Hungary, PH Mark 10 Years of Educational Partnership
By Marinel E. Peroy
A new group of Filipino scholars is set to begin their academic journey in Hungary under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, as Hungary and the Philippines mark a decade of educational cooperation through the initiative.
The Embassy of Hungary in Manila recently welcomed newly selected scholars and honored alumni during an orientation and gathering that highlighted the scholarship program’s growth and its impact on Filipino students over the past 10 years.
The Philippines joined the Stipendium Hungaricum program in 2015, with the first batch of Filipino scholars beginning their studies in Hungary in 2016. Since then, interest in the program has continued to grow.
For Academic Year 2026–2027, the program received 365 applications for 35 available slots, reflecting the increasing interest among Filipino students in pursuing higher education and gaining international academic experience in Hungary.
Dr. Gyula Mike, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Hungary in Manila, said the program goes beyond providing financial support for education.
“The Stipendium Hungaricum program is more than a scholarship. It is a bridge connecting Hungary with the Philippines and a platform that equips students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that matter in the real world.”
Mike said the program’s impact extends beyond academic achievement, particularly through the experiences scholars gain while living and studying abroad.
“What makes this program special are the stories, the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the successes carried back home,” he said.
Beyond their studies, Filipino scholars in Hungary have the opportunity to experience the country’s history and culture while gaining exposure to the wider European region.
Mike noted that Hungary’s location in Central Europe also allows scholars to visit neighboring countries such as Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia, giving them opportunities to encounter different cultures and perspectives.
“The opportunity to travel and experience different cultures is part of the education. These experiences build resilience, broaden perspectives, and prepare scholars to work in diverse environments,” he said.
Mike also encouraged the 24 newly selected Filipino scholars welcomed during the event as they prepare to begin their studies in Academic Year 2026–2027.
“The journey will not always be easy, but it will be rewarding. Use this time to learn, to grow, and to build connections that will serve you well in the years ahead.”
A decade after the Philippines joined the Stipendium Hungaricum program, the scholarship continues to serve as an important avenue for educational exchange between Hungary and the Philippines, giving Filipino students opportunities to pursue higher education abroad while building international networks and experiences they can bring back home.
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