As a new cohort of athletes embarks on their Stipendium Hungaricum Sport (SHS) Scholarship Programme journey, World Aquatics speaks to three graduating student-athletes who reflect on how the experience has shaped their lives, both inside and outside the pool.
The SHS programme is a joint initiative from World Aquatics and the Hungarian Government dating back to 2021, enabling international students to combine training at Hungary’s world-class swimming facilities with studying at a prestigious higher education institution.
Josefina Arrua of Paraguay completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, while Ammara Pinto of Malawi and Saud Ghali of Bahrain both graduated in Physical Training from the Hungarian University of Sports Science in Budapest.
Their stories further capture the variety of opportunities offered by the SHS programme to its participants.
A Life-Changing Decision
For each athlete, the decision to apply for the SHS programme was driven by a desire to pursue both academic and sporting excellence simultaneously.
Pinto arrived in Hungary motivated by a clear dual ambition:
“I was motivated to pursue my education as well as being able to train at one of the world's best swim facilities,” she said.
Ghali echoed that sentiment, adding:
"I was motivated by the opportunity to combine high-level education with my athletic career. It's not easy to find a place that supports both seriously"
For Arrua, the appeal lay in the quality of the programme and the prospect of training with leading international athletes and coaches. Arriving in Hungary for the first time, she admitted the transition was not without its challenges.
“When I arrived in Hungary, it was my first time in Europe, and the change was overwhelming. I did not know what was expected of me; nevertheless, I was eager to discover what my new lifestyle would be for the next three years,” she explained.
Growing Beyond the Pool
Living and studying abroad pushes athletes to develop in ways that go far beyond their sport. All three graduates spoke of a growing sense of independence and self-reliance as one of the defining aspects of their time in Hungary.
Pinto reflected: “I've learned to be a bit more responsible as I've had to manage studies and training load on my own as well as living by myself.”
Ghali described a similar transformation: “It made me more disciplined and independent. As an athlete, I had to manage my time better between training and studies. As a person, living abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me adapt to different cultures, and made me more focused on my long-term goals.”
Arrua explained her own personal growth:
"I always say that I was a different person before coming to Hungary"
“A lot of things changed, such as language, culture, weather, transportation, food and friends. These are not small things, and it can be challenging to adapt at first, but it is actually enriching because you learn every day and discover things about yourself that you probably would not have ever known if these changes had not happened.”
Friendships and Unforgettable Moments
When asked about the highlights of their time on the programme, all three athletes pointed to the friendships formed and the community built among fellow scholarship holders.
“Making new friends and building lifelong relationships has definitely been the highlight and something I'll always remember,” said Pinto.
Ghali added:
"One of the most memorable things has been meeting people from completely different backgrounds and still connecting through sport"
Arrua described finding a family far from home.
“I discovered that those who were once strangers can become family while being far from home. Coaches, teachers, teammates are a great support, and even though you feel lonely, you are never alone,” she said.
Academic Knowledge Meets Sporting Performance
One of the unique advantages of the SHS programme is the direct connection between the academic disciplines chosen and athletes' own sporting development. For those studying Physical Training at the Hungarian University of Sports Science, that link has been especially tangible.
“I've been able to better understand and apply how an athlete's body works and develops for the sport you play,” said Pinto.
For Ghali, the structured academic environment fed directly into his competitive preparation.
"Being in a structured environment with access to facilities, and balancing academics, has strengthened my mindset, which is important when preparing for high-level competitions"
Arrua’s degree in Psychology also opened new dimensions in her approach to performance.
“It has helped me to better understand my current feelings and struggles, teaching me how to focus on my present goals without becoming anxious about the future or letting the past hold me back. Moreover, this experience has not only benefited me personally but has also made me more aware of what others may be experiencing and feeling,” she said.
Advice for Future Applicants
All three graduates were eager to pass on advice to the next generation of athletes considering the SHS programme.
Pinto urged: “Be prepared to be able to handle study demands as well as swim training demands, but also appreciate both opportunities and feel honoured and excited for it.”
Ghali offered similar advice: “If you are serious about both your education and your sport, go for it – but be ready to work. It is a great opportunity, but it requires discipline, consistency, and the ability to handle pressure.”
Arrua added: “I would be honest with them.
"It is a unique and incredible opportunity that will shape your life and future"
“What you get out of this programme is lifelong friendships, incredible learning opportunities, and awesome experiences. As with almost everything in life, it is going to be hard – it is important for you to know the difference between resting and giving up, and it is also okay to ask for help. Just remember, you will not be alone.”
Looking Ahead: A New Cohort for 2026-27
As this year's graduates prepare to take their experiences home and apply them in their respective nations, the SHS programme continues to grow. World Aquatics is proud to confirm that eight athletes have been awarded places on the 2026-27 edition of the SHS Programme, representing the next wave of emerging talent to benefit from this unique opportunity.
Ghali is among those who will be re-joining the programme to study for his Master’s degree, with the full list as follows:
- Hussaine Tariq Saleh Taha (Oman – BSc in Computer Science at Eötvös Loránd University)
- Soud Salah Ghali (Bahrain – MSc in Sports Coaching at Hungarian University of Sports Science)
- Bruno Heinichen Masi (Paraguay – BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Gödöllő) at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE))
- Amir Kydyrmaev (Kyrgyzstan – BSc in Computer Science at Eötvös Loránd University)
- Nithik Nathella (India – BSC in Business Administration and Management at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University)
- Hugo Overvest Barradas (Mozambique – BSc in Business Informatics at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University)
- Romeo-Mihaly Asubisye Asubisye Mwaipasi (Tanzania – BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at Hungarian University of Sports Science)
- Baritiana Mathieu Andriampenomanana (Madagascar – BA in Physical Training at Hungarian University of Sports Science)
For additional information or questions on the SHS programme please contact the World Aquatics Development Unit:
Melinda Novoszath
melinda.novoszath@worldaquatics.com
World Aquatics Development Unit
development@worldaquatics.com