The Honorary Consulate of Hungary in The Gambia headed by Farimang Saho, has successfully concluded the handing-over of passports to Gambian recipients of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, following the processing and approval of their visas to pursue higher education in Hungary.
This marks the second occasion the consulate has supported the passport handover to successful scholarship recipients, bringing the total number of Gambian beneficiaries assisted through its office from last year to date to 20.
The passport handover marks an important milestone for the scholarship recipients, who will shortly travel to Hungary to begin their respective academic programmes.
As part of the visa application process, the students travelled to Ghana during the first week of August in two separate groups to attend their visa appointments at the Embassy of Hungary. The journey was necessary as there is currently no resident Hungarian Embassy in The Gambia.
The process was facilitated by Mr Abubacarr Saho, who supported coordination between the students, the honorary consulate in The Gambia and the Hungarian Embassy in Ghana, helping the recipients navigate the arrangements and requirements for their visa applications.
Despite the logistical challenges involved, the students successfully completed the application process and expressed appreciation for the warm reception and assistance provided by the embassy.
During their visit, the students were briefed on the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, including its benefits, academic expectations, visa procedures and residence permit requirements. They were also given the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarification on matters relating to their studies and stay in Hungary.
The students further appealed for consideration to be given to providing future consular services in The Gambia for subsequent scholarship recipients, which would help reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with travelling abroad for visa processing.
On 4th September 2026, the successful applicants received their passports bearing their Hungarian visas at the Office of the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in The Gambia. The
occasion was met with excitement and appreciation from the students, who described the moment as the culmination of a challenging but rewarding journey.
The recipients commended Honorary Consul Farimang Saho and his office for their guidance, support and commitment to assisting Gambian students. They also expressed appreciation to Mr Abubacarr Saho for his role in facilitating the process and supporting them throughout the preparations.
Speaking collectively, the scholarship recipients said:
“This journey has taught us that with determination, unity and perseverance, challenges can be overcome. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Hungary and to the Hungarian Consulate and its team for their guidance and support. We look forward to making the most of this life-changing opportunity and proudly representing The Gambia in Hungary.”
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, supported by the Government of Hungary, continues to provide opportunities for international students to pursue higher education in Hungarian universities while strengthening educational and people-to- people relations between Hungary and partner countries.
Honorary Consul Saho said his consulate “remains committed to supporting Gambian students benefiting from the programme and strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Hungary and The Gambia”.