From a Mountain Village to the Heart of Europe: How a Cambodian student secured the Fully Funded Scholarship to study Public Health BSc. in Hungary.

Greeting! This is Dalay. I always thought that the world is too big not to explore and that education is too valuable to give up on. So why not do both? Fortunately, I found a scholarship program that allows me to do just that. And THIS is my journey.

I was born in a small town called Phnom Sampov in Cambodia. I moved to the city with my older siblings when I reached the age of 9 for better educational opportunities and living standards. The experience of living independently from my parents at such a young age became my training ground for developing independence and early focus.

Throughout the years, I dedicated myself to both personal development and educational pursuits by seizing every available opportunity. This mindset eventually led me to Europe where I’m currently studying Bachelor's in Public Health Sciences at the University of Debrecen in Hungary under the Stipendium Hungaricum.

I chose public health because I’ve always been interested in how systems and communities can work together to improve people’s well-being. Coming from a country where access to quality healthcare is still developing, I wanted to be part of the solution, and this degree is my starting point.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Detail

I am a proud recipient of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a fully funded program offered by the Hungarian government to support international students. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend, accommodation or housing allowance, health insurance, and a student visa. It has allowed me to focus completely on my studies without the financial stress that often comes with studying abroad.

One of the aspects I appreciate most about this scholarship is the freedom and flexibility it gives, not just academically, but personally. As someone who enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, studying in Hungary has opened the door to the rest of Europe. With a student visa that allows travel within the Schengen Area, I’ve had the chance to visit other countries, broaden my perspective, and learn outside the classroom as well.

This scholarship isn’t just financial support. It’s a platform for academic growth, cultural exchange, and personal development. It gave me a chance to experience Europe not only as a student but also as a curious traveler and global citizen.

Educational Background

I successfully obtained my high school diploma from American Intercon School (AIS) located in Phnom Penh during the year 2020. The combination of academic excellence and community service initiatives motivated my passion for studying social sciences along with public welfare matters.

At the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) I took English courses to develop my language abilities for overseas academic programs. The IELTS 7.5 band score which I achieved through training became fundamental to my success with both scholarships and university admissions.

I also enrolled in multiple online public health courses from eminent institutions such as Imperial College London, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through Coursera to broaden my subject knowledge. These courses helped prepare me academically and conceptually for my degree in public health.

How I Prepared to Apply to Hungarian Institutions

When I started preparing to apply to universities abroad, I focused on doing thorough research to find programs that matched both my academic interests and future goals. I looked into various institutions across Europe, comparing course structures, tuition fees, living conditions, and scholarship opportunities.

Once I decided to apply to Hungary, I chose the University of Debrecen for its strong public health program, diverse international community, and solid academic reputation. I also made sure that the university was eligible under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship program, which helped narrow down my options.

To meet admission requirements, I took the IELTS test early in the process and earned a 7.5 band score, which gave me a strong academic profile for English-taught programs. I also took a few public health-related online courses to build my academic readiness and demonstrate a genuine interest in the field.

How I Prepared to Apply to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

Applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship was a long process that needed a lot of planning and focus. First, I had to pass the national exam in Cambodia to be selected for nomination. Only students who passed that step could move on, so I took it seriously and was really happy when I secured my spot.

After that, my documents were sent to the Hungarian side, and I started preparing for the entrance exam for my chosen university. I reviewed subject materials related to public health and went over everything carefully, and then I had to do an interview with the university. That part felt nerve-wracking at first, but I just tried to speak honestly about my goals and why I wanted to study in Hungary.

One of the things I spent the most time on was my motivation letter. I worked on it for weeks, writing, editing, re-writing, trying to make sure it really showed who I am, where I come from, and what I hope to do in the future. I talked about my volunteering, my leadership roles in school, and why I care so much about public health and sustainable development.

To make sure I was on the right track, I also talked to past scholarship recipients, read a lot of blogs, and asked for feedback from mentors and friends. I double-checked all my documents, had people proofread everything, and tried to make my application as clear and genuine as possible.

Looking back, I think that mix of preparation and personal storytelling really helped pull everything together.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I think what set my application apart was the way I described my interest in public health and my personal background, demonstrating not just what I wish to do, but why it's so important to me.

In my motivation letter, I explained how thrilled I am with the possibility of studying abroad, particularly in Hungary, as it boasts a wonderful education system, culture, and opportunities. I was honest that public health is not merely a professional choice, but a means of serving my native country by enhancing healthcare and promoting awareness of healthy living.

I also emphasized my leadership roles such as being a seven-year class monitor and being actively involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrated my dedication and willingness to accept responsibility. I was not afraid to mention challenges that I would have to overcome, such as cultural and language adjustment, but presented them in the context of challenges I'm willing to undertake based on the merit of my early life experience of moving away from home.

Finally, I ensured that my application demonstrated my resolve to utilize this chance not only for myself but to repay my country by assisting in the growth of public health. I believe that this combination of personal background, defined objectives, and realistic yet optimistic mindset regarding challenges caused my application to stand out to the committee.

What I Would Have Done Differently

If I could go back, I would have started preparing my documents much earlier. The stress of last-minute deadlines is simply not worth it, especially when those deadlines involve your future.

I wish I had begun searching for scholarships before I even finished high school. I spent nearly a full year going back and forth between my heart and my brain, questioning whether public health was the “right” field for me. That hesitation cost me time, energy, and missed opportunities.

Looking back, I would tell myself to choose a path early, research it deeply, and trust that clarity comes from action, not overthinking. The sooner you align your passion with a plan, the smoother everything else becomes.

Advice for Future Applicants

Start early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to tell your authentic story. Scholarships aren’t just about perfect grades. They’re about potential, passion, and perseverance. Highlight what makes you different, not just what makes you excellent. Connect your past actions with your future goals, and show how the scholarship is the bridge that will help you get there.

Important Note: You might get rejected. You might hear “No.” But that doesn't mean it's the end, it just means you're getting closer to the right opportunity. Don’t be afraid of failure. Learn from it, adapt, and try again. Every application, every interview, every step is a chance to grow and improve.

Most importantly, never believe that your background is too humble to dream big. I’m living proof that someone from a small town in a small country with big dreams, determination, consistency, and purpose, can earn a place among those making a major impact.

So keep going. Keep learning. Keep putting yourself out there. And above all, don’t give up.