Two international sports federations, World Aquatics (AQUA), formerly FINA, and the International Judo Federation (IJF), have been nominating candidates for the scholarship programme since its inception. The Hungarian Swimming Association (MÚSZ) and the Hungarian Judo Association (MJSZ) are responsible for the co-ordination of the sports management side of the programme. SHS scholarship holders can apply for study programmes offered by higher education institutions that participate in the SHS programme. These higher education institutions offer a framework that allows students to pursue dual careers in academic study and sport, with study and examination requirements that are compatible with this dual path.
In the first two application cycles, a total of 17 scholarship holders have participated in the programme. The 4 judokas and 13 swimmers came from 14 different countries (including Algeria, Bahrain, Cuba, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Maldives, Morocco, Panama, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda). The largest number of students have started their studies at Eötvös Loránd University (4), Semmelweis University (3), Corvinus University of Budapest (3), Budapest University of Technology and Economics (2), University of Debrecen (2), Hungarian University of Sports Science (2), and Széchenyi István University (1). The most popular study fields among the students are medicine and health sciences, economics and social sciences.
Josephina Arrúa – SHS swimmer from Paraguay. Photo by Derencsényi István
“The Stipendium Hungaricum Sports Programme is created for all sports enthusiasts who also want to achieve great academic results. One of the best things that will be available to you is studying at a prestigious university and becoming a professional player and defender of your flag. Managing my routine with all the sports and studies was a rollercoaster which taught me many things, such as keeping a direct timetable for everything and knowing the value of your time. I plan to be an expert in my field (Psychology BA) and definitely improve as a swimmer who competes at the international level for my country.”- shared her thoughts with us Josefina Arrúa, a scholarship holder from Paraguay.
Soud Ghail from Bahrain will swim the 200m breaststroke at the Summer Olympics in Paris. Photo by Derencsényi István
A clear success for the SHS Scholarship Programme is that 5 scholarship holders qualified and represented their countries at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha this year. Soud Ghail from Bahrain swam an impressive personal best in the 200m breaststroke.
We are looking forward to the Summer Olympics in Paris from 26th July to 11th August, in which 2 SHS students will compete and represent their countries. Tayamika Chang’anamuno from Malawi is in the 50m freestyle, and the aforementioned Soud Ghail is in the 200m breaststroke.
Tayamika Chang’anamuno from Malawi will swim the 50m freestyle at the Summer Olympics in Paris. Photo by Derencsényi István
Another great example of sporting success is Aqulina Chayeb, a Lebanese judoka and SHS scholarship holder who studies business administration and management at Corvinus University in Budapest and trains with the Honvéd Sports Association of Budapest (BHSE).
She is successful in the academic hurdles and has achieved outstanding results in sports and is a perfect example of why this programme is really rewarding. A month after arriving in Hungary, she suffered a severe injury, but with the help of a physiotherapist, she fully recovered. She went on to win the bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Junior Judo Championships and made her country proud with her impressive performance.
Aqulina Chayeb, SHS scholarship holder from Lebanon and bronze medallist judoka at the 2023 Asian Junior Judo Championships
with Dr Tóth László, President of the European Judo Union and the Hungarian Judo Association. Photo by Aqulina Chayeb
“The trainings are great; I can feel that I am getting a lot better. (…) I am hoping to get some good results in the next competitions this year, as it is my last year in Juniors! And, of course, I am very thankful to the Hungarian Judo Association and the International Judo Federation for always helping me and supporting me! From training camps to tapes, to physiotherapy and financial aid. I am also very thankful for this opportunity, the scholarship, and to my Judo club, which is “Honvéd”! – said the happy bronze medallist, Aqulina.
In the academic year 2024/25, 10 swimmers and 3 judokas will begin their studies in Hungary as part of the SHS scholarship programme in Budapest, Eger, Debrecen, and Pécs. These scholarship holders come from 11 different countries (Algeria, El Salvador, Georgia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Panama, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Uganda) and will further enrich the Hungarian sports scene with their arrival.
