Twenty-six Sierra Leonean students are set to pursue undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies in Hungary after being selected under the 2026/2027 Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) formally bid farewell to the beneficiaries in Freetown on Aug. 18 as they prepared to begin their studies.

Acting Students Secretary George A. Dambo said more than 1,000 Sierra Leoneans applied for the scholarship. After screening and interviews, about 300 applicants were shortlisted, 75 were nominated, and 26 were ultimately selected.

Dambo said 91 Sierra Leoneans are currently studying in Hungary. With the arrival of the latest beneficiaries, the number is expected to increase to about 117.

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He credited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sierra Leone High Commission in Accra and Hungary’s Honorary Consul in Freetown with supporting the beneficiaries through visa and biometric processes.

Director of Science Education Fatmata Kaiwa urged the students to approach their studies with discipline and focus, reminding them that their conduct abroad would reflect on Sierra Leone.

Kaiwa cautioned the beneficiaries against misconduct and academic dishonesty, noting that their performance could influence future scholarship opportunities for other Sierra Leoneans.

Akibo-Jones, director of the Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also encouraged the students to protect Sierra Leone’s reputation by demonstrating commitment and responsible behaviour.

She said the beneficiaries’ achievements could contribute to stronger bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Hungary.

Akibo-Jones added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Berlin to provide assistance to the students during their stay.

Senior Human Resources Officer William Saha advised the students to respect Hungarian laws, culture and social practices. He also encouraged them to choose their friends carefully and avoid distractions that could affect their academic progress.

Saha cautioned the beneficiaries against allowing part-time employment or social activities to interfere with their studies and urged them to return to Sierra Leone after graduation to apply their skills and international experience to national development.

Speaking for the beneficiaries, Eliza Akibo-Jones, who will study International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest, thanked the authorities for the scholarship opportunity.

She pledged to work hard and return to Sierra Leone with knowledge that could support national development. She also called for continued support for the program, particularly regarding visa and travel-related expenses.

Another beneficiary, Malikie Sheriff, will pursue a master’s degree in International and European Trade Law at the University of Szeged.

Sheriff said the program would help address gaps in specialised trade law expertise in Sierra Leone. He pledged to use his training to contribute to the country’s legal jurisprudence and support businesses involved in international trade.

The ministry encouraged the beneficiaries to comply with the requirements of the scholarship program and make responsible use of the opportunity as they prepare to contribute their knowledge and skills to Sierra Leone’s development.