture, with its unique blend of technical and artistic challenges, became the natural and almost subconscious choice because it gathered everything I loved into one field.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: Stipendium Hungaricum
Provider: Tempus Public Foundation, Hungarian Government
Benefits Include: Full tuition waiver, Medical insurance (health care services + up to HUF 65,000 in supplementary insurance), Monthly stipend: HUF 43,700, Accommodation contribution: dormitory or HUF 40,000/month, Student ID benefits
Other Offer Received: Türkiye Bursları Scholarship (fully funded, Technical University of Ankara)
I ultimately chose Stipendium Hungaricum.

Educational Background

In high school, I was determined to build a solid academic foundation for international scholarships. I graduated with around 93% in the national exam and ranked among the top students regionally in my field of specialization (Science-Mathematics).

Alongside academics, I was actively involved in diverse fields: competitive programming, painting, and classical music (as a national diploma holder, teacher, and orchestra violinist). These experiences taught me to manage multiple responsibilities with discipline and passion.

Before starting my studies abroad, I also completed a semester at the local architecture school in Tunisia, which confirmed my calling for this field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

While studying locally for one semester, I built my architecture portfolio. Did deep research on international scholarships—even ones I wasn’t eligible for—to understand the system. Watched countless alumni experiences on YouTube to get a perspective.
Tests taken: TOEFL: 106/120, SAT (optional): 1480/1600 (second attempt). All preparation was self-guided using free, open-source materials. No tutoring.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Carefully mapped out the process and deadlines by hand to avoid missing anything. Collected, scanned, translated, or created all required documents myself. Spent time writing and refining my CV, motivation letter, and portfolio. Requested strong letters of recommendation. Researched and practiced possible interview questions (published on the faculty’s site). Even reviewed old achievements to complement my application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

A solid combination of academic performance and rich extracurricular activities. A deeply personalized motivation letter—it took days of refining to:

• Reflect my personality and journey
• Highlight my passion for the program, university, and Hungary
• Clearly explain why I needed the scholarship and how I’d make the most of it
• I believe genuine, honest storytelling made a difference. 

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

I’d seek earlier feedback on my motivation letter and portfolio because having an extra perspective might have helped me refine them faster, and also in order to have more confidence.

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

• Start early and don’t wait for the deadline rush.
• Research like crazy
• Treat every small requirement seriously.
• Be honest and personal in your motivation letter.
• Don’t underestimate your achievements, no matter how small.
• Trust yourself: confidence is key.