One of Hungary’s most important resources is its well-educated human capital; the country needs young, qualified people who are open to the world, who love their country and are hard-working, so that they can not only be able to observe but also shape the future, the Hungarian president wrote on Facebook on Saturday.
Katalin Novák, who attended the selection camp of the National Talent Center’s Stipendium Peregrinum scholarship program in Balatonszárszó as the main patron and instructor, said that the promotion of Hungarian talents is one of the five priority areas she wants to address as president.
The Stipendium Peregrinum (Stipi) is a scholarship program for young people „who have already proven that their knowledge is valuable on a global level and that they have the diligence and humility to use their talents for the benefit of our nation,” the president said.
Katalin Novák noted since the launch of Stipi, she spends three days each year with the young campers to get to know them personally and give them some guidance before they start their studies in the best universities in the world with a scholarship.
Photo via President Novák’s official Facebook page
At an on-site press conference, Krisztina Lantos, Managing Director of the National Talent Center, said that the program is now in its third year of supporting young people with outstanding talent who have been accepted to the world’s most prestigious universities. This year, out of 152 applicants 49 will attend the camp, where they will be mentored by exceptional and exemplary tutors, who are among Hungary’s intellectual leaders.
Krisztina Lantos pointed out that the available HUF 250 million (EUR 620.000) can fund up to 25 talented students for a year of study, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel and even participation in international conferences. The winners are chosen by a panel of university professors.
Currently 47 students are studying abroad on Stipendium Peregrinum scholarships, of which 35 students have recently been selected for further support, she said.
In response to a question, the manager statd that the beneficiaries usually undertake some voluntary work during their studies. In addition, after their studies, they commit to work in Hungary for the same amount of time as they have received grants.
Featured photo via President Novák’s official Facebook page
