How a Civil Engineering Student from Yemen Earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship in Hungary

My name is Noor Aldeen Al-Hammadi, from Yemen. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Pécs in Hungary. I have always been curious about the structures around me, buildings, bridges, and roads. This curiosity at a young age led me to choose civil engineering as my field of study.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

At the beginning of June 2022, I received the final confirmation for the Stipendium Hungaricum (SH) Scholarship. This scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance.

Educational Background

Before starting my journey to Hungary, I completed my high school in Yemen, achieving a grade of 96.38/100. My strong academic performance, especially in mathematics and physics, prepared me well for the field of civil engineering.

How I Prepared to Apply to the University of Pécs

The application process for the SH scholarship is standardized and can be found on the official website of the scholarship. I researched various Hungarian universities and their programs to find the best fit for my interests and career goals. The University of Pécs stood out because of its modern teaching methods and the expertise of its faculty.

Regarding language proficiency, requirements depend on the university and program. Some institutions accept proof of previous education in English, while others may require tests like IELTS or TOEFL. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each university on the SH website or to contact them with the email provided on the website.

How I Prepared to Apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The SH scholarship application process involves several steps, including submitting academic transcripts, a motivation letter, proof of language proficiency, and other supporting documents, similar to many other scholarships. I dedicated time to crafting a compelling motivation letter that highlighted my passion for civil engineering and my aspirations to contribute to infrastructure development in my home country.

It is worth mentioning that each university requires either an oral exam, a written exam, or both, which must be taken by the nominees selected by their sending country (sending partner). The scholarship is awarded based on the results of these exams.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe my application's strength lies in my academic achievements and my clear articulation of career goals. My motivation letter emphasized not only my academic background but also my commitment to applying the knowledge gained in Hungary to my home country, and I also included a section about my intention to build cultural bridges with Hungarian and international students.

Reflections

The SH scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to focus on my studies without the burden of tuition fees. The accommodation, support, and medical insurance have also been beneficial. However, the monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (approximately EUR 110) can be challenging to manage, especially considering the rising cost of living.

Advice for Future Applicants

For those considering applying for the SH scholarship:

• Research Deeply: Understand the requirements of both the scholarship and the universities you're applying for.
• Prepare Early: Preparing the necessary documents and working on your motivation letter well in advance gives you an advantage.
• Highlight Your Goals: Clearly articulate how the scholarship and studying in Hungary align with your career goals.
• Plan Financially: While the scholarship covers many expenses, be prepared to manage your finances carefully.
• Always Be Honest: whether it is an interview or a motivation letter, always be honest and clear.

The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship offers a great opportunity to receive a high-quality education in Hungary. With careful preparation and determination, it's possible to make the most of this experience.