World Aquatics is inviting applications for its unique university scholarship programme in Hungary which, as graduates from previous editions testify, has helped to shape careers on and off the field of play
The innovative and successful Stipendium Hungaricum Sport (SHS) Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative from World Aquatics and the Hungarian Government dating back to 2021, providing opportunities for international students to study in Hungarian higher education institutions alongside participating in competitive swimming.
National Federations are asked to submit their applications for the 2026-27 academic year by 13 March through the World Aquatics GMS, with each able to nominate a maximum of one male and one female athlete with the ambition to pursue higher education while continuing competitive training.
Candidates may choose from 39 study programmes at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level across Budapest, Gödöllő and Eger. At least eight scholarships will be awarded, with the new academic year beginning in September 2026.
Successful applicants will receive tuition-free education, medical insurance, a monthly stipend as part of their SHS Scholarship, dormitory accommodation or an accommodation contribution, a USD 500 monthly scholarship from World Aquatics, and a round-trip flight to their home country once a year.
Scholarship holders also benefit from a full range of sporting services, including a designated top-level coach appointed by the Hungarian Swimming Federation and access to world-class training facilities such as the iconic Duna Arena in Budapest.
A Programme Built on Growth
Tendo Mukalazi (UGA) joined the SHS Scholarship Programme as part of the very first cohort in 2022, and has since graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies from the Corvinus University of Budapest.
“Being the first scholarship holder, I didn't know what to expect – moving to a different country, a new swimming culture. But the World Aquatics team was very welcoming and aided me in all steps, from when I arrived in Budapest, to my first swimming session and my first lecture,” Mukalazi said. “Thanks to World Aquatics, I was able to balance both my academics and swimming sessions, which made everything easier as the years went on.”
Having witnessed the programme’s growth from its earliest days, Mukalazi has seen a notable shift in its culture and community.
"Having started off as two athletes in the first year and the number growing each year after that – there’s now a real network and connection. Athletes who motivate each other, share experiences, and represent the programme with pride. That culture is something I'm especially proud to have witnessed"
The impact of the scholarship extends well beyond the pool and the lecture hall.
“Professionally, it gave me stability at a crucial stage of my development. Knowing that I had financial support allowed me to fully commit to my training without constantly worrying about how to balance work and sport. It also taught me how to approach my sport more professionally – managing time, recovery, nutrition, and competition preparation with a long-term mindset rather than just short-term results.”
For those considering applying, Mukalazi has clear advice drawn from his own experience:
"The most important mindset for someone entering the programme is to think long term"
“Success doesn't happen overnight – it comes from consistency, discipline, and trusting the process. If I could go back to my first year, I would tell myself not to put so much pressure on proving I belong. Being selected already means you've earned your place.”
Academic Excellence Alongside Elite Sport
The SHS Programme continues to attract athletes who are pursuing ambitious academic goals alongside their sporting careers. Two current scholarship holders in Budapest illustrate the breadth of opportunities available.
Abdellah Ardjoune (ALG) is a returning scholarship holder who has already graduated with a Master's degree in Computer Science from Eötvös Loránd University and is now pursuing a Doctoral degree (PhD) in the Doctoral School of Informatics – Engineering Science at the same institution.
“I reapplied because my previous experience was very positive and I wanted to continue growing in both sport and academics,” Ardjoune said.
Gloria Muzito (UGA) is enrolled in a Master's programme in Management and Leadership at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and recognised what the scholarship means for her future.
“I have very high career goals in both my swimming and school. This Master's will help me get an extra advantage in the working field with large organisations – with the fact I have completed a Master's degree in Management and Leadership alongside being an athlete,” she said.
From the Pool to the World Stage
The SHS Programme has a proven track record of helping athletes elevate their performance at the highest levels of the sport. Yousif Ibrahim (SUD), who graduated in Management and Leadership at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, competed at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, a milestone he credits in part to his time enrolled on the programme.
“I was so lucky to have the opportunity to be in the training centre here in Budapest. I was training in one of the best pools in the world. All the facilities were perfectly helpful for my development, and being part of such an amazing team full of very talented swimmers really helped me to improve,” Ibrahim said.
Beyond the sporting achievements, Ibrahim described how the programme transformed his broader perspective:
“Within sport, it shifted my mindset from simply focusing on performance and immediate results to thinking more strategically and long-term.
"My studies deepened my understanding of areas like leadership, performance psychology, and planning, which helped me approach training and competition with more structure and intention"
“Outside of sport, earning my degree broadened my perspective on who I am beyond being an athlete. It reinforced the idea that my skills – discipline, resilience, teamwork, and critical thinking – are valuable in many professional settings.”
He also offered advice to future applicants for the SHS Programme:
“The most important mindset for someone entering the programme is to be open to adapting to a totally new environment. Trust the process – both academically and athletically. If I could go back to my first year, I would tell myself to enjoy every moment while working hard for my goals, and always believe that you can achieve what you want.”
How to Apply
National Federations are invited to apply by 13 March through the GMS. The programme is open to swimmers from all World Aquatics National Federations, with the exception of members of the European Union and European Economic Area.
For further information or questions, please contact the World Aquatics Development Unit:
Bence Biczo
bence.biczo@worldaquatics.com
World Aquatics Development Unit
development@worldaquatics.com