How a South African Agricultural Scientist Secured the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Pursue an MSc in Animal Husbandry Engineering at the University of Debrecen

My Name is Motaung Thabang Godfrey. I am from South Africa in the Free State province. I grew up in the mountainous town called QWAQWA. As a young boy, I have always been exposed to livestock and farming. Hence, my choice to study agricultural science. I have chosen to study MSc Animal Husbandry Engineering because I have a keen interest in animal breeding and genetics.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship as a bilateral scholarship between the South African government and Tempus Foundation. I was enrolled at the University of Debrecen in Hungary

Educational Background

I have a bachelor’s degree in animal production (Graduated in the top 15% of my class and received the Golden Key international honor), and an Honors degree in wildlife management. I have also completed an MSc in Zoology. These qualifications positioned me to be able to compete on the international stage.

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

I only had the interview with my government and the host institution. I had already had the research idea in mind, which I think proved to be very fruitful  during the interviews

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

I had all my papers ready, and I had already asked for a recommendation letter. The key is to give the application time. DO not rush it

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

Phenomenal, the lectures are professional and world-class

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

I can give it 4/5. The facilities that enable teaching and learning are very good. The research output from the university is of high quality

How Does the University of Debrecen Support International Students?

There is an international office dedicated to all the needs of international students, and they even host intercultural activities to make sure the experience in the country is rich

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Hungarian?

In English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Hungarian?

Not at all, the lectures are very fluent in English

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My research experience and the ability to have a preliminary proposal

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

Nothing

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

Be very specific and intentional about the research idea. Ideally, try to communicate with the prospective supervisor ahead