In 2013, the Hungarian government launched the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, with the strategic goal of increasing the number of international students at Hungarian higher education institutions and promoting cultural diversity in the education system. Over the past decade, this program has become a prestigious brand that reflects Hungary’s commitment to supporting international education and promoting cultural exchange between countries. The program offers distinguished study opportunities in a variety of fields, making it an ideal choice for students seeking higher education in an advanced and culturally diverse educational environment.
Successes of the Stipendium Hungaricum Program
The Stipendium Hungaricum Program has achieved tangible successes since its inception:
The number of international students at Hungarian higher education institutions doubled between 2013 and 2019, reflecting the program’s attractiveness and effectiveness in attracting global talent.
The number of foreign-language study programs has tripled since 2015, providing more options for international students who wish to study in English or other foreign languages.
In 2024, over 66,000 applications were received and approximately 4,500 scholarships were awarded, demonstrating the high demand for this unique educational opportunity.
More than 90 sending partners from five different continents are currently participating, enhancing the international character of the program and ensuring cultural and academic diversity among students.
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Types of Scholarships Available
- Bachelor’s Programs
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Mode of Study: Full or Part-time (exchange)
- Degree: BA or BSc
- Admission Requirements: High School Certificate
- Master’s Programs
- Duration: 1.5-2 years
- Mode of Study: Full or Part-time (exchange)
- Degree: MA or MSc
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Single-Level Master’s Programs
- Duration: 5-6 years
- Fields: General Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry Engineering
- Features: Covers both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels in a single, undivided program
- Preparatory Courses
- Preparatory Hungarian Language Course: 1 year
- Requirements: Available only to students wishing to continue their studies in Hungarian; mandatory for students who do not have a sufficient level of Hungarian
- Specialized Postgraduate Training Courses
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Fields: Offer a specialization after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Notes: No courses are available Preparatory for these programs
Detailed Benefits of the Hungary Scholarship
- Tuition Waiver
- Details: Full tuition waiver, covering all academic costs associated with the program.
- Monthly Scholarship
- Amount: 43,700 HUF (approximately 110 euros)
- Details: Paid for 12 months of the academic year, intended to contribute to living expenses, and continues until completion of studies within the specified program duration.
- Housing
Two options available:
- Free university housing: Depends on availability at the host institution, includes basic amenities.
- Cash housing allowance: 40,000 HUF per month (approximately 100 euros), contributes to rental costs. May not cover the full cost, especially in larger cities and the capital.
- Medical Insurance
- Details: Coverage of health services in accordance with Hungarian legislation. Supplementary medical insurance of up to 65,000 HUF per year (approximately 160 euros), covering basic and emergency medical checkups.
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Hungarian Scholarship Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
- Nationality: Citizens of participating countries/regions. Nationality must match the sending country.
- Age: Born before August 31, 2007.
Academic Qualifications
- For Bachelor’s: High School Diploma
- For Master’s: Bachelor’s Degree
- For Single-Level Master’s: High School Diploma
Ineligible Applicants
Persons who:
- Hold Hungarian citizenship (including dual nationality)
- Stateless persons
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
- Long-term residents
Students who:
- Currently studying at a Hungarian higher education institution as fee-paying students
- Apply for a lower level of study than their current one
- Previous Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship recipients who:
- Apply for the same or lower level
- Still in the current scholarship period
- Deferred the start of their studies and did not withdraw the scholarship before the application deadline
Detailed Application Process for the Hungary Scholarship
Preparation Period (November – December 2025):
- Read and Understand the Application Requirements
- Contact Sending Partners
- Prepare Required Documents
Submitting the Application (until January 15, 2026):
- Applying via the Online System
- Submitting Documents to Sending Partners
First Evaluation Phase (January – February 2026):
- Technical Verification
- Nomination Process from Sending Partners
Second Evaluation Phase (March – May 2026):
- Institutional Evaluation
- Entrance Examinations
Announcement of Results (June 2026):
- Notification of Final Results to Applicants
- Acceptance of the Scholarship by Accepted Candidates
Final Procedures (July – September 2026):
- Applying for a Visa
- Arriving in Hungary
- Registration at the Host Institution
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Documents Required for Applying for the Hungary Scholarship
- Basic Documents
- Online Application Form
- Motivation Letter (at least one page)
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Academic Certificates and Translations
- Transcript and Translation
- Copy of Passport or ID Card
- Acceptance of Application Form via the Online System
- Medical Certificate (for candidates only)
- Additional Documents for Arts and Music Applicants
- Portfolio of Artwork
- Special Requirements Depending on the Study Program
- Documents for Current Fee-Paying Students
- Letter of Recommendation from the Hungarian Host Institution
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Detailed Selection Process
- Technical Verification
Responsible Authority: Tempus Public Foundation
Tasks:
- Verify basic eligibility criteria
- Check the completeness of required documents
- Nomination from sending partners
Tasks:
- Review applications and conduct preliminary selection
- Submit a list of candidates and a reserve list
- Deadline: End of February 2026
- Institutional Evaluation
Tasks:
- Formal examination of documents
- Verify that minimum admission requirements are met
- Conduct entrance examinations
- Evaluate applicants on a 100-point scale
- Minimum required: 56 points
- Place allocation
Depends on:
- Content of the bilateral cooperation agreement
- Length of the study program
- Preference order of study programs
- Exam results
- Student diversity
- Life and study in Hungary
Rights and Obligations
- Visa Application
Procedures:
- Must be initiated immediately upon receiving the scholarship decision.
- May take up to 30 days.
- Visa fee waiver for scholarship recipients.
- Arrival and Registration
Procedures:
- Inform the host institution of your expected arrival date.
- Register before September 30, 2025.
- Medical examinations upon arrival.
- Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Receive all scholarship benefits.
- Participate in short-term exchange programs.
- Apply for additional scholarships based on social or performance.
Obligations:
- Living and studying in Hungary.
- Complete at least 18 credit hours on average.
- Attend a Hungarian language course in the first year.
- Comply with host institution regulations.
- Participate in the graduate program.
Advice for Applicants
- Financial Planning
Details:
- Calculate expected expenses.
- Securing additional financial resources.
- Use the cost of living calculator on the Study in Hungary website.
- Program Selection
Details:
- Review admission requirements carefully.
- Choose two programs. To increase your chances of acceptance,
- Ensure the program is available to citizens of your country.
- Document Preparation
Details:
- Start preparing documents early.
- Ensure the quality of translations.
- Keep backup copies.
- Communication
Details:
- Regularly monitor your registered email address.
- Avoid using Hotmail or Yahoo to avoid spam.
- Keep a copy of all correspondence.
- Promptly inform the institution of any changes in contact information.
- Language
Details:
- Ensure you meet the language requirements of your chosen program.
- Submit a valid and up-to-date language certificate.
- Be prepared to study in Hungarian if the program requires it.
- Documents and Deadlines
Details:
- Create a calendar of all important dates.
- Submit all documents by the deadline.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents.
Special Requirements for Academic Programs
- Medicine Programs
Details:
- Very competitive
- Preferred as a first choice
- Strict admission requirements
- Comprehensive entrance exams
- Arts and Music Programs
Details:
- Portfolio submission
- Special requirements by institution
- Possible practical exams
- Engineering and Computer Science Programs
Details:
- Possibility of a foundation course
- Emphasis on technical skills
- Importance of mathematical and scientific background
- Hungarian as a foreign language
- Course Requirements
- Mandatory in the first year
- Examination at the end of the second semester
- Exception for Hungarian-speaking students
- Consequences
- Failure to attend the course: Loss of the monthly scholarship
- Failure in the exam: Scholarship reduced to HUF 30,000 per month
Termination of the scholarship
- Reasons for automatic termination
- Termination of student status by the host institution
- Failure to complete 36 credit hours in the last two semesters
- Voluntary withdrawal from the scholarship
- Acquisition of the degree
- Exhaustion of semesters The allocated scholarship
- Non-compliance with medical examinations
- Acquiring Hungarian citizenship
- Grievance procedure
- Submitting a review request to the host institution
- Possibility of appeal to the Tempus public institution
- Documentation of all correspondence and decisions
Additional opportunities
- Supplementary scholarships
- National higher education scholarship
- Academic performance scholarships
- Conference participation scholarships
- Exchange programs
- Erasmus+ (up to 30 days)
- CEEPUS
- Cultural exchange programs
- Postgraduate opportunities
- Graduate programs
- Job opportunities in Hungary
- Professional networking
Residence in Hungary
- Residence Permit
Details:
- Valid for the duration of studies
- Annual renewal
- Special residence requirements
- Working while studying
Details:
- Part-time work possibility
- Working hours restrictions
- Permit requirements
- Student services
Details:
- Student card
- Transportation discounts
- Libraries and sports facilities
Resources and Support
- Key Contacts
- Tempus Public Foundation
- Coordinators at Host Institutions
- Hungarian Embassies
- Coordinators of Sending Countries
- Useful Websites
Websites of Host Institutions
Hungarian Consular Services Portal
- Support Services
- Academic Advising
- Psychosocial Support
- Career Guidance Services
- Housing Support
Conclusion
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to study in Hungary, providing comprehensive support to students from all over the world. Success in the program requires careful planning and adherence to the specific academic and language requirements. Applicants are advised to read all information carefully and contact relevant authorities as needed to ensure a smooth and efficient application process. Take this opportunity to develop your academic and cultural skills and enjoy a unique educational experience in the heart of Europe.
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