What is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program?
When considering studying abroad, one of the biggest concerns for international students is the cost. Hungary, a Central European country with a rich academic history and vibrant student culture, offers a generous scholarship opportunity to tackle this concern: the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the program, from eligibility and benefits to how to apply.
Overview of the Stipendium Hungaricum Program
The Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary's most prestigious higher education scholarship, launched in 2013 by the Hungarian Government. It is managed by the Tempus Public Foundation under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The main objective of the program is to attract top international students to Hungarian universities and foster cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Each year, thousands of students from over 90 partner countries are awarded full scholarships to study in Hungary.
Key Features of the Scholarship
1. Tuition-Free Education
One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is that it covers the full tuition fee of your chosen program. Students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs taught in English and other languages.
2. Monthly Stipend
Recipients receive a monthly allowance to help with living expenses:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students: HUF 43,700 (approximately EUR 110) per month.
- Doctoral students: HUF 140,000 (first two years), then HUF 180,000 (last two years).
3. Accommodation Support
Students are either offered free dormitory accommodation or receive a housing allowance of HUF 40,000 per month to rent privately.
4. Health Insurance
Scholarship holders receive free medical insurance and a supplementary insurance allowance of up to HUF 65,000 per year.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to students from eligible partner countries with which Hungary has bilateral educational agreements. Some of the eligible regions include:
- Asia (India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc.)
- Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, etc.)
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan)
- Latin America and the Middle East
Applicants can apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier Master’s, doctoral programs, and non-degree programs (such as preparatory courses).
Fields of Study
There are hundreds of programs across various fields including:
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Economics
- Social Sciences
Many of these programs are taught in English, although Hungarian-taught programs are also available with preparatory language courses.
How to Apply
The application process typically begins in November and ends in mid-January of the following year. Here’s a simplified version of the process:
- Check eligibility for your country on the official website.
- Choose up to two programs from the list of available universities and courses.
- Submit your application online through the Stipendium Hungaricum website and your home country’s sending partner (often the Ministry of Education or a related government body).
- Upload required documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Proof of language proficiency
- Medical certificate
- Copy of passport
- Participate in interviews or entrance exams, depending on the institution’s requirements.
Selection and Notification
After being nominated by the sending partner and evaluated by the chosen universities, successful applicants are notified by mid-July. The academic year usually starts in September.
Why Choose the Stipendium Hungaricum?
- High-quality education at internationally recognized Hungarian institutions.
- Wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
- Affordable living costs in Hungary compared to Western Europe.
- Cultural diversity through interaction with students from across the globe.
- A gateway to Europe, with Schengen visa access for travel and cultural exploration.
Final Thoughts
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program offers a life-changing opportunity for talented international students who wish to pursue higher education in Europe without the financial burden. With fully-funded tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation support, and access to one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries, it is one of the most attractive scholarship options available today.
If you're aiming for a globally relevant degree and want to immerse yourself in a rich European culture, Hungary could be the destination for you.
Start preparing your application early, explore your program options, and make sure you meet all the deadlines. Your journey to studying in Hungary could begin with a single click.
