Hungary has granted funding to 170 Syrian students to receive academic scholarships in its universities and academies, the Syrian Observer reports today.
The Hungarian government had originally approved the funding of 50 scholarships for Syrian students in their universities, with more than 270 students applying for the entrance exams.
However, when 170 applicants succeeded in the tests, a government decision was made to raise the number of grants from 50 to 170, making Hungary the European nation to grant the largest number of scholarships to Syrians in a single year.
Hungarian embassies have been instructed to facilitate the obtaining of necessary visas for the Syrians admitted to the universities in the soonest time possible. Any student whose circumstances do not allow them to enroll at the universities this year can enroll at the beginning of next year.
Dr. Walid al-Bunni, who resides in Budapest, confirmed the news adding that the Hungarian measure will contribute to opening room for these students to continue their studies for free, as the scholarship will cover all living and study expenses.
Dr. Bunni said that this step will contribute to strengthening relations between the future Syria and the Hungarian Republic, and thanked the Hungarian government for this measure, and said he hoped that it would continue to accept the same number in the coming year as well.
The Hungarian government has indicated that the scholarship program would be fully funded, from university fees to monthly stipends for the students, as well as their housing and health insurance for all academic stages (baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, preparatory or specialist studies).