Overview of the 2025 Stipendium Hungaricum Student Excellence Award
The University of Dunaújváros (UOD) recently celebrated the best of its scholarship cohort by awarding the Stipendium Hungaricum Student Excellence Award for the year 2025. The honor is presented by the Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) and emphasizes outstanding academic performance, competition achievements, and active community involvement of scholarship holders. In 2025, UOD’s Mechanical Engineering master’s student Emmanuel John Ndunguru, a Tanzanian national, was announced as the sole recipient in a ceremony hosted at the Mirror Hall of Budapest’s Festetics Palace.
Key Criteria and Selection Process
Applicants are chosen based on a transparent framework. First, universities identify candidates who meet high grades, typically an average above 4.0 on a 5-point scale. Second, they evaluate participation in nationally or internationally recognized academic competitions, such as design challenges or engineering case studies. Third, community engagement – research outreach, volunteer work, or leadership roles within student societies – is considered. The final decision is made by the TPF board after receiving recommendations from each institution’s scholarship coordinator.
Application Mechanism from UOD
UOD students interested in receiving the award must request nomination through the International Relations Directorate. Recommendations are prepared on behalf of the student and forwarded to the TPF office by a deadline usually in July each year. The program’s official website provides a detailed checklist and PDF forms that must accompany the application.
Contact the International Relations team for assistance in compiling your nomination package.
Profile of the 2025 Awardee: Emmanuel John Ndunguru
Emmanuel enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering MSc program in 2024 and progressed swiftly through core modules such as thermodynamics, advanced manufacturing, and machine learning for design. His research on heat‑shrink composites earned him a first‑place medal at the European Undergraduate Engineers Competition, a rare achievement for a second‑year master’s student. Beyond academics, Emmanuel directed a campus‑wide STEM outreach initiative that partnered with local high schools to introduce robotics curricula.
During the award ceremony, Emmanuel shared his guiding motto, “Striving for excellence, driven by purpose,” underscoring the balance between technical prowess and social responsibility that the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship seeks to foster.
Advantages of Receiving the Excellence Award
Securing the award brings recognition beyond merit. Awardees are featured in UOD’s annual report, gaining visibility for future PhD or industry positions. The achievement also offers a platform to network with other scholarship recipients and senior faculty, potentially leading to collaborative research projects or industry internships.
Additionally, the award often triggers a review of the applicant’s scholarship package, which may include a partial extension of the tuition waiver or enhanced health‑insurance coverage, depending on TPF guidelines.
How Students Can Prepare for the Next Cycle
Prospective candidates should target consistent high grades, aiming for an average of 4.2 and above if possible. Supplementing coursework with research projects—especially those aligned with industry trends—will demonstrate depth of knowledge. Participation in at least one academic competition each year and maintaining an active role in student organizations are also strong signals to the selection panel.
Before the July submission deadline, students should prepare a portfolio that includes:
- Official transcript and GPA certificate
- Competition certificates or awards
- Letters of recommendation from faculty mentors
- A concise statement of purpose highlighting academic goals and community impact
For more resources on preparing a strong application, visit the Stipendium Hungaricum application page on the UOD website.
Take the Next Step Toward Academic Excellence
Interested students can explore further details of the Mechanical Engineering MSc curriculum here. For students from outside Hungary, the UOD international office offers dedicated support with visa guidance and housing information.
If you have questions about the award eligibility or scholarship conditions, write to us or schedule an online consultation with our international staff.
We encourage all scholarship holders to apply for the upcoming 2026 award cycle. Submit your application today and position yourself for recognition on an international stage.
