Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)
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The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is a fully funded Hungarian government scholarship for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students from partner countries. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, dormitory or housing support, and health insurance at more than 30 Hungarian universities offering 900+ English-taught programs.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Study in Hungary
If you have been dreaming of studying in Europe without worrying about tuition bills, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship deserves a spot at the top of your list. It is the Hungarian Government’s flagship international scholarship program, and it has helped thousands of students from around the world earn degrees in Hungary completely free of tuition costs.
The scholarship is offered by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through bilateral education agreements with partner countries, and is coordinated by the Tempus Public Foundation. It is considered one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarships in Central Europe because it is open, transparent, and covers students at every level of study — from Bachelor’s degrees all the way to PhD and postdoctoral research.
Students from more than 90 partner countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania can apply, as long as their country has an active bilateral cooperation agreement with Hungary. Whether you are finishing high school, holding a Bachelor’s degree, or planning doctoral research, there is very likely a Stipendium Hungaricum track for you.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The scholarship funds tuition in full and adds a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance on top, at 30+ partner universities offering close to 900 English-taught study programs. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know: eligibility, benefits, required documents, the step-by-step application process, and answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Quick Overview Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship |
| Host Country | Hungary |
| Host University | 30+ partner universities across Hungary |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-tier Master’s, Non-degree, PhD, Preparatory courses |
| Funded By | Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade / Tempus Public Foundation |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Coverage | Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance |
| Eligible Countries | 90+ partner countries with a bilateral agreement with Hungary |
| Application Deadline | Mid-January each year (next cycle applications open November 2026) |
| Study Mode | Full-time (on campus in Hungary) |
| Duration | Length of the chosen degree program |
| IELTS Required | Not compulsory for most programs; check specific program requirements |
| Application Fee | None — the application is completely free |
About the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Stipendium Hungaricum was launched by the Hungarian Government in 2013 as part of a broader strategy to internationalize Hungarian higher education. Since then, it has grown into one of the most recognized government scholarship programs in the region, welcoming students from every continent.
The program has three main goals: to strengthen academic and research ties between Hungary and its partner countries, to give talented international students access to high-quality, affordable education, and to build long-term cultural and professional connections between Hungary and its scholarship alumni once they return home or continue their careers.
Every year, thousands of students apply, but only a limited number of places are available at each partner university and in each field of study, which makes the competition fairly intense. Selection depends on your academic record, your nomination by your country’s “sending partner” (often a ministry, embassy, or council), and your performance in the entrance exam set by your chosen Hungarian university.
Scholarship Benefits
Stipendium Hungaricum is genuinely generous when it comes to tuition, though it is worth knowing exactly what is — and is not — included before you apply.
✔ Full tuition waiver — no tuition fees for the entire length of your program
✔ Monthly stipend — currently HUF 43,700 (roughly EUR 110) per month for Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier Master’s, and non-degree students, paid 12 months a year until you finish your studies
✔ Higher stipend for PhD students — around HUF 140,000 (about EUR 355) per month during the first phase of doctoral study, rising to about HUF 180,000 (about EUR 460) per month in the second phase
✔ Accommodation support — either a free dormitory place or a monthly housing contribution of around HUF 40,000 (about EUR 110) if a dorm place isn’t available
✔ Health insurance — access to Hungarian public healthcare plus supplementary medical insurance for scholarship holders
✔ Free compulsory Hungarian language course — for full-time Bachelor’s and Master’s students, offered by the host institution at no charge
Benefits the program does not guarantee include airfare, a laptop allowance, or a settlement grant, so it’s smart to budget for these separately. Some past recipients have also noted that the monthly stipend does not fully cover living costs in expensive cities like Budapest, so many students supplement it with savings, family support, or part-time work.
Available Programs
Stipendium Hungaricum covers a wide range of academic levels and formats, including:
- Bachelor’s degree programs
- Master’s degree programs
- One-tier Master’s programs (typically 5–6 years, common in fields like medicine and law)
- Non-degree (partial studies / exchange semester) programs
- Doctoral (PhD/DLA) programs
- Preparatory courses for students who need extra time to reach the required English or Hungarian language level before starting their degree
The exact list of available faculties and majors depends on your home country’s bilateral agreement with Hungary, so not every field is open to every nationality. You can check the official list of eligible study programs for your country through the scholarship’s Study Finder tool before you apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country that has an active bilateral education cooperation agreement with Hungary. Hungarian citizens and dual nationals are not eligible.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old by the relevant intake date.
- Academic background:
- Bachelor’s applicants need a secondary school leaving certificate.
- Master’s applicants need a Bachelor’s degree, or be in their final year of one.
- PhD applicants need a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a research proposal accepted by a potential supervisor.
- Nomination: You must be nominated by your country’s designated Sending Partner — this could be a ministry of education, an embassy, or another responsible authority.
- Enrollment status: You should not already be a self-funded student at a Hungarian institution at the same study level (there are limited exceptions).
- Previous scholarship holders: If you have already received Stipendium Hungaricum once, you are generally not eligible to receive it again.
- English proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL is not compulsory for most programs, but some specific programs and universities may require it — always check your chosen program’s requirements individually.
- Program-specific tests: A small number of programs, such as Medicine tracks aimed at certain nationalities, may require additional exams like the MCAT.
Required Documents
While exact requirements can vary slightly by program and nationality, applicants are generally asked to prepare:
- Valid passport or national ID (a passport can sometimes be added later, before August 1)
- Passport-style photo
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Secondary school leaving certificate (for Bachelor’s applicants)
- CV/Resume
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter(s)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Statement for Application (a standard form provided by the scholarship)
- Medical certificate, using the scholarship’s official mandatory template
- English or Hungarian language certificate, if required by the chosen program
- Any additional documents requested by your Sending Partner
Always check the current year’s official Call for Applications and document checklist, since document requirements are reviewed and can change each cycle.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Application Process
Step 1: Choose your program. Use the Study Finder on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website to check which universities and majors are open to applicants from your country.
Step 2: Contact your Sending Partner. Every country has a designated Sending Partner (often an embassy, ministry, or council) that manages the nomination process. Reach out early to learn about any extra local requirements or internal deadlines.
Step 3: Register and apply online. Create an account on the official DreamApply-based application platform and complete your application. You can select up to two study program choices, so pick programs that genuinely match your academic background.
Step 4: Submit before the deadline. Upload all required documents and submit your application before the official deadline. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Step 5: Wait for the nomination list. Sending Partners forward their shortlisted, nominated applications to Hungarian universities, usually by the end of February.
Step 6: Take the entrance exam. Nominated applicants are contacted directly by universities to schedule entrance exams, typically held between March and May. A minimum score is required for your application to move forward.
Step 7: Receive your results. Tempus Public Foundation announces final results by the end of June or early July, after evaluating both your application and your exam performance.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Important Dates
| Stage | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | November |
| Application Deadline | Mid-January |
| Sending Partner Nomination | End of February |
| Entrance Exams | March–May |
| Results Announced | End of June / early July |
| Visa Process | Summer, after results |
| Arrival & Enrollment | August–September |
| Classes Start | September |
Exact dates shift slightly every year, so always confirm the current cycle’s dates on the official website before making plans.
Important Links
- Official website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
- Online application portal: apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
- Study Finder (check eligible programs by country)
- Official Call for Applications (BA/MA and Doctoral, published each autumn)
- Application Guide and Dos & Don’ts documents
- Contact page for the Tempus Public Foundation
Selection Process
Selection happens in stages:
- Initial screening — your Sending Partner reviews applications from your country and checks basic eligibility.
- Nomination — the strongest applicants are nominated and forwarded to their chosen Hungarian universities.
- Entrance exam — universities set individual exams or interviews for nominated candidates, typically between March and May.
- Document verification — universities and Tempus Public Foundation confirm that all required documents are valid and complete.
- Final selection — successful candidates are officially awarded the scholarship and notified by email.
How to Increase Your Chances
- Write a clear, specific motivation letter that explains why you chose that exact program and university.
- Keep your CV focused and relevant to your field of study.
- If you have any research experience, publications, or leadership roles, mention them clearly.
- Ask for strong, personalized recommendation letters rather than generic ones.
- Prepare early for any entrance exam or interview your chosen university requires.
- Apply as early as possible within the application window — don’t wait until the final days.
- Double-check that your documents match the official checklist exactly before submitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting your application after the deadline
- Uploading incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents
- Writing a generic, copy-paste motivation letter
- Using an expired or soon-to-expire passport
- Choosing two study programs that don’t clearly match your academic background
- Forgetting to contact your Sending Partner about local requirements
- Missing required signatures on official forms
- Assuming IELTS is required without checking your specific program
Living in Hungary
Hungary is generally considered an affordable country to study in compared to Western Europe, though costs vary a lot by city.
- Cost of living: Monthly expenses in Budapest can range from roughly EUR 680 to EUR 1,100, while smaller cities like Debrecen or Szeged can be noticeably cheaper, sometimes around EUR 500 a month.
- Accommodation: Most scholarship holders live in university dormitories, which are budget-friendly, though quality can vary between institutions.
- Food: Local markets, university canteens, and budget grocery stores make it possible to eat affordably.
- Transport: Public transport is well-developed and reasonably priced, and many universities offer discounted student passes.
- Part-time jobs: Third-country national students on a residence permit for studies can generally work up to 30 hours a week during term time, and full-time during breaks.
- Weather: Hungary has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold, occasionally snowy winters.
- Healthcare: Scholarship holders get access to Hungarian public healthcare along with supplementary insurance.
- Student life: Hungary, especially Budapest, has a large and active international student community, with student unions, clubs, and cultural events throughout the year.
Visa Information
International students from outside the EU/EEA typically need a student residence permit or visa to study in Hungary. Key points include:
- You will need an acceptance letter from your Hungarian host university before applying.
- Required documents usually include your passport, proof of scholarship award, accommodation details, and a medical certificate.
- Processing times vary by country, so it’s wise to apply as soon as your scholarship is confirmed.
- Visa and biometric requirements depend on your home country’s Hungarian embassy or consulate.
- Bringing dependents is possible in some cases, but requires separate approval from Hungary’s immigration authority, so check directly with them if this applies to you.
- Working rights while studying are limited to a set number of hours per week during term time, with full-time work allowed during breaks.
Always confirm the latest visa requirements with your local Hungarian embassy, since rules can change.(Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship)
Why Study in Hungary
- Quality education: Hungarian universities have a long academic history and strong programs in fields like medicine, engineering, and business.
- English-taught programs: With close to 900 programs taught in English, language is rarely a barrier to enrollment.
- Affordability: Combined with the scholarship, Hungary remains one of the more affordable places to study in the EU.
- Central European location: Hungary’s location makes it easy to travel around Europe during your studies.
- Growing international community: Thousands of international students already study in Hungary, creating a genuinely multicultural campus environment.
- Career and research opportunities: Many graduates go on to further study, research positions, or careers connected to Hungary and the wider EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship fully funded? Yes. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance.
Who can apply for this scholarship? Citizens of countries with an active bilateral education agreement with Hungary, applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD study.
Can European students apply? Yes, students from several European partner countries are eligible, depending on their country’s agreement with Hungary.
Can African students apply? Yes, many African countries are partner countries under this scholarship.
Can Asian students apply? Yes, numerous Asian countries have active cooperation agreements with Hungary.
Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistan is a partner country, and students regularly apply and receive this scholarship.
Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students are eligible to apply under the partner country agreement.
Can American students apply? Some U.S. citizens can apply for select programs, though specific programs like Medicine may require additional tests such as the MCAT.
Is IELTS mandatory? No, not for most programs. Some universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, but always confirm your specific program’s requirements.
Can I apply without IELTS? In many cases, yes — check whether your chosen program requires it or accepts an English-medium education certificate instead.
Is there an application fee? No, the online application is completely free.
Can married students apply? Yes, marital status does not affect eligibility.
Can I bring my family? This depends on Hungary’s immigration authority; you should contact them directly for dependent visa questions.
What GPA is required? There is no single fixed GPA, but a strong, competitive academic record improves your chances significantly.
Can I work while studying? Yes, within limited weekly hours during term time, and full-time during study breaks, according to Hungary’s residency rules for students.
How many students are selected each year? The number varies annually based on available places at partner universities and the agreements with each country.
Can I apply for multiple programs? Yes, you can select up to two study program preferences in a single application.
Is age important? You must be at least 18 years old by the relevant intake date; there is generally no strict upper age limit.
What happens after selection? You’ll be notified by email, and you’ll then proceed with visa applications, enrollment, and arrival preparations.
How competitive is this scholarship? It is competitive, since limited spots are available for a large number of applicants, but the actual odds vary by country and program.
Can I apply with a pending degree? Yes, students in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree can apply for Master’s programs, provided they complete their degree in time.
What expenses are not covered? Airfare, a laptop, and a settlement grant are generally not included, so you should budget for these separately.
Can I defer the scholarship? Deferrals are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as documented health issues, and require approval from the host institution and Sending Partner.
Can I apply if I already have another scholarship? You generally cannot combine Stipendium Hungaricum with other full scholarships covering the same period of study in Hungary; short research stays elsewhere may be allowed with approval.
How will I know if I’m selected? Tempus Public Foundation notifies all applicants by email once final results are confirmed, usually by late June or early July. (Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship)
Final Summary
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship remains one of the most accessible fully funded routes into European higher education, especially for students who want a tuition-free degree without needing to already speak Hungarian. If you meet the eligibility requirements and can put together a strong, well-organized application, this scholarship is absolutely worth your time.
Start preparing early: research your eligible programs, connect with your Sending Partner, and get your documents ready well before the deadline. Keep the official Stipendium Hungaricum website bookmarked for the latest updates, and don’t wait until the last minute to apply.(Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship)
APPLY LINK
https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
