Stipendium Hungaricum Bachelor's Student Maria Daniela Otero from Colombia Shares Her Journey of Studying Business Administration at the University of Pécs, Hungary

My name is Maria Daniela Otero, I am from Colombia, and I am 23 years old.

At the time that I applied for the scholarship, I was 18 years old and decided that I wanted to study Business Administration and Management, as I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship, finance, and business in general.

I decided to study this BSc degree because it is my dream to have my own company and have a positive impact on society by creating a workplace full of opportunities for people with a great work environment.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

The name of the scholarship I had is Stipendium Hungaricum, at the Bachelor’s level

The institution that gave it to me is the Tempus Public Foundation (Government of Hungary)

(hosted at the University where the Bachelor’s program is pursued, in my case, the University of Pécs)

Scholarship Amount / Benefits:

• Monthly stipend: HUF 43,700 per month (for Bachelor’s students)
• Tuition fee: Fully covered by the scholarship
• Accommodation: Free dormitory place or Housing allowance of HUF 40,000 per month
• Medical insurance: Health care services according to Hungarian law + supplementary private health insurance

Educational Background

I completed my high school education in Colombia. Additionally, I spent one academic year in Denmark attending a folk high school as part of an exchange experience. This year was focused on personal, cultural, and academic development rather than leading to a formal secondary degree.

During my high school studies in Colombia, I achieved a GPA of 4.7 out of 5.0, which is considered a high and superior academic performance within the Colombian grading system.

Furthermore, I obtained a very strong result in the Colombian National High School Examination (ICFES), reflecting my academic abilities and commitment to my studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Pécs?

How Did You Find Information About the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships and the University of Pécs? 

I found all the information by checking everything on Google. I checked multiple websites that gave information on the scholarship options for international students.

But afterwards, I only used the Tempus Foundation website, where I found all the information about the stipendium Hungaricum scholarship.

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

Yes, I did. I took the TOEFL test, which was required for the scholarship, and I prepared for it by studying with TOEFL preparation books that contained sample questions and lots of YouTube videos

(A lot of hours/days studying vey hard to achieve a good score)

The scholarship requires everyone to have at least a B1 language test, and I obtained a B2. 

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

To be honest, I did not prepare to apply for scholarships as it was never my plan to study abroad, hehehe.

But once I decided I wanted to go to Hungary, then I decided to study English and take a bit of algebra back, as I knew I was going to need my mathematical knowledge, but apart from it, I did not do much apart from following the step-by-step from the application.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Pécs? 

My experience at the University of Pécs was highly enriching and academically rewarding. The university’s diverse environment, with a strong mix of international and Hungarian students, created a truly multicultural setting that enhanced both my personal and professional development. This international exposure allowed us to engage with different perspectives on globalization and cross-cultural business practices, which were frequently integrated into classroom discussions.

The academic atmosphere was supportive and intellectually stimulating. Professors were highly qualified, approachable, and consistently encouraged open dialogue, making learning both engaging and inclusive. Overall, my experience at the University of Pécs was extremely positive, and I would confidently recommend it to students seeking a high-quality international education.

How Do You Rate the University of Pécs Academically and Why? 

I would rate the institution very highly from an academic perspective. The University of Pécs offers a strong curriculum with well-structured courses, clear learning objectives, and a balance between theory and practical application. The professors are knowledgeable, experienced, and actively engaged in supporting students’ academic growth. The international classroom environment further enriched academic discussions by incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly in business-related subjects.

(And I know it was the same for my friends in other faculties studying other degrees)

How Does the University of Pécs Support International Students?

The University of Pécs provides comprehensive support for international students through dedicated international offices, orientation programs, academic advising, and administrative assistance. The university facilitates integration by offering clear guidance on academic requirements, residence permits, health insurance, and daily life in Hungary. Additionally, the inclusive campus culture and student organizations help international students feel welcomed and supported throughout their studies.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Hungarian? 

All the classes were in english buy because of the scholarship, we had to study 1 full year of Hungarian lessons to achieve an A1 level.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Hungarian?

No, potential students would not face academic difficulties due to not knowing the native language. Since the programs are fully taught in English, students can successfully complete their studies without prior knowledge of Hungarian. While learning basic Hungarian can be helpful for daily life, it is not required for academic success.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to my strong academic performance, with a high GPA in high school, excellent results in the Colombian national examination, and a clear motivation to pursue higher education in an international environment. Additionally, my exchange experience in Denmark demonstrated adaptability, cultural awareness, and commitment to personal and academic growth, which aligned well with the values of the scholarship.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing my application documents even earlier to allow more time for reflection and refinement. I would also seek additional feedback on my motivation letter to further strengthen how my academic goals align with the scholarship’s objectives.

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

I would advise applicants to be authentic, well-prepared, and clear about their academic and professional goals. It is important to highlight both academic achievements and personal experiences that demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and motivation. Starting the application process early, carefully following instructions, and clearly explaining how the scholarship will contribute to long-term goals can make a significant difference between one applicant and the other.

Be yourself!!! Talk about the best skills that YOU have, your achievements, etc… I feel like they are tired of reading a lot of applications that look similar as students try to be a “perfect” candidate, which does not even exist.

And of course DO NOT USE CHATGPT, in my time, it was 2020, it was not even a thing, but nowadays it is, but trust me, they will know.