If you’re looking for a world-class European education without the cost, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship offers a golden opportunity. Established by the Hungarian government, this programme is designed to attract high-achieving students from around the globe to study in Hungary, covering everything from tuition to living expenses.
With over 1,200-degree programmes and multiple study levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), it presents one of the most competitive and generous fully-funded scholarships for 2026.
Whether you’re seeking academic excellence, career mobility, or multicultural exposure, this scholarship is your gateway. Below you’ll find a summary table, followed by a step-by-step guide to eligibility, benefits, application process and expert tips to boost your chances.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Host Country | Hungary |
| Study Region | Europe |
| Levels Available | Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-tier Master’s, PhD, Non-degree/Preparatory courses |
| Eligible Countries | Over 90 sending-partner countries globally. |
| Coverage / Reward | Tuition fees waived • Monthly stipend • Accommodation contribution or dormitory place • Full health/medical insurance |
| Deadline for 2026 Intake | Application period expected to open in November 2025; final deadline typically ~15 January of intake year. |
| Application Portal | Online via the programme’s official site (Tempus Public Foundation) – https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu |
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
- Fully funded excellence – Many scholarships only cover tuition; this one also addresses living costs, accommodation and insurance.
- Wide programme choice – With over 1,200 programmes across all disciplines and at all levels, you can truly tailor your study path.
- European gateway – Studying in Hungary places you in the heart of Europe, with access to European labour markets, cultural hubs and international networks.
- Strong institutional partner network – With more than 90 sending-partner countries and Hungarian host universities working together, you’ll have organised support.
- Prestige & competitiveness – Being selected is a badge of merit; it strengthens your CV and global outlook.
Eligibility & Requirements
To ensure your application is competitive, you must meet the following:
- Non-Hungarian citizen¹; dual-Hungarian nationals are not eligible.
- Be nominated by the sending-partner authority in your home country.
- Meet academic entry requirements of your chosen programme:
- For Bachelor’s: have completed secondary education.
- For Master’s: hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by specified date.
- For Doctoral (PhD): hold a relevant Master’s or equivalent.
- Meet language requirements: English-taught programmes may demand proof of proficiency; Hungarian-taught programmes may offer preparatory course.
- Submit required documentation within the stipulated deadlines (see next section).
Scholarship Benefits in Detail
For Bachelor’s, Master’s & Non-Degree Programmes
- Full tuition waiver – you pay no tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend ~ HUF 43,700 (≈ EUR 110-120) for full-time programmes, paid 12 months per year.
- Accommodation contribution: either a free dormitory placement OR HUF 40,000/month rental contribution (note: in Budapest and larger cities, this may cover only part of the cost).
- Medical insurance: access to Hungarian national health system + supplementary insurance up to HUF 65,000/year.
For PhD Programmes (Doctoral)
- Tuition waiver throughout the doctoral term.
- Monthly stipend: HUF 140,000/month (~EUR 365) in the first phase (first 4 semesters), increasing to HUF 180,000/month (~EUR 470) for the second phase (next 4 semesters).
- Accommodation contribution: similar to other levels (free dorm or HUF 40,000/month).
- Same medical insurance coverage applies.
Application Process – Step by Step
- Check your country’s eligibility & sending-partner status – Ensure your country is participating in the bilateral agreement with Hungary.
- Choose your programmes – On the application portal, you may select up to three study programmes (same or different institutions).
- Register online – Create an account on the application portal
- Complete the online application form – Provide personal details, programme choices, and upload required documents.
- Upload supporting documents – Includes motivation letter, transcripts, passport copy, language proof, research plan (for PhD), and later the medical certificate (if nominated).
- Submission & nomination – After you apply, your national sending partner conducts pre-selection/nomination.
- Host institution admission/entrance exams – Some institutions may require an entrance exam or interview (especially competitive fields like medicine).
- Final selection & award – Selected candidates will receive offer letters and must accept the scholarship within the stated timeframe.
- Begin studies in Hungary – Scholarship holders typically begin their studies in September of the intake year.
For more details, visit the official website here.
Timeline & Key Deadlines
- Application system opens: around mid-November 2025 for the 2026/2027 intake.
- Main application deadline: approximately 15 January 2026. Many previous rounds used 15 Jan.
- After nomination: March–May – university entrance exams & evaluations.
- Results announced: June–July.
- Study commencement: September of the intake year.
FAQs
What if I’m waiting for my final degree certificate at submission time?
Many partner countries allow “result-awaiting” candidates to apply, provided the final certificate/transcript is submitted later (often by August 1 of the intake year).
Can I apply for more than one programme?
Yes — you may select up to three programmes in order of preference when applying online.
What happens if I have already studied in Hungary on a self-financed basis?
Typically, students who are already studying in Hungary under self-financing cannot apply for this scholarship in the same programme. Always check your country’s specific rules.
Is Hungarian language proficiency required?
It depends on the programme. English-taught programmes may require an English certificate. Hungarian-taught programmes often include a preparatory Hungarian language year or expect you to join a Hungarian-language course.
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