How I Started My Engineering Journey in Europe
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My name is Tarequl Islam, and I am currently studying the International Foundation Year program leading to a BSc in Electrical Engineering at the University of Debrecen for the September 2025 intake. Looking back, this journey has not been easy, but every step has taught me something valuable and brought me closer to my goal.
Unlike many students, I was not directly admitted into the bachelor’s program. Instead, I am currently completing a 9-month foundation course, which has been a very important part of my academic journey. At first, I felt a bit unsure about this pathway, but now I truly understand its value. The foundation program is helping me build a strong base in subjects like mathematics and physics, while also giving me an early understanding of engineering concepts before my bachelor’s classes begin. More importantly, it is helping me adjust to a completely new education system, as the Hungarian academic environment is quite different from what I experienced in Bangladesh. This transition phase has made me more confident and prepared for the challenges ahead.
When I first started planning my higher education, I was determined to study in a European Schengen country. My goal was to receive a quality education while staying within a mid-range budget, as financial planning was a very important factor for me at the same time, my IELTS score was slightly lower than what many countries require, so I needed to find a destination where I could apply to universities and proceed with the visa process using my existing score. After exploring many countries criteria and other opportunities, I chose Hungary as my study destination. Hungary offers a strong reputation in engineering education, along with comparatively affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to many other European countries.
Choosing the right university was the next big step. I was specifically looking for a university with a good global ranking, strong academic reputation, and better career opportunities after graduation, all within an affordable budget. After comparing several options, I decided on the University of Debrecen, which is ranked within the top 600 universities globally. This gave me confidence that I would receive a quality education along with international exposure.
- Took the foundation pathway to strengthen Math, Physics & engineering basics
- Overcame IELTS and admission challenges with smart planning
- Adapting to a new education system and international environment
- Eduvisors helped in exam preparation, application, tuition deadline extension & visa
As for my course selection, my academic background played a major role. I completed a 4 years diploma in Electrical Technology with a good CGPA. During that time, I also participated in various trainings, internships, and workshops, which strengthened my practical understanding of the field. These experiences made me certain that Electrical Engineering is the right career path for me, and I wanted to continue my studies in this field at an international level.
While researching the application process, I found the official representatives of the university and got in touch with Eduvisors. One thing I really appreciated about them was their transparency. From the beginning, they clearly explained the entire process, including requirements, timelines, and costs. They assessed my academic profile with the university and confirmed my eligibility. After that, I paid the application fee and proceeded with my application.
Soon after, I received my entrance examination date. The process included both a written and an oral exam, which required serious preparation. At this stage, the guidance I received was very helpful. Their dedicated instructors arranged mock sessions and guided me step by step. I practiced seriously for the written exam, especially in mathematics and physics. With consistent preparation and proper guidance, I successfully passed the exam and received my offer letter. That moment felt like a big achievement for me.
However, the journey was not without challenges. When it came to paying the tuition fees, I faced a major difficulty. Due to a change in university policy, I was required to pay one and a half years’ tuition fees at once. Managing such a large amount within the given deadline was extremely challenging for me and my family.
During this stressful time, my assigned counsellor, Ms. Anika, continuously communicated with the university on my behalf and requested an extension. After several follow ups, the university granted me an additional 7 days. That short extension made a huge difference. I managed to arrange the funds and completed the payment within the extended time.
After that, I moved on to the visa process. I started preparing all the required documents and booked my embassy appointment. My agency supported me throughout this stage as well, ensuring that all documents were properly arranged according to the checklist. They also conducted mock interview sessions, which helped me gain confidence.
On the day of my visa interview, I was naturally nervous, especially because I was applying for a foundation program rather than a direct bachelor’s degree. However, I stayed calm and answered all questions honestly and confidently. Thankfully, everything went well, and I received my visa before my class start date.
Now, I am attending my classes regularly and gradually adapting to life in Hungary. I am also doing a part-time job to manage my personal expenses and contribute to my living costs. Living in a safe and student-friendly environment has made my experience even better.
From choosing the right country and university to overcoming financial and procedural hurdles, every step of this journey has made me more confident and determined. I am truly grateful to the Eduvisors team for their continuous support throughout my journey.
This is just the beginning for me. I am excited about what lies ahead and determined to make the most of this opportunity.
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