Going back to Malaysia to continue my study was impossible, So I Built a New Future in Europe
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My name is Tahmid Wazih Raihan, from Bogura, Bangladesh. I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Vehicle Engineering at the University of Debrecen after successfully transferring my academic credits from a reputable university in Malaysia. My academic journey has been full of challenges, decisions, and learning experiences that have shaped who I am today. From studying abroad for the first time to facing unexpected family responsibilities, each stage of my life has taught me something valuable and brought me closer to my goals.
After finishing my Higher Secondary Certificate in 2018, I started thinking seriously about my future. My family also supported me in finding a better academic environment, because I felt that the education system in Bangladesh was not strong enough for my long-term goals in vehicle and mechanical engineering. With that hope, I worked hard and was grateful to receive an offer from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. In 2019, I started my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive), which marked the beginning of my dream to study engineering in an international environment.
My studies were progressing well, and I was expected to graduate in 2024. But at the end of 2023, I had to return to Bangladesh before completing my degree because my father suffered a major heart attack. As the only son in my family, I had to take responsibility for his care and ongoing treatment. This unexpected situation deeply affected both my academic progress and personal life.
During this period, I was unable to return to Malaysia, as my father required continuous medical support and long-term supervision. After careful consideration, I also realized that resuming my studies in Malaysia would not be the most suitable option for my situation, as I needed a more flexible academic pathway that better aligned with my future goals.
Therefore, I began exploring opportunities in Europe, where many universities offer credit transfer systems and internationally recognized qualifications. This way, I could continue my studies without starting from the beginning, and my previous academic progress in Malaysia would not be wasted.
Then I came across Hungary, where universities allow credit transfer opportunities. After researching different institutions, I chose the University of Debrecen that offers exactly the course I wanted, which is also ranked 222nd in Europe. Initially, I found the application process challenging, as it was based on credit transfer rather than direct admission, and I was not fully familiar with the procedure.
By the time I finalized my university and course, it was already June 2024, which was quite late to apply for the September 2024 intake. I decided to get guidance from an agency to help me with the admission process, including credit transfer. I searched for authorized agencies on the university portal and contacted a few, but they could not give me clear assurance about the processing timeline. Also, I had a low IELTS score. I was afraid I could apply with this IELTS or not to Hungary.
- Restarted academic journey through credit transfer
- Applied in June for September intake
- Managing studies with part-time job
- Eduvisors Successfully handled academic credit evaluation
- Secured appointment quickly (major challenge in Hungary cases)
Then I found Eduvisors, a direct representative of the University of Debrecen. I contacted one of their counsellors, Anika Nawar, who confidently explained that it was possible to transfer my completed bachelor’s credits from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Since I was concerned about the limited time for the September intake and my IELTS score, she guided me through the entire process and explained each step clearly.
They quickly contacted the university regarding my case, and I was informed that I could apply for credit transfer. I was required to submit documents related to my previous studies, including detailed course descriptions and a completed credit transfer request form. I immediately contacted my previous university, and with the support of Eduvisors, I was able to prepare all the necessary documents, which were then submitted to the university.
After evaluation, the university confirmed that I was eligible for credit transfer and proceeded with my application. Within a few days, I received my entrance exam schedule. At that time, I was quite nervous, as the exam included both written and oral components, and I had no prior experience with this format. However, their counselor Anika provided sample questions and subject guidelines, while their expert instructor conducted several mock interview sessions for the oral exam, which helped me prepare effectively and gain confidence.
With their support and my preparation, I successfully passed the entrance exam and received my Letter of Acceptance within one day. Then I paid my tuition fees to the University and began waiting for my visa appointment at the embassy.
In the meantime, Eduvisors suggested giving IELTS again to achieve a good score so that my visa ratio would be good and this suggestion changed decrease my visa procedure smoother. Accordingly, I took preparation again and gave IELTS. This time I achieved a good score and I became more confident about myself.
After that, another challenge began which is the visa documentation process. In European countries, especially in Hungary, documentation plays a very important role in getting a successful visa. Every document needs to be prepared carefully and accurately, as even a small mistake can cause delays or rejection.
I had to arrange several important documents, including an affidavit of support, a personal statement, and other financial documents to show my ability to support my studies. Each document had specific requirements and formats. Eduvisors guided me through every step. They ensured that all my documents were correctly prepared, properly formatted, and met the university and embassy requirements. Eduvisors carefully reviewed everything multiple times to avoid any errors. With their support, I was able to complete the entire documentation process smoothly and with confidence.
For Hungary to get visa appointment date is one of the challenging tasks and Eduvisors did it very professionally for getting my visa appointment date. Within very short time I received my visa appointment date. I was quite nervous at that time about both the interview and my documents. Once again, their mock instructor supported me by conducting several mock interview sessions for the visa process. I prepared myself accordingly, but initially I struggled with some answers, she patiently guided me again and again, helping me improve until I felt confident enough to face the actual interview.
I attended the visa interview with confidence and submitted all my documents to the embassy. After a few days, I received an email to collect my passport. My heart was beating very fast when I went there, and I kept praying for a positive result. The moment I opened my passport and saw the visa sticker, I felt overwhelming happiness. It was a moment I will never forget. When I shared the news, my father was with me and it was a deeply emotional moment for my family. I also shared the news with my counsellor, Anika, to express my gratitude. It had been a very challenging journey for both me and my agency, especially as a credit transfer student, where there was always some uncertainty about the visa outcome. Now, I am living in Debrecen, Hungary, managing my studies and part-time work effectively.
Looking back, this journey was not easy, but it taught me patience, responsibility, and how to stay strong in difficult times. From facing family challenges to continuing my studies through a new path, every step helped me grow. Today, I feel more confident about my future, and I am determined to complete my degree and achieve my goals in engineering. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my agency, Eduvisors, for their continuous guidance, dedication, and support throughout every stage of this. For new students, I would suggest staying focused on your goal and being prepared for unexpected challenges. The path may not always be smooth, but consistency, proper planning, and the right support system can make a big difference.
