The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has sent off 259 students to study in leading Hungarian universities under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme. These fully funded scholarships, which cover a range of academic disciplines and study levels, are part of a growing partnership between Pakistan and Hungary aimed at creating more educational opportunities for Pakistani youth.
A special ceremony in Islamabad marked the occasion, attended by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, as well as Chairman HEC Nadeem Mahbub, Deputy Head of Mission at the Hungarian Embassy Dr. Dora Gunsberger, and other dignitaries. Parents and faculty members of the scholarship recipients were also present to celebrate the achievements of the students.
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme supports studies at Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s, and PhD levels in fields such as agricultural and veterinary sciences, engineering, health sciences, arts and humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences. Over the years, the number of scholarships offered has increased significantly, with recipients now selected from diverse regions across Pakistan.
During his address, Dr. Siddiqui praised both HEC and the Hungarian Embassy for strengthening educational ties between the two countries, noting that such international opportunities not only bring pride but also considerable responsibilities for the students. He encouraged the scholars to realize their potential and serve as ambassadors for Pakistan abroad.
Chairman HEC Nadeem Mahbub highlighted the commission’s commitment to facilitating opportunities for the nation’s youth and expressed gratitude to Hungary for expanding the programme. He congratulated the students and their families, emphasizing that the recipients were chosen from among 1,400 applicants, making their selection a significant achievement.
Dr. Dora Gunsberger from the Hungarian Embassy reflected on the programme’s evolution since its launch in 2016, when only a few scholarships were available, and advised the students to approach their new experiences and challenges with enthusiasm and resolve. She described the scholarships as both a gift and a responsibility, urging students to engage in cultural exchange and build networks.
Engineer Muhammad Raza Chohan, Advisor Human Resource Development at HEC, shared the history of the Pakistan-Hungary academic partnership, noting that over 1,200 Pakistani students have benefited from the programme to date, with the total expected to reach 1,500 after this batch. He highlighted the role of these students as cultural ambassadors for Pakistan in Hungary and, upon their return, for Hungary in Pakistan.
The programme’s alumni also participated in the ceremony, sharing their experiences and advice with the departing scholars, adding valuable guidance and encouragement.
Since the initial agreement between the two countries in 2015, the scholarship programme has expanded substantially, now offering up to 400 scholarships annually through 2025. The growing cooperation underscores both countries’ commitment to fostering educational excellence and intercultural understanding.
