ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan hosted a send-off ceremony for 209 scholarship recipients set to study at top Hungarian universities under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme. The event marked the departure of the 11th batch of Pakistani students benefiting from the programme since its inception in 2016.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, this year saw approximately 26,000 applicants vying for scholarships, indicating a strong interest in international education opportunities among Pakistani youth. With the addition of the 2026 batch, the total number of Pakistani students awarded scholarships through the programme has reached 1,636.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul Haq, and Deputy Head of Mission in Pakistan Dr. Dora Gunsberger, among others. Dr. Akhtar, in his address, urged the students to respect Hungarian laws, utilize the academic and cultural diversity available, and return to Pakistan with knowledge to aid national development. He praised Hungarian universities for their quality education and thanked the Hungarian government for its support.

Dr. Gunsberger highlighted the significance of the send-off ceremony, describing it as a celebration of both individual and communal achievements under the scholarship programme. She encouraged the students to set clear academic goals and to carry the responsibility of the scholarship with dedication.

Dr. Zia Ul Haq pointed to the transformative impact of HEC’s Human Resource Development Division, expressing gratitude to the Hungarian government for its collaboration. Meanwhile, Director General (HRD/GE) Ms. Aayesha Ikram emphasized the competitive selection process and encouraged students to embrace the international academic environment.

Alumni Momina Aftab and Iffat Kalsum shared their experiences, urging new students to maximize the opportunity and represent Pakistan responsibly. They acknowledged the support from HEC and the Hungarian government in providing such valuable educational prospects.