Following up on the success of the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic terms, World Aquatics and the Hungarian government are working together to give up to twenty top student-athletes a suitable environment to continue preparing for elite performance while also giving them a head-start on their post-sports career with the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme.

This innovative and comprehensive programme enables emerging elite swimmers to continue their sport careers while also pursuing their academic aspirations at respected Hungarian universities.

This programme is all about providing opportunities to international swimmers who have – or are on their way – to make their mark in swimming globally. This programme was specifically created to allow scholarship holders to advance with expert coaching and sports assistance while studying at Hungarian universities.

"I am thrilled to continue our partnership with the Hungarian government and the Hungarian Swimming Association. This scholarship programme provides an exceptional opportunity for an athlete looking to pursue a university education while competing at an elite level," said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam. "Improving global swimming performance demands that athletes worldwide have access to suitable facilities, coaching, sports science, and educational opportunities. This initiative further empowers athletes to reach their full potential."

Hungarian Swimming Association President Dr. Sandor Wladar emphasized the programme's role in enabling Hungary to extend its knowledge and expertise in swimming to scholarship recipients from around the world.

“Our commitment to this university student-athlete scholarship program reflects our dedication to providing excellent coaching and access to sports facilities like the Duna Arena. We are proud to showcase Hungary's renowned education system and sporting excellence, aiming to inspire more athletes to pursue academic and professional opportunities within our nation.

"The Hungarian Swimming Association is fully committed to continue offering comprehensive professional support to all participants throughout their tenure in the programme."

Available Scholarships | Academic Pathways

Stipendium Hungaricum Sports scholarships are available for bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programmes.

For more information about the scholarship types, check out the “Scholarship Types” section of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme Guidelines here.

Partnering Universities

The recommended study programmes are offered by the following universities: Corvinus University of Budapest, University of Debrecen, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian University of Sports Science, John von Neumann University, University of Pécs, Semmelweis University, John Wesley Theological College, University of Pannonia, and the Hungarian University of Sports Science.

For more information about the scholarship types, check out the “Study Programmes” section of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme Guidelines here.

“An Unbelievable Opportunity” | What Current Scholarship Holders Say About Swimming, Racing, and Studying in Hungary

The programme currently has 12 athletes from the following countries: Sudan, Uganda, Malawi, Algeria, Paraguay, Panama, Bahrain and Sri Lanka.

This group includes current scholarship holders Soud Ghali of Bahrain and Leena Salah of Sudan. Ghali and Salah are studying Physical Training at the Hungarian University of Sports Science and Business Administration and Management at the University of Debrecen, respectively.

“Being part of this programme made for an all-new experience,” said Ghali. “Training with high-level coaches make for a very amazing athlete experience. I have been extremely impressed with coaching here.”

Salah noted the strength of character and rigour it takes to be a successful student-athlete, necessary attributes to reaching competitive swim goals on the global stage.

“The experience as a student-athlete of course it’s very hard at first, but I got used to it and the teachers at the University of Debrecen are very helpful and understanding,” said Salah. “I am doing my best to get involved in the university’s community.

“The best part is the access to the sports facilities, and the coaches here are amazing and very helpful,” added Salah. “Being part of this programme has been a great help. I have elevated my swimming performance and I think I may have a good shot at qualifying for the Olympics.”

Athlete Profile | What the Scholarship Selection Committee Seeks in Candidates

The candidate must be a National Team swimmer, who has represented their country at international competitions and intends to take part in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest and World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025. Additionally, the scholarship selection committee will only consider applicants who demonstrate:  

• Great academic results 
• Good knowledge of the English language, including fluency to read, write and converse in English  
• Motivated to combine their academic and sports career 
• Someone ready to move to a new country, adapt to the local training and academic requirements, be responsible for themselves and is excited about taking on a new life challenge 

Who Can Apply | Athletes Outside Europe

Applications are open to athletes from every country in the world, except for those holding a citizenship from a country in either the European Union or the European Economic Area.

How to Apply

With the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship programme application deadline of 2 April 2024, now is the time to get your application in order.

To apply, you will need to provide the following documents before the deadline: 

• Complete the  Online Application Form 
• Passport copy 
• Photo 
• Proof of English language proficiency translated into the English language 
• High School/Bachelor's degree/Master's degree certificate translated into the English language (depending on the study level of your choice) 
• Transcript of records and a translation of this document into the English language 
• Recommendation from the National Federation 
• Recommendation from the Educational institution 

Please submit all the scholarship application documents to: 

• Melissa Caballero, World Aquatics Development Unit 
• melissa.caballero@worldaquatics.com