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The programme aimed to promote Hungarian higher education among prospective students, strengthen alumni relations, and reinforce professional networks across the Western Balkans. Throughout the visit, the delegation cooperated closely with the Embassies of Hungary in Tirana and Belgrade, whose support played a key role in the successful implementation of the events.

Building Connections and Expanding Opportunities

The mission began in Tirana, where the delegation joined a student recruitment fair organised by the Study in Europe initiative. The event brought together more than forty higher education institutions and national agencies from seventeen European countries, among them Austria, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Visitors could meet university representatives, explore study programmes, and learn about Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus opportunities.

Hungary’s country presentation attracted considerable interest. It offered an overview of the higher education system and the wide range of English‑taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Besides, special attention was given to the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme, which remains one of the most popular study opportunities among Albanian students.

Nearly a hundred prospective students visited the Study in Hungary stand, where they could ask specific questions not only about academic programmes and scholarship options but also about student life. Representatives of the participating universities provided detailed insights into their institutions, while Tempus Public Foundation staff focused on and supported student outreach.

 

Alumni Event – Reinforcing Connections

Strengthening alumni relations was another important element of the mission. On 9th October, the Embassy of Hungary in Tirana and the Tempus Public Foundation jointly organised an alumni meeting. The event brought together Albanian graduates of Hungarian universities to reconnect and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

The event was opened by Ambassador Martina Kasnyik with welcome remarks, followed by panel discussions featuring representatives of key organisations and former scholarship holders. Viktória Stift from the Tempus Public Foundation introduced the mission and activities of Alumni Network Hungary, while Attila Kovács of OTP Albania highlighted the professional value of studying in Hungary. Alumni speakers also shared personal reflections on how their studies in Hungary have influenced their careers and lives in the long term.

Promoting Hungarian Higher Education in Serbia

Study in Hungary

On 12th October, the delegation participated in the World Education Fair in Belgrade. The event featured forty international institutions, including eight Hungarian universities. The Study in Hungary booth attracted close to 90 visitors, while the country presentation introduced the Hungarian higher education system and the Stipendium Hungaricum programme to an audience of around 25 participants.    

In Serbia too, an alumni meeting took place on 13th October at the Embassy of Hungary in Belgrade, where participants discussed opportunities for further cooperation. Representatives of the University of Belgrade’s Department of Hungarian Studies also contributed to the dialogue.

New Perspectives

With strong interest from prospective students and active engagement from alumni, the Western Balkans campaign proved to be more than a series of events. It reinforced Hungary’s visibility in Albania and Serbia, deepened professional and alumni networks, and and contributed to laying the groundwork for long-term academic, cultural, and professional cooperation in the region.

Photos: Tempus Public Foundation. 

Last modified: 17-12-2025