Iraqi Student Wins Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Study Food Safety at University of Debrecen

Hello!

My name is Shahla, and I’m originally from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Food Safety and Quality Engineering through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. I chose this field because it aligns closely with my bachelor's degree in Food Technology, and I believe it offers a strong foundation for developing my career in food science.

Alongside my studies, I work as a lab assistant at Salahaddin University, which has helped me gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and research. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I am deeply passionate about animal protection and dedicate time to supporting efforts that promote animal welfare in my community.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I received the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which is offered by the Hungarian Government through the Tempus Public Foundation. This prestigious scholarship supports international students from selected countries to pursue higher education in Hungary. I am currently studying at the University of Debrecen, enrolled in a master's program in Food Safety and Quality Engineering.

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covers the following:

• Full tuition fee for the entire duration of the program
• Monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (approximately €110) to support living expenses
• Free accommodation in a university dormitory or a monthly housing allowance of approximately HUF 40,000
• Health insurance, including access to medical services in Hungary and additional insurance coverage of up to HUF 65,000 per year

Educational Background:

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Food Technology from the College of Agriculture at Salahaddin University, where I graduated with a GPA of 3.8. Choosing a master’s program in a similar field—Food Safety and Quality Engineering—has allowed me to build upon my strong foundation in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory work.

My academic background, combined with my hands-on experience as a lab assistant at Salahaddin University, has strengthened my expertise and made me a strong candidate for both the field and the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. My work experience in academia has also given me valuable practical insight and reinforced my commitment to advancing in this scientific field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Stipendium Hungaricum?

When I started preparing to apply for the scholarship, the first thing I did was carefully review all the requirements. I made a detailed checklist, organizing each task in order of priority—from the first step to the last—and ticked off each item as I completed it. One of the most important decisions I made was to start preparing well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. For example, I dedicated two full months to studying for the IELTS exam, using various tools to strengthen my skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking before sitting for the test.

In this scholarship program, the university admission and scholarship application were combined into one process. I made sure to prepare all the necessary documents: my bachelor’s transcript, English language certificate, motivation letter, valid passport, and health certificate. Before submitting my application, I reviewed everything carefully—twice—to ensure accuracy and completeness.

What Did You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out, beyond fulfilling all the requirements, was my future plan: after completing my master's degree, I intend to work in a field related to my studies, which will bring long-term impact. Additionally, I have been volunteering with the Kurdistan Animal Protection Organization, which demonstrates my commitment to social responsibility.

What would you do differently if you were to do it again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would reach out even more to experienced students who have already been through the application journey. Getting in touch with people who have firsthand experience can make a big difference—they can provide tips, encouragement, and practical advice that helps make the process smoother. That’s also my advice to others: don’t go through it alone. Connect with past scholarship recipients who can guide you professionally and help make your path easier.