From Scholarship to Success: My Stipendium Hungaricum Journey – Part 2: My advice for the application process

Sarah Sabek | 08.12.2024.

Since applications have recently opened, I thought I would share with you my story so far and how one day, you might also have a story to tell… a story that starts with a scholarship and leads to success.

Missed Part 1 of my journey? Read about what the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship means for me.

Do you have any questions? You can also email me.

How I Got Started: My Application Process

If you’ve made it to the stage of applying, congratulations! I know you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, just like I did when I first saw the application form. It can be intimidating, but trust me, it’s manageable if you take it step by step.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how I tackled it:

Research, Research, Research:
I started by researching the available programs and making sure I met all the eligibility requirements. With so many options, I was able to find the perfect program for me, and this part was enjoyable since I was able to view all the “possible futures” I could have selected but only chose one.
Document Preparation:
This is the part that took the most time. I had to prepare a few documents, including academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, recommendation letters (choose wisely!), medical exams, and, most importantly, my motivation letter. I spent a lot of time on that motivation letter, making sure it reflected who I really am and why I was applying. My tip? Be yourself! Highlight your achievements, of course, but also focus on what drives you, what excites you, and why Hungary and the program you’re choosing are the right fit for you.
Submitting My Application:
Once I gathered everything, I made sure to double-check it all before submitting. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the scholarship team if you’re uncertain about something. They are incredibly helpful and will assist you if needed.
The Wait:
The long-awaited wait… The waiting period was probably the hardest part for me. But I kept reminding myself that, regardless of the outcome, I had already learned so much by going through the process. And when I finally received my acceptance letter, the joy and excitement I felt were worth every second of that wait it was truly unparalleled.

For a more detailed, step-by-step guide, I recommend checking out the official video playlist as it is really helpful.

And here you can read Part 3 of my journey.