Scholarships for Debrecen’s Talented Youth Available Again This Year
The City of Debrecen will continue its scholarship programmes aimed at nurturing talent in 2026. The Békessy Béla Sports Scholarship and the Cívis Talentum Scholarship are once again available. Details were presented at a press conference held at the Old City Hall by Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa.
Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa emphasized that Debrecen is building its future on its young people, which is why identifying and supporting talented individuals is of paramount importance. He stated that we are building the city of the future today, and that young people who set an example for their community through their achievements play a key role in this. He emphasized that the two scholarship programs have been very popular for years and enjoy widespread support for their continuation.
Regarding the Békessy Béla Sports Scholarship, he explained that its primary aim is to support young athletes from Debrecen who often achieve outstanding international results through their own efforts, while significantly enhancing the city’s reputation. He stressed that the scholarship represents not only financial assistance but also recognition from the city, contributing to athletes’ preparation and development. The scholarship may be awarded to up to 10 recipients per year for a period of one year, with support of up to HUF 250,000 gross per month.
Lajos Barcsa also noted that Debrecen has traditionally been a strong educational centre, offering high-quality education from nursery to university level. He stated that, thanks to developments in recent years, student numbers have been steadily increasing, and institutions are achieving outstanding results both nationally and internationally. He underlined that the goal is for talented young people to find opportunities locally and to envision their future in Debrecen.
In connection with the Cívis Talentum Scholarship, he highlighted that its aim is to identify and support talented students. The programme assists secondary school pupils in participating in international competitions, providing an opportunity for students from Debrecen to demonstrate their knowledge on a global stage. The scholarship may be awarded to up to 5 recipients per year, with support of HUF 75,000 net per month.
At the press conference, former scholarship recipients also shared their experiences. Finswimmer Sára Suba explained that financing presents a significant challenge in her sport, and the scholarship provides substantial support in covering the costs of training camps, equipment and preparation. She emphasised that the funding not only offers financial relief but also strong motivation for further work, as reflected in her international successes.
Wheelchair fencer Dániel Göttlinger said that the scholarship represents both recognition and practical assistance. He emphasized that the support helps cover travel expenses, training camps, and the replacement of sports equipment, all of which entail significant costs in this sport. He stressed that the city’s recognition is a particularly great honor and encourages young athletes to apply without hesitation.
Dóra Lesku, a multiple recipient of the Cívis Talentum Scholarship, said that the programme has provided not only financial assistance but also an inspiring community. She emphasized that the support gave her access to professional opportunities that would have been harder to attain otherwise, and she didn’t have to miss out on important competitions or conferences due to financial constraints. She added that the community and the successes of other talented young people provided her with further motivation.
Applications for the scholarships may be submitted until 30 April 2026. Detailed application conditions and the required documents are available on the website www.debrecen.hu.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu

