23 PH scholars bound for Hungary

FROM more than 66,000 applications all over the globe, with 40,200 coming from Asia and 23,832 from Africa, 23 Filipino students successfully passed the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program and will start their studies in various universities in Hungary in September.

During the introduction of the new scholars and alumni gathering at the Hungarian Embassy in Manila on July 31, Ambassador Titanilla Toth said the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program was established by the Hungarian government as "[e]ducation is the most empowering force in the world; it creates knowledge, builds confidence and breaks down barriers to opportunity."

The program, which helps attract top international students from around the world, aims for the scholars to «establish personal and professional links to Hungary and each other while enjoying high-quality education in the heart of Europe.»

Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Toth (sixth from left) with nine of the new 23 Filipino Stipendium Hungaricum scholars at the Hungarian Embassy in Manila on July 31, 2024. PHOTO BY ARLO CUSTODIO

Addressing guests, alumni students, current students and newly awarded students of the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, the Hungarian ambassador to the Philippines said the program has become a brand in its own right, demonstrating the quality and competitiveness of Hungarian higher education.

«Thousands of foreign students apply for higher educational studies in Hungary; just this year, we experienced a 16 percent increase in the number of aspirants compared to 2023,» Toth said, citing statistics.

«After returning home, our graduates can build social, political and economic relationships, thus contributing to the cooperation between Hungary and their home countries,» she added.

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The program, Toth said, is based on bilateral educational cooperation agreements signed between ministries, departments responsible for education in the sending countries/territories and Hungary, or between higher education institutions.

Over 90 sending partners or countries and territories are engaged in the program from five continents, attracting more than 5,000 international students each