The Hungarian government has announced a new scholarship under the National Talent Program, aimed at supporting young Hungarians aged eight to 30 in their academic and professional pursuits.
This initiative is part of Hungary’s broader commitment to investing in education and training the next generation of talent, prioritizing national development over reliance on foreign labor.
Deputy State Secretary Zsófia Nagy-Vargha, speaking on M1 and Kossuth Radio’s “Good Morning, Hungary!” program, revealed that approximately 670 organizations and individuals will receive HUF 1.3 billion (€3.15 million) in funding in the coming weeks.
As reported by Magyar Nemzet, the program supports civil organizations, schools, vocational colleges, higher education institutions, museums, and other talent management institutions, providing resources to enhance educational opportunities for young Hungarians.
The scholarship, which offers a one-time award of HUF 1 million (€2,414), allows recipients to allocate funds as needed for their studies. While the program welcomes applications from all fields, special emphasis is placed on natural sciences, with additional points awarded to applicants in subjects vital to Hungary’s national economy.
“The goal of the National Talent Program is to build relationships between universities and high schools,” Nagy-Vargha emphasized. In line with this goal, the program includes initiatives such as the STEM Academic Program, which was launched at six universities this year. With HUF 75 million (€181,000) in funding, 11th-grade high school students can participate in two-semester programs exploring natural sciences at higher education institutions, encouraging them to pursue careers in research and development.
Additionally, the HUF 1.3 billion fund supports academic competitions, international events, and the operation of the National Science Student Conference (OTDK), promoting the development of Hungarian talent on a global scale.
The government says the initiative underscores its dedication to cultivating homegrown expertise and fostering the skills of young Hungarians, ensuring a robust future workforce rooted in national development and innovation.
