Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Scholar Otabek Narimonov from Uzbekistan Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Budapest Business University, Hungary

Hello, my name is Otabek Narimonov, and I am from Uzbekistan. I completed my Bachelor's degree in World Economy and International Economic Relations at Tashkent State University of Economics and later earned a Master's degree in International Relations from Budapest Business University (now Budapest University of Economics and Business) in Hungary.

I have always been interested in international economics, global development, and the growing economic cooperation between countries. This interest motivated me to pursue higher education abroad and gain an international perspective that would help me contribute to the development of my country.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I received the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship provided by the Government of Hungary, to study International Relations at Budapest Business University.

The scholarship covered tuition fees, accommodation support, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend for the duration of my studies.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes.

• Government Scholarship of Uzbekistan (2021) – awarded for pursuing master studies.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree at Tashkent State University of Economics, graduating with honours and an overall score of 89/100.

After that, I pursued a Master's degree in International Relations at Budapest Business University, where I graduated with an Excellent GPA of 4.64/5.00.

My educational background helped me develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, which proved valuable throughout the scholarship application process and my studies abroad.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Budapest University of Economics and Business?

I started researching universities more than a year before applying. I compared programs, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and career prospects. I also carefully reviewed university websites and spoke with students who had already studied abroad.

How Did You Find Information About Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and Budapest University of Economics and Business?

Most of the information came from:

• Official university websites
• Scholarship websites
• Social media groups dedicated to international education
• Recommendations from students and alumni

I found that official scholarship websites were the most reliable source of information.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS examination and achieved an overall score of 7.0.

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

I focused on preparing a strong application package. I spent considerable time working on my motivation letter and making sure it clearly explained my academic interests, future goals, and reasons for applying.

I also carefully prepared all required documents and ensured that every part of the application reflected my commitment to studying internationally.

How is Your Experience at Budapest University of Economics and Business?

My experience at Budapest Business University was very positive. Studying alongside students from different countries allowed me to gain new perspectives and build friendships from around the world.

Living abroad also helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident.

How Do You Rate Budapest University of Economics and Business Academically?

I would rate the university highly because it combines academic knowledge with practical learning. The international environment and supportive professors created an excellent learning experience.

How Does Budapest University of Economics and Business Support International Students?

The university provided support through orientation programs, academic advisors, international student services, and various student activities that helped international students adapt quickly.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Hungarian?

My program was conducted entirely in English.

What Did You Pursue After the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

After completing my Master's degree, I continued working in areas related to international cooperation and development while exploring opportunities for further academic and professional growth.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Hungarian?

Academically, no. Since the program was taught in English, students could successfully complete their studies without knowing Hungarian. However, learning a few basic phrases in the local language makes everyday life much easier and helps with integration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my strong academic performance, clear study goals, international outlook, and genuine motivation to learn and contribute to society. I tried to demonstrate not only what I had achieved but also how the scholarship would help me achieve my future goals.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

If I could go through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier. I would spend more time speaking with current scholarship recipients and alumni to better understand the application process and student experience.

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

My biggest advice is to start early and stay organized.

Research scholarships carefully, pay close attention to application requirements, and take your motivation letter seriously. Do not underestimate the importance of clearly explaining your goals and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.

Most importantly, do not be discouraged if the process seems competitive. Many successful applicants receive rejections before receiving an offer. Stay persistent, continue improving your profile, and keep applying.