How a Kazakh Student Earned the Fully Funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary

Hello! My name is Zhibek Batyrgaliyeva, and I’m a human rights advocate from Kazakhstan. I’m pursuing a Bachelor's degree in International Relations with a specialization in European Integration at Corvinus University of Budapest.

I’ve always been passionate about politics, policy, and activism, especially human rights and accessible education. Growing up in a small Kazakhstani town and graduating from a regular public school, I was taught by my mother to value education. That mindset led me to achievements like winning the FLEX program (funded by the U.S. Department of State), which allowed me to study in the U.S. on an exchange and significantly improve my English. I believe in representing Central Asian voices in global discussions, which are often overlooked.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Details

I am currently studying at Corvinus University of Budapest through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, a fully funded initiative by the Hungarian Government and Tempus Public Foundation that supports international students in pursuing higher education in Hungary. You can learn more about the program here.

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• A monthly stipend for living expenses
• Free or subsidized accommodation
• Health insurance

The application usually opens in mid-November, and the deadline is around January 15. Then, shortlisted candidates take a nationwide test (around early February) and go through interviews in March or April, depending on the university.

Under this Scholarship, applicants are allowed to apply to two programs or two universities. Besides my first-choice program in International Relations, I was also accepted into the Media and Communication program at Corvinus. However, I chose IR as it aligns more closely with my long-term goals in policy and diplomacy.

Educational Background

I graduated with honors from public school in Kazakhstan, earning a “Red Diploma” with a perfect GPA (5/5). During high school, I was also selected as one of only ~130 students in Kazakhstan for the FLEX exchange program, which had a national acceptance rate of just 2.3%. This fully funded U.S. government program allowed me to attend an American high school for one academic year, covering all costs, including flights, housing, and a monthly stipend.

Prior to Corvinus, I was a BA student in the International Relations Program at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, where I ranked 6th out of over 100 students in my cohort and earned a place on the Dean’s List for academic excellence for both semesters I attended there.

What truly helped me prepare for Stipendium Hungaricum were my volunteer and professional experiences. I served as a FLEX Alumni Representative, organizing numerous events with the U.S. Embassy and American Councils in Kazakhstan. Additionally, I interned with several NGOs working on human rights issues in Central Asia, developing my research and advocacy skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Corvinus University of Budapest?

I began by researching European universities offering strong programs in International Relations and taught in English. I focused on course content, faculty, and international partnerships. Corvinus University of Budapest stood out due to its specialized curriculum in global and European studies and its vibrant international student community.

I reviewed Corvinus’s official website for admission criteria and contacted current students through social media to get a clearer picture of academic expectations and student life. I also made a checklist of required documents, and since I had already studied IR in Kazakhstan, I felt well-prepared for the entrance exam and was familiar with key academic concepts relevant to the program.

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

I found all the relevant information about the Stipendium Hungaricum program on its official website, which provides a clear and well-structured guide. The application process involved submitting two applications: one to the Stipendium Hungaricum online portal and another to the nominating partner (in Kazakhstan, this was the Bolashaq organization). Applicants in Kazakhstan first participate in a national oral interview conducted by Bolashaq, and successful candidates are then invited to take university-specific exams.

Most Hungarian universities and the scholarship itself require proof of English proficiency. I took the IELTS exam and scored 7.5, which exceeds the typical minimum requirement (6.0–6.5). I prepared independently over two weeks using official IELTS books and YouTube tutorials.

What Made My Application Stand Out

My application included a motivational letter and an online interview with Corvinus professors. I was honest and authentic in both, highlighting my experiences, goals, and regional perspective as a Central Asian student. Even though I was initially placed on the reserve list by the Bolashaq organization, I moved forward with the process and gave my best in the interview, where I scored 95 out of 100.

I believe the key factors that helped me stand out were:

• A strong academic record
• Diverse international and volunteer experiences
• A well-written, personal motivation letter
• A clear alignment between my goals and the program’s focus

Additionally, your choice of university and major matters. While some advise choosing less competitive programs to increase your chances, I encourage applicants to also consider the quality and fit of the program. Corvinus is among the most prestigious universities in Hungary with high competition, but I still applied and succeeded, because the program was a perfect match for me.

What I Would Do Differently

If I could go back, I would start the application process earlier. I submitted my documents on the very last day, which added a lot of unnecessary stress. Starting early allows more time for polishing your essays, preparing for exams, and ensuring everything is submitted smoothly.

My Advice to Future Applicants

1. Do your research thoroughly: understand not only the requirements but also the mission and priorities of the scholarship program.
2. Be authentic: your personal story matters. Don’t be afraid to be honest and passionate!
3. Leverage your strengths: even if you don’t have perfect scores, a strong combination of academics, extracurriculars, and motivation can make your application stand out.
4. Start early: give yourself plenty of time to prepare for exams, write essays, and gather documents.
5. Seek feedback: talk to past recipients and ask mentors to review your application.

Most importantly, believe in your potential. Coming from a small town or an underrepresented background does not limit your ability to achieve big dreams!