How a Brazilian Earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Fully Funded Scholarship to Study Physical Training at the Hungarian University of Sport Science

My name is Nicolle Chirinda, and I was born in Brazil. I am a former professional basketball player with seven years of experience. During that time, I earned a degree in Communication Studies. I have always had a passion for sports, and in 2021, I decided to follow my passion by pursuing a bachelor's degree in Physical Training.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I am currently a Stipendium Hungaricum scholar at the Hungarian University of Sport Science in Budapest. This full scholarship is awarded to international students with outstanding academic performance and covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation allowance, and health insurance. I received the scholarship for the 2022/23 academic year, and I am set to graduate in June 2025.

Educational Background

As an athlete, I received a scholarship to join a high school basketball team. At the age of 18, I began my first bachelor’s degree, also as a scholarship holder. Throughout high school and university, I lived as a student-athlete, an experience that strengthened my resilience and self-confidence. I graduated in 2018 with a GPA of 8.5/10.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Hungarian University of Sport Science?

Most of the initial information I received came from my brother, who was studying under the same scholarship program at the time. He provided me with general guidance, but I also made sure to check the program’s official website and the Brazilian Ministry of Education for more specific information. The University of Sport Science was my only choice, even though I was permitted to select two. This permitted me to take time to understand its vision and educational methodology, which helped me during the application process.

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

To prepare for the application, I made sure to gather all required documents well in advance. Since the program did not require a standardized English test, I was able to focus more on writing a strong motivation letter.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my professional background as an athlete, combined with my motivation. During the interview, I clearly explained my career transition and the goals I aim to achieve.

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

It’s a demanding process and can sometimes be overwhelming. If I were to go through it again, I would take more time to celebrate small successes along the way. Although the English test wasn’t a requirement at the time, I would dedicate more time to improving my language skills.

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

Start gathering the necessary documents early. Take time to research your chosen university and learn about the country's culture. Most importantly, don’t let setbacks or negative responses discourage you.