Pakistani Dentist Awarded the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Pursue Master’s in Public Health at the University of Debrecen, Hungary

Hi! My name is Zaina Ahmad, and I am a cat lover from Pakistan. I did my Bachelor's in Dental Surgery, which means I fix people’s teeth for a living. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Public Health in Hungary.

You might be wondering why I made the shift from dentistry to public health. Well, there’s a long story behind it, but if I had to sum it up, I’d borrow the words of one of my professors: “If you’re treating a patient’s complaint and not treating the patient as a whole, you’re just putting a bucket of water on a house that’s on fire.”

That quote really stuck with me. It made me realize that to improve health outcomes truly, we need to work at the community and systemic level—at the grassroots. And that’s exactly what inspired me to pursue this new path.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I am currently pursuing my Master's at the University of Debrecen under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship offered by the Hungarian government, providing international students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Hungary, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's in Dental Surgery in Pakistan, where I was honored with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for achieving the highest GPA in my final examinations. However, what I believe truly prepared me for applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship was my research experience. I have published articles in internationally recognized scientific journals and developed a strong foundation in research methodology—an asset that holds value not only in dentistry but across all fields of study.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University of Debrecen and Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

The application process was fairly straightforward. I filled out two separate applications—one for my nominating partner (which varies by country) and another for the Tempus Public Foundation. Applicants are allowed to select a priority university and an optional second choice. In Pakistan, the nominating partner was the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which conducts a nationwide examination as part of the selection process. Candidates who pass the exam are then nominated and invited for interviews by the universities they selected during the application process. Final nominations are typically announced around the end of May or in June.

Some universities may ask for specific test scores, like IELTS.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

While the nomination is primarily merit-based, my experience is a testament to how other aspects of your application can make a significant difference. I was initially waitlisted by my nominating partner, but I didn’t let that stop me. I moved forward with the process, and my interview with my priority university went exceptionally well. My research background played a key role in making my application stand out.

Additionally, the choice of university and major is crucial in determining the success of your application. It's often advised to select programs with lower competition, as this can increase your chances of being selected.

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

Looking back, one thing I would have done differently is selecting a second-choice university. I didn’t include a backup option, and while it fortunately didn’t affect my final selection, it’s still a smart move to have an alternative. Since you’re already investing time and energy into the application, having a second option can only increase your chances and give you peace of mind.

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

For anyone considering scholarships, I would highly recommend applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum. This experience is truly unparalleled. Beyond the academic benefits, it offers incredible cultural exposure, the privilege to travel and explore while you’re still young, and the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

A chance not taken is a missed opportunity—so take the leap. You never know how far it might take you.