26 Sierra Leoneans Selected for 2026/27 Hungary Scholarship Programme

Twenty-six Sierra Leoneans have been selected for the 2026/2027 Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme after more than 1,000 applicants competed for undergraduate, master’s and PhD opportunities in Hungary.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) held a farewell ceremony for the successful beneficiaries ahead of their departure to universities across Hungary.

Acting Students Secretary at MTHE, George A. Dambo, said more than 1,000 Sierra Leoneans applied, with about 300 shortlisted after screening and interviews, 75 nominated and 26 ultimately selected.

He said the new beneficiaries are expected to increase the number of Sierra Leoneans studying in Hungary from about 91 to approximately 117.

Dambo also recognised the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sierra Leone High Commission in Accra and Hungary’s Honorary Consul in Freetown in facilitating the visa and biometric processes.

Director of Science Education at MTHE, Fatmata Kaiwa, urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, reminding them that they would represent Sierra Leone abroad. She cautioned against misconduct and academic dishonesty, noting that their behaviour and academic performance could affect future scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Director of Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akibo-Jones, similarly urged the students to uphold Sierra Leone’s reputation through hard work and responsible conduct. She said their success could help strengthen bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Hungary.

She also disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Berlin to support the students during their studies.

Senior Human Resources Officer at MTHE, William Saha, advised the beneficiaries to respect Hungarian laws, culture and social practices, choose their friends carefully and avoid distractions. He cautioned them against allowing part-time employment or social activities to interfere with their studies and encouraged them to return home after graduation and apply their knowledge and international experience to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Eliza Akibo-Jones, who is expected to study International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to return with knowledge that could contribute to Sierra Leone’s development. She also appealed for continued support for the programme, particularly with visa and travel-related costs.

Another beneficiary, Malikie Sheriff, who will pursue a Master’s degree in International and European Trade Law at the University of Szeged, said the scholarship would help address the shortage of specialised expertise in trade law in Sierra Leone. He pledged to use his training to strengthen the country’s legal jurisprudence and support businesses engaged in international trade.

The 26 beneficiaries were urged to make responsible use of the scholarship, comply with programme requirements and return to Sierra Leone equipped with knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.