How a Kenyan Student Secured the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Study a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary

My name is Meshack Nyagwencha Bosire. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which is funded by the Hungarian government.

I am also a backend developer with Finesse Group Kft, which is an IT startup company, and a Python instructing volunteer with Next Step Association Hungary.

I was born and raised in the Kisii highlands of Kenya, in a small town called Ikonge. My parents—a nursery school teacher in the settlements of a British-owned tea factory in Sotik Highlands and a volunteer health worker—instilled in me the value of education and hard work.

I studied under Kenya’s 8-4-4 education system, spending eight years in primary school in Nyamira County before moving to Nairobi for my high school education. Throughout my academic journey, I excelled in Mathematics, Humanities, and Computer Studies, consistently ranking among the top students. In my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), I performed exceptionally well, ranking among the top 800 students out of 752,602 candidates nationally.

This achievement earned me a spot in the Equity Leaders Program, a mentorship initiative for high-achieving students, where I gained valuable guidance on applying to international universities and studying abroad. I took the program and successfully managed to earn get a full paid scholarship in Europe.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

The Stipendium Hungaricum covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of 40000 HUF, a house allowance of 43700 HUF, and health insurance coverage. It also covers visa fees and any subsequent residence permit renewals as long as you are still a scholarship holder.

Other Scholarships Received:

- Xavier University – Fr. J. Peter Buschmann Award valued at $88,000 ($22,000 per academic year for 4 years.

- African Leadership University (ALU) Future Leaders Grant – $3,000 per year

- I chose to commit to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship.

Educational Background

I graduated from Nairobi School with an A (81/84 points) in KCSE in April 2021.

In high school, I was deeply involved in Mathematics and Computer Studies competitions, which played a crucial role in strengthening my passion for technology and problem-solving. My interest in Computer Science grew further when I took online courses like Harvard's CS50x, which introduced me to the fundamentals of programming.

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

I relied heavily on mentors from the Equity Leaders Program, who provided guidance on how to research universities through official school websites, social media platforms like Reddit, and online forums.

Additionally, I attended study abroad information sessions, where I connected with Education Hungary officers in Kenya, who played a significant role in my application process.

- Standardized Tests:

• SAT/ACT – I did not take these exams, as many U.S. universities were test-optional during my application cycle.
• TOEFL/IELTS – I was exempted from taking these tests since English is Kenya’s official language and the primary medium of instruction in schools. Instead, I obtained an English proficiency letter from Kenya’s Department of Basic Education.

For each university, I researched their admission requirements, watched YouTube videos about student experiences, and connected with current students and alumni, who provided first-hand insights into the application process.

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

I began by attending information sessions to fully understand the scholarship requirements. Then, I carefully read through the official scholarship documentation to ensure I met all the eligibility criteria.

- Key Steps in My Preparation:

- Listed all required documents early in the process.

- Requested recommendation letters from my teachers well in advance.

- Drafted and refined my motivation letter, ensuring it clearly communicated my goals and aspirations.

- Certified my academic documents and obtained an English proficiency letter.

- Had my identification documents verified by a lawyer.

- Completed my medical certificate as part of the application requirements.

Thanks to the guidance I received from mentors, obtaining most of these documents from government offices was straightforward.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I successfully demonstrated:

- Academic Excellence – My top national ranking and high school achievements.

- Financial Need – Clearly articulating why the scholarship was crucial for my education.

- Strong Motivation – My motivation letter effectively conveyed my passion for Computer Science, backed by my extracurricular involvement in math and technology competitions, and a big part of luck, which is God’s grace.

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

- Researched the effectiveness of the faculty at my chosen university before committing.

- Learned Hungarian and studied the local culture before moving abroad to ease my transition.

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

- Start early! Give yourself ample time to gather documents and refine your application.

- Thoroughly research the country and university before applying.

- Consider hidden costs, such as living expenses, and additional academic requirements as some stipends like mine don't cover all the costs.

- Reach out to alumni and current students for first-hand insights into the scholarship experience.