Created: 2026.01.12. 11:44
Within the framework of the Scholarship for Christian Young People, Christian students living as minorities in their home countries receive support for higher education. Széchenyi István University has been participating in the programme for several years, and in the current academic year the institution is once again organising numerous activities for its scholarship holders, who form a genuine community in Győr.
Hungary launched the Scholarship for Christian Young People (SCYP) as part of the Hungary Helps humanitarian initiative, in the spirit of a policy of solidarity with persecuted Christian religious minorities. The aim of the programme is to enable young Christians from crisis regions of the world – who are exposed to religious persecution, threats or restrictions on the free practice of their faith – to pursue higher education in Hungary. One of the most valuable elements of the programme is that, after acquiring knowledge and qualifications, the young people return home and contribute to the development of their communities and countries. In the eight years since the programme’s launch, a total of 323 students have obtained degrees (26 of them at Széchenyi István University), while eight have earned doctoral degrees. Currently, more than 160 students are studying at 14 higher education institutions.
Széchenyi István University has been involved in the programme from the very beginning. In the current academic year, eight students are studying in Győr, coming from Syria, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Sylvia Páliné Nyiri, Coordinator of the Centre for Mobility and Scholarships of the University’s International Directorate, explained that, alongside ensuring the free practice of the Christian faith, a key objective is to support students’ integration. For this reason, a wide range of events is organised for them, offering opportunities to build new connections. “The students can join a Christian community with shared values and practise their faith freely. Scholarship holders are given the opportunity to attend English-language church services, and they can also participate in Bible study sessions, where, in addition to deepening their faith and self-awareness, they can gain positive self-development insights,” she explained.
In addition to faith-related events, the University also involves scholarship holders in cultural and charitable programmes. In the autumn, students visited the Pannonhalma Archabbey near Győr, and within the framework of the “Me and My Country” series, they also took part in activities at a children’s home, contributing to building bridges between cultures.
“Since 2023, with the help of international students, we have presented nearly twenty countries, offering children insight into different nations and cultures and encouraging them to pursue further studies. The aim was not only to promote acceptance and tolerance: through personal stories and shared laughter, genuine human connections were formed, which may have a positive impact on future generations,” said Sylvia Páliné Nyiri.
Christian international students studying at Széchenyi István University also visited the Pannonhalma Archabbey together. The photo shows the moment of departure from the University’s Győr campus.
At a charity event featuring gingerbread decorating, Emmanuel Chigozie Chukwama from Nigeria explained that in his home country, young people who do not continue their studies are often considered “useless” by society. He revealed that receiving the SCYP scholarship made it possible for him to come to Hungary and focus on his studies. Taib Nejjar, a self-funded student from Morocco, encouraged the children to dare to dream big and to do everything they can to make those dreams come true, reminding them that success requires focus and belief in oneself. Ghofrane Baazaoui, a Tunisian student supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, emphasised that good academic results can lead to scholarships, opportunities to see the world, attendance at international conferences and the discovery of new possibilities – proving that learning truly opens doors. Former SCYP scholarship holder Waris Gill conveyed the message of faith, encouraging the children to believe in and trust God, assuring them that their lives would then be in good hands.
Moroccan self-funded student Taib Nejjar, Tunisian Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder Ghofrane Baazaoui, former Pakistani SCYP scholarship holder Waris Gill, and Nigerian student Emmanuel Chukwuma Chigozie visited the children’s home in Győr in early December, where they spoke to the children about their home countries and their own life stories.
Speaking about the SCYP support, Waris Gill from Pakistan said that the programme provides a favourable and accessible pathway to higher education – an opportunity that many affected young people often do not have in their home countries. “Being able to practise my faith in Hungary means freedom and security, and the possibility to live openly as a Christian without fear. The scholarship changed my life: it gave me stability, broadened my academic opportunities, and enabled me to continue my doctoral studies in Győr,” he said. According to Nigerian student Emmanuel Chigozie Chukwama, SCYP can give hope to many young people who previously felt that continuing their studies was impossible. “The scholarship changes lives: it restores self-confidence, creates new opportunities, and reminds students that their dreams are achievable. I am grateful to be among those who were able to benefit from this at Széchenyi István University, and I highly appreciate all the support that has made this programme possible,” he emphasised.
Arooj Paul, also from Pakistan, said she feels fortunate to be part of the programme, which offers her wonderful opportunities. “My life changed after receiving this scholarship, and that is why I recommend joining the SCYP community to as many people as possible,” she said. “I am grateful that I can obtain my Master’s degree in Győr, and during my time here I can grow closer to my faith while developing myself, both professionally and personally.”
Christian international students of Széchenyi István University form a close-knit community. In the photo, the students ceremonially light the second candle of the Advent wreath.
In addition to finding a genuine community during their studies, scholarship holders gain valuable knowledge that enables them, upon returning to their home countries, to contribute to the development of their communities and their nation.
