World Aquatics meets 13 promising student-athletes who will be part of the 2025/26 Stipendium Hungaricum Sports (SHS) scholarship programme, a joint initiative with the Hungarian Government.
The SHS programme has proved a huge success since its launch in 2021, offering student-athletes the opportunity to advance their swimming careers with access to world-class facilities and coaching in Hungary, alongside progressing with their academic aspirations at a leading university.
This enables World Aquatics to support the development of its athletes not only through training in the pool, but through educational opportunities to prepare them for life beyond their athletic careers.
Student-athletes on the programme receive tuition-free education and a range of training opportunities through coaching from former swimmers including world champions and Olympians, in addition to a monthly scholarship provided by World Aquatics.
In total, 30 athletes from 21 countries across four continents are part of this year’s SHS programme, including eight who have competed at the Olympic Games.
Athletes will be based at universities across Hungary in Budapest, Gödöllő, Pécs, Eger and Debrecen, each among the top institutions in Europe.
Abdellah Ardjoune (Algeria)
Abdellah Ardjoune is returning to the SHS programme to study for a PhD in Engineering Science at Eötvös Loránd University’s (ELTE) Doctoral School of Informatics in Budapest. He previously enrolled on the programme as a Master’s student, demonstrating the success of the SHS programme in shaping student-athletes’ lives.
Ardjoune displayed great commitment and consistency to his training and his studies when he was previously on the SHS programme, and is excited to re-join to study for a PhD.
“I reapplied because my previous experience was very positive and I wanted to continue growing in both sport and academics,” Ardjoune said.
“While doing my Master’s, I realised that pursuing a PhD was the best way to deepen my knowledge and open future opportunities, especially in areas where technology and sports intersect.
“What excites me most is returning to a place where I already feel connected. During my Master’s studies here, I built friendships, adapted to the culture, and found an environment that supports both my academic and sporting ambitions.
“Coming back feels less like starting from zero and more like continuing a journey I had already begun.”
He also sees parallels between his academic studies and his swimming career.
“Swimming has taught me discipline, consistency, and the value of hard work — qualities that are just as important in academic research,”
“Looking ahead, I also see a direct connection between my studies in Computer Science and my swimming career: using data analysis and performance tracking to optimize training.
“In that sense, my academic skills can directly support my future in sport.”
Maria Bianchi (Kenya)
Maria Bianchi will study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management at the Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in Eger.
She competed in Open Water Swimming at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, and is hoping to build on the experience.
“The World Aquatics Championships in Singapore were a turning point for me, as I had the chance to compete against some of the best athletes in the world,” Bianchi reflects.
“That experience taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of preparation. It also showed me that success is not only about talent, but also about mental strength, consistency, and the ability to handle pressure in big moments."
“Moving forward, I will use the lessons I learned in Singapore to guide my training and competition in Hungary.
“I want to build on the confidence I gained, push myself further, and use the international experience to inspire my growth as both a swimmer and a student.
“For me, Singapore was not just a competition, but a reminder of how far I have come and how much further I can go if I remain committed.”
She also expressed her excitement at making new connections and friendships during her time in Hungary.
“Living abroad will push me to step outside of my comfort zone, learn greater independence, and embrace new perspectives,” she said.
“I am also eager to meet people from around the world, build lifelong friendships, and experience the sense of community that comes from sharing both academic and athletic goals.”
Ariuntamir Enkh-Amgalan (Mongolia)
Following Singapore 2025, Ariuntamir Enkh-Amgalan has already competed at four World Aquatics Championships at the age of 21. As part of the SHS programme, she will study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Training at the Hungarian University of Sports Science in Budapest.
Budapest was the host for her first World Aquatics Championships in 2022, and she also competed at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in the Hungarian capital in 2024.
“It’s not my first time in Hungary. It’s a beautiful and calm country, and that atmosphere also influenced my decision to apply to the programme. Competing at the World Championships was definitely a very memorable experience for me,” Enkh-Amgalan acknowledged.
Enkh-Amgalan is targeting the LA28 Olympics, and hopes accessing Hungary’s advanced sport facilities and training will help her to achieve her goal.
“Living away from my hometown is both exciting and challenging. I’m seeking the best ways to grow in every aspect of my life and to enjoy every moment here. I’m excited to discover the best version of myself,” she added.
Leanna Wainwright (Jamaica)
At the University of Debrecen, Leanna Wainwright will study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Patient Care - Physiotherapy.
She sees a close connection between her chosen degree and her swimming career.
“I hope to develop my discipline in balancing studies and training, and also improve my adaptability in a new country. From physiotherapy, I want to build hands-on knowledge about injury prevention, recovery, and performance which I can apply directly to my own swimming career too,” Wainwright said.
“Studying physiotherapy gives me a deeper understanding of how the body works, how to prevent injuries, and how to recover effectively - all things that directly help me as an athlete.
“At the same time, my experience as a swimmer gives me insight into what athletes really need, which makes me a better student.”
Luka Eradze (Georgia)
Luka Eradze has chosen a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Training at the University of Pécs, and wants to use the experience of the SHS programme to propel himself to winning a medal at the World Aquatics Championships.
“Since I am living alone here without any of my family and friends, I have to step out of my comfort zone and make new connections,”
“With the workload of training and studying full time, I believe my already great time management skills will improve tremendously. I hope to develop many skills connected to coaching and swimming.”
Adnan Al Abdallat (Jordan)
During his time as a SHS scholarship holder, Adnan Al Abdallat will be based at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő, studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management.
“This programme is well designed to make sure there is an equal balance between academia and swimming,” Al Abdallat said.
“For my case, this programme will help me to reach my full potential in swimming, and for the educational part it will help me in graduating with a major in Business Administration and Management that will be used for mixing between swimming and business.
“I will apply it in my country by opening a NGO for swimming to teach everyone, no matter their level or socioeconomic abilities.”
Clinton Opute (Nigeria)
Clinton Opute will study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Training at the University of Pécs. Having competed at the last three World Aquatics Championships, he is excited to use the SHS programme to advance his career on and off the field of play.
Opute is a former World Aquatics Scholarship holder, and spent a year in Budapest from 2023 to 2024. He has since expressed a desire to return to Hungary to pursue training and educational opportunities, and the SHS programme will help him to fulfil that.
“The programme will help me achieve my ambitions by giving me quality education and professional skills for my future career, while also supporting my growth and success as an athlete,”
“I hope to develop my academic knowledge, athletic performance, discipline, and leadership skills by joining the programme.”
Holy Antsa Rabejaona (Madagascar)
Holy Antsa Rabejaona has already represented her country at the Olympic Games in Paris, and hopes her SHS scholarship will help her to advance her career even further. She will study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Training at the Hungarian University of Sports Science in Budapest.
“I want to continue my studies and also grow as an athlete. This programme gives me a chance to improve in school and sport at the same time, and to train in a new country with good support,” she said.
“It will help me train better and reach higher levels in swimming. The studies will also give me a strong future career after sport. This way I can succeed both in sport and in life.”
Sugar Ganzorigt (Mongolia)
A BSc in English and American Studies at the Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in Eger awaits Sugar Ganzorigt on the SHS programme.
His experience at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest left a positive impression, and inspired him to apply.
“Last December, I participated in the World Championships in Hungary, so I like the country, the culture, foods and the weather,” Ganzorigt said.
“The most important thing is I wanted to improve my swimming skills.
“The programme will help me to achieve my ambitions by providing training to reach the 2028 Olympics, and develop leadership skills for my future as a coach after my swimming career.”
William Birkett (Ecuador)
William Birkett will join the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő to complete a Master of Science degree in Supply Chain Management during his time on the SHS programme.
He welcomes the opportunity to develop as an athlete and complete his Master’s studies.
“The programme will help me grow as both an athlete and a professional. High-level swimming will strengthen my discipline and resilience, while the Master’s degree will deepen my knowledge and open career opportunities beyond sport,” Birkett commented.
“I see strong connections between my studies and my swimming career. Both demand discipline, focus, and effective time management, and the perseverance I practice in training helps me stay motivated academically.”
Naiara Roca (Bolivia)
Naiara Roca will use her SHS scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management at Corvinus University of Budapest.
“I wanted to continue my studies while training at a high level, and this programme gives me the chance to do both,” she said.
“I am excited to live in a new culture, meet new people, and improve both in my sport and academics.”
Gloria Muzito (Uganda)
After impressing at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, Gloria Muzito will continue her journey by studying for a Master of Arts degree in Management and Leadership at Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
“What motivated me to apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Sports scholarship programme was the possibilities of achieving a higher education degree and opportunities to swim and train on an elite level. This gives me the chance to develop both in the pool and in the classroom,” she said.
“I have very high career goals in both my swimming and school. This Master’s will help me get an extra advantage into the working field with large organisations, with the fact I have completed a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership alongside being an athlete.
“I hope to improve in my swimming and get to the best shape I can to perform and achieve new national records, and to qualify for international competitions with an A cut and make a semi-final.”
Chadd Ng Chiu Hing Ning (Eswatini)
Chadd Ng Chiu Hing Ning has starred for Eswatini at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025. The next step in his career takes him to Hungary to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő.
“I was motivated to apply because this programme gives me the chance to balance both my academic and sporting goals. I want to continue improving my performance while also gaining a strong education in Hungary,” he said.
“The scholarship allows me to train with world-class facilities and coaches, while being part of an international environment that supports athletes in reaching their full potential.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to experience a new culture and lifestyle while focusing on my swimming career, and being around people with similar goals to me.”