For many students, graduating is the fulfilment of years of sacrifice and hard work. For Sizakele Precious Nkosi, it was also a reminder that dreams may be delayed, but they do not have to be abandoned.

In June 2026, while thousands of graduates celebrated at Unisa's graduation ceremonies, Nkosi watched the proceedings from her room in Hungary. As her name was announced during the university's YouTube livestream, she reflected on a journey that had taken her from Soshanguve to Europe, built on resilience, perseverance and the opportunities created through education.

Today, she is pursuing a master's degree in Political Science at Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Hungary, an opportunity made possible through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme.

Nkosi's path to higher education was far from straightforward. After years of trying to access funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), she eventually secured financial support and enrolled at Unisa at the age of 30.

Unisa's open distance e-learning model gave her the flexibility to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics while balancing work, family responsibilities and community involvement, including her work at community radio stations in Soshanguve and at TUT Radio.

Although she initially had no clear idea of which qualification to pursue, her passion for equality, human rights, and understanding of society led her to political studies. The programme deepened her understanding of how politics, economics and social issues intersect, laying the foundation for her future research.

Determined to continue her academic journey, Nkosi enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics in 2024.

Under the supervision of political science lecturer Mrs Sanet Solomon, her research explored the relationship between gender, age and voter turnout. She completed her research module with distinction, demonstrating the academic ability and research skills needed for postgraduate study.

While completing her honours qualification, Nkosi began searching for master's opportunities both locally and internationally. Her search led her to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, offered to South African students through the Department of Higher Education and Training's International Scholarship Office.

"The Unisa qualifications, research experience and commitment to learning became the foundation of my international application," says Nkosi. "I was interviewed alongside applicants from highly regarded contact universities, and I was one of only two South Africans to be nominated."

Nkosi says she realised that many postgraduate funding opportunities in South Africa imposed age restrictions, limiting opportunities for mature students. Rather than allowing this to discourage her, she broadened her search internationally.

After a competitive application process that included defending her research proposal before an interview panel, she was awarded the prestigious scholarship to pursue a master's degree in political science in Hungary.

In September 2025, she boarded a plane for her first international journey.

"It was more than studying abroad," she says. "It was the continuation of a journey built through perseverance, academic commitment and the strong foundation I developed through my Unisa studies."

Studying in Hungary has challenged Nkosi academically, professionally and personally.

Moving from Unisa's flexible distance learning environment to a traditional classroom setting required significant adjustment. Oral examinations, direct engagement with lecturers and classmates, and learning Hungarian have all pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

Rather than seeing these challenges as obstacles, she views them as opportunities to strengthen her confidence, sharpen her critical thinking and broaden her perspective.

Nkosi hopes her story encourages other students to believe that international opportunities are within reach.

She encourages students not to let age, financial challenges or personal circumstances define what they believe is possible.

Her journey has also inspired her younger sister, Ofentse Nkosi, who recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology at Unisa. Ofentse describes her sister as both a role model and a mentor whose determination has motivated her to pursue her own ambitions.

From returning to university after years away from higher education to earning an international scholarship and pursuing postgraduate studies in Europe, Nkosi's story demonstrates how a Unisa qualification can become the foundation for global opportunities.

For current and prospective students, her journey is a powerful reminder that determination, resilience and a willingness to embrace opportunity can take you far beyond the classroom.

* By Lesego Chiloane, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement