32 Sierra Leoneans Granted Hungary Scholarships
Hungary has awarded thirty-two scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies to Sierra Leonean students. This initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education program and aims to support Sierra Leone’s human capital development. The scholarship recipients, chosen through a rigorous selection process, met on August 12th and 13th, 2024, at the Hungarian Consulate office on Spur Road in Freetown. Richard Majtan, Head of the Consulate Section of the Hungarian Embassy in Ghana, briefed the students on essential matters such as residency permits and preparations for studying abroad.
Jihad N. Eter, the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, highlighted the scholarships as crucial for Sierra Leone’s educational advancement. He noted that these scholarships aim to enhance the academic qualifications of the recipients and prepare them to contribute significantly to their country’s progress upon their return. Eter also mentioned that this opportunity is part of Hungary’s mission to increase the number of foreign students in its educational institutions and foster international educational cooperation.
The scholarship program is based on bilateral agreements between Hungary’s Ministry of Human Capacities and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, with applications endorsed by relevant national authorities. This collaboration underscores the strong diplomatic and educational ties between the two nations. Eter revealed that Hungary plans to offer more scholarships annually, expanding opportunities for Sierra Leonean students to pursue higher education in Hungary.
