The Republic of Hungary has awarded thirty-two scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This initiative is part of Hungary’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s human capital development efforts, in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education program.

The successful scholarship recipients, selected through a rigorous process, gathered on August 12th and 13th, 2024, at the Hungarian Consulate office on Spur Road in Freetown. During this meeting, Richard Majtan, Head of the Consulate Section of the Hungarian Embassy in Ghana, addressed the students on essential matters including residency permits and other necessary preparations for their studies abroad.

Jihad N. Eter, the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, emphasized the scholarships as a vital contribution to Sierra Leone’s educational advancement. He highlighted that the scholarships aim not only to enhance the academic qualifications of the recipients but also to prepare them to contribute significantly to their country’s progress upon their return.

Eter noted that this opportunity aligns with Hungary’s mission to increase the number of foreign students in its educational institutions, thereby fostering international educational cooperation. The scholarship program is rooted in bilateral agreements between Hungary’s Ministry of Human Capacities and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, with applications being endorsed by relevant national authorities.

The collaboration between the Hungarian and Sierra Leonean governments underscores the strong diplomatic and educational ties between the two nations. Looking ahead, Eter revealed that Hungary plans to offer more scholarships annually, further expanding opportunities for Sierra Leonean students to pursue higher education in Hungary.