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The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in its internationalisation journey. Sambulo Maphumulo, a third-year BA Integrated Organisational Communication student, has been awarded the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to pursue a new academic path in Europe.

Maphumulo will soon be exchanging the lecture halls of the Faculty of The Humanities for the laboratories and fields of Széchenyi István University in Győr, Hungary, where he will embark on a BSc in Agricultural Engineering. His studies are set to commence on 8 September 2025.

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a flagship initiative of the Hungarian government in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training, provides full financial support for South Africans to study in Hungary.

A journey of perseverance and opportunity

For Maphumulo, this achievement represents not only an academic opportunity but also a deeply personal triumph.

“This opportunity affirms that God’s timing is perfect. I applied before and was not selected, but here we are now, preparing to leave the country. Sending that application a second time didn’t take anything away from me – rather, it gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

Currently completing his final year in Integrated Organisational Communication, Sambulo describes himself as passionate about branding and storytelling - skills he now hopes to apply in the agricultural sector. He believes Hungary provides the perfect environment to realise this vision.  

“Being at the centre of Europe means being at the centre of opportunity - exposure to advanced agricultural systems, access to international markets, and collaboration with people from across the continent. That’s the kind of environment that pushes you to think bigger, innovate, and connect local ideas with global possibilities.”

Celebrating internationalisation at the UFS

His lecturer, Kgalalelo Mphephuka from the Department of Communication Science, praised Maphumulo’s achievement as both a personal victory and a milestone for the faculty and institution.

“This opportunity puts the Faculty of The Humanities on the map. It highlights the support offered by the Department of Communication Science and showcases the role of the Office for International Affairs in broadening opportunities for students. Their efforts empower the next generation of global leaders,” she said.

She added that scholarships of this nature reflect the university’s commitment to internationalisation and societal development.

“This opportunity not only brings pride to the parents but also elevates the entire community that has raised these students. As Africans, we believe it takes a village to raise a child.” 

Local talent, global impact

As he prepares to begin this new journey, Maphumulo embodies the essence of internationalisation - transforming local talent into global impact. His success stands as a source of pride not only for the UFS community but also for the broader South African higher education sector.

The University of the Free State congratulates Sambulo on this remarkable achievement and wishes him every success as he takes the next step in his academic and professional journey.