Nineteen students from fourteen countries have begun their studies in Hungary under the FAO and government scholarship program, which since 2008 has been helping young people from low-income countries to become agricultural experts and contribute to food security in their home countries.

Source: AM (Ministry of Agriculture) Press Office

This year's FAO-Hungarian scholarship program students were welcomed at a formal ceremony on 5 December 2025, with nineteen students from fourteen countries represented at the event.

At the event, Dr. Oszkár Ökrös, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that the aim of the program is to enable well-trained graduates to contribute to the sustainable development of developing countries and to reduce emigration. He also highlighted that cooperation between the participating countries strengthens professional, cultural, and economic ties.

Three Hungarian universities are participating in the training programs: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) has FAO scholars in MSc in Aquaculture study program, the University of Debrecen in  MSc in Animal Husbandry program, and the University of Sopron in MSc in Environmental Management program. During their studies, students learn about the latest methods and their practical application.

At the opening ceremony, Viorel Gutu, Acting Director of the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, welcomed the students, followed by presentations by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture's specialist departments on relevant areas of government work.

Since the program's launch, nearly 420 students from some 50 countries have won FAO scholarship to study at Hungarian agricultural universities. The program will continue in September 2026; the application deadline is February 28 each year.

Source: https://kormany.hu/kormanyzat/agrarminiszterium/hirek/folytatodik-a-fao-es-az-agrartarca-osztondijprogramja