Hungary Scholarships: How to Apply & Qualify

Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable living costs, and generous scholarship opportunities. Whether you want to study at a public or a private (non-public) university, there are numerous funding options available. This guide will walk you through the scholarships, application process, eligible courses, and a list of institutions you can apply to in Hungary.

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Types of Scholarships in Hungary

1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (For Public Universities)

This is the most prestigious scholarship program funded by the Hungarian government and offers full financial support for international students.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend (approx. HUF 43,700 for bachelor's and master's, HUF 140,000 for PhD)
• Free accommodation or an allowance of HUF 40,000 per month
• Medical insurance

Eligibility:

• Open to students from over 70 partner countries
• Must have excellent academic records
• Must meet specific course requirements

How to Apply:

1. Check if your country is eligible for the Stipendium Hungaricum.
2. Select a degree program from the list of participating universities.
3. Submit an online application through stipendiumhungaricum.hu.
4. Submit required documents (passport, academic transcripts, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, etc.).
5. Await nomination from your home country’s authorities.
6. Attend the university’s admission interview.
7. Receive your scholarship confirmation and proceed with visa application.

2. Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship

Designed for students with Hungarian ancestry living abroad, offering similar benefits as the Stipendium Hungaricum.

3. Erasmus+ Scholarship

EU-funded scholarship allowing students to study in Hungary for a semester or full degree.

4. Central European University (CEU) Scholarships (For Private Universities)

CEU offers several merit-based scholarships covering tuition and living expenses.

5. Tempus Public Foundation Scholarships

Provides partial or full scholarships for students applying to Hungarian universities, mainly for research or postgraduate studies.

6. Institutional Scholarships (For Non-Public Universities)

Many private universities in Hungary provide scholarships based on merit, financial need, or sports excellence. Each university has its specific requirements and funding amount.

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How to Apply for Scholarships in Hungary

Step 1: Choose a University and Program

Decide on a course that aligns with your career goals. Check if your chosen university is eligible for a specific scholarship.

Step 2: Check Scholarship Requirements

Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some require language proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL), while others may require specific academic records.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency
• Motivation letter
• Passport copy
• Recommendation letters
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Apply through the respective scholarship portals such as Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus+, or university-specific portals.

Step 5: Attend Interviews (if required)

Some scholarships require an interview or additional assessment.

Step 6: Wait for Results and Apply for a Visa

If accepted, you will receive a scholarship award letter, which will help you obtain a student visa for Hungary.

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Courses Eligible for Scholarships

Hungary offers scholarships for a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Medicine & Health Sciences (MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing)
• Engineering & Technology (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering)
• Business & Management (Finance, Economics, MBA)
• Humanities & Social Sciences (Political Science, International Relations, Psychology)
• Natural Sciences (Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• Agriculture & Environmental Science

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List of Public and Non-Public Universities in Hungary

Public Universities (Eligible for Stipendium Hungaricum & Erasmus+)

1. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) – Budapest
2. University of Szeged
3. University of Debrecen
4. Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
5. Semmelweis University – Medical programs
6. University of Pécs
7. Corvinus University of Budapest – Economics and Business
8. Szent István University – Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
9. Óbuda University – Engineering and IT

Non-Public (Private) Universities Offering Scholarships

1. Central European University (CEU) – Offers merit-based scholarships
2. International Business School (IBS) Budapest – Provides tuition discounts
3. Kodolányi János University
4. Metropolitan University Budapest – Scholarships available for creative programs
5. Andrássy University Budapest – German-language programs

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Final Thoughts

Studying in Hungary is a great opportunity for international students looking for quality education with affordable tuition fees. With numerous scholarships available, students can pursue their dream education without financial burdens. Whether you choose a public or private university, be sure to check all eligibility criteria and deadlines before applying. Good luck with your scholarship application!