Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (SCYP)

Overview

The Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (SCYP) is run by Hungary Helps, the Hungarian government agency focused on supporting persecuted Christian communities worldwide. If you're a young Christian from a country where your faith puts you at risk or where living conditions have been severely disrupted, this programme provides a full package of support to study at one of 14 Hungarian universities across more than 200 courses.

The scope of the programme is deliberately focused. Eligible countries include Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Armenia, Ghana, Nicaragua, Niger, and Chad — nations where Christian communities face documented crisis, conflict, or discrimination. Unlike most scholarships, SCYP doesn't accept direct online applications. You apply through a sending partner organisation operating in your country, which means your first step is identifying the right partner in your region.

The programme has real scale. Nearly 3,000 applications were received for the 2025/2026 academic year alone, and over 160 current students are enrolled, with 94 percent recommending the programme. Monthly stipends are HUF 166,600 for Bachelor's and Master's students, with doctoral students receiving HUF 140,000 to 180,000 per month. On top of that, you receive free dormitory accommodation or a monthly accommodation contribution, travel reimbursement of HUF 200,000 per academic year, and full medical insurance. Fields of study span health sciences, engineering, architecture, economics, agriculture, arts, humanities, and IT.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Faith and Country of Origin

You must be a Christian young person living in one of the eligible crisis countries or someone who is threatened in their country because of their Christian faith. The eligible countries are Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Armenia, Ghana, Nicaragua, Niger, and Chad. Your faith background will be verified through your sending partner organisation.

Academic Readiness

You must have completed or be completing secondary education (for Bachelor's applicants) or hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's applicants) or a Master's degree (for PhD applicants). The quality of your academic record will factor into selection alongside your personal circumstances.

Language Requirements

You need to meet the language requirements of your chosen programme. Many courses at Hungarian universities are available in English, so English proficiency (typically B2 or higher) is a common requirement. Some programmes are in Hungarian, in which case you'd need Hungarian language skills or a willingness to complete language training.

Application Through a Sending Partner

You cannot apply directly online to SCYP. You must apply through an authorised sending partner organisation operating in your country or region. This partner verifies your eligibility, supports your application, and forwards it to Hungary Helps. Identifying and contacting the right partner is your first practical step.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for the duration of your studies at a Hungarian university
• Monthly stipend of HUF 166,600 for Bachelor's and Master's students
• Monthly stipend of HUF 140,000–180,000 for doctoral (PhD) students
• Free dormitory accommodation OR a monthly accommodation contribution of HUF 40,000
• Travel reimbursement of HUF 200,000 per academic year
• Full medical insurance during your studies in Hungary
• Access to 200+ courses across 14 Hungarian universities in fields including health sciences, engineering, architecture, economics, agriculture, arts, humanities, and IT

How to Apply

1. Confirm your country and faith eligibility: Check that your country of origin is on the SCYP eligible list (Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Armenia, Ghana, Nicaragua, Niger, Chad) and that you meet the Christian faith requirement.
2. Identify your sending partner: Visit apply.scyp.hu to find the authorised sending partner organisation in your country or region. This organisation will manage your application process — you don't submit directly to Hungary Helps.
3. Contact your sending partner early: Sending partners have their own internal deadlines that precede the SCYP main deadline. Contact them as far in advance as possible to understand their process, timeline, and any additional requirements they have.
4. Choose your programme and university: Browse the 200+ courses across 14 Hungarian universities available under SCYP. Select a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
5. Prepare your application materials: Gather academic certificates, transcripts, language proficiency evidence, a personal statement about your faith and situation, and any other documents your sending partner requires.
6. Submit through your partner: Your sending partner will compile and submit your application on your behalf. Stay in close contact throughout to make sure nothing is missing.
7. Attend interviews or assessments: Depending on your partner and the programme, you may need to attend an interview or assessment as part of the selection process.

Required Documents

• Secondary school leaving certificate and/or university degrees and transcripts
• Language proficiency certificate (English B2 or higher for English-taught programmes)
• Personal statement explaining your faith, your situation in your home country, and your reasons for applying
• Letters of recommendation (requirements vary by sending partner)
• Copy of valid passport
• Any documents required by your sending partner organisation

Key Dates & Deadlines

SCYP runs an annual call for each following academic year. The specific deadline varies by cycle and by sending partner, since your partner organisation has its own internal submission deadline before the main SCYP deadline. Visit apply.scyp.hu for the current cycle's dates and contact your local sending partner as early as possible to understand their internal timeline.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Finding and contacting your sending partner several months before the deadline — they have their own processes and can guide you far more specifically than the main website
• Writing a personal statement that honestly and specifically describes your faith situation and why you need to study outside your home country
• Choosing a programme that genuinely matches your academic background rather than one that just seems accessible
• Providing clear and complete documentation of your faith background and connection to a Christian community in your home country
• Having strong academic records to complement your personal circumstances — both matter in the selection

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to apply directly online without going through a sending partner — SCYP doesn't accept direct applications
• Contacting the sending partner too late and missing their internal deadline
• Applying from a country not on the eligible list
• Writing a vague personal statement that doesn't clearly describe your specific situation and faith background
• Neglecting the language proficiency requirement — check the language of instruction for your chosen programme before finalising your application

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the sending partner for the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People in my country?

Visit apply.scyp.hu and look for the partner organisation listings or contact information. If there's no partner listed for your specific country, contact Hungary Helps directly through the website to ask about options for your location.

Does the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People require proof of religious persecution?

The programme requires that you are a Christian living in a crisis region or threatened because of your faith. Your sending partner organisation will assess this as part of the application process. You don't need a formal legal document proving persecution, but your personal statement and any supporting materials should clearly describe your situation.

Can I choose any field of study under the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People?

The programme covers 200+ courses across health sciences, engineering, architecture, economics, agriculture, arts, humanities, and IT at 14 Hungarian universities. The specific courses available may vary by cycle — check apply.scyp.hu for the current list.

What is the monthly stipend amount for doctoral students under SCYP?

Doctoral students receive a monthly stipend of HUF 140,000 to 180,000 per month, depending on the current programme terms. Bachelor's and Master's students receive HUF 166,600 per month.

Is accommodation guaranteed under the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People?

You receive either free dormitory accommodation or a monthly contribution of HUF 40,000 toward your housing costs. Dormitory availability may vary by institution, so confirm with your receiving Hungarian university before committing to accommodation plans.

Can I bring family members with me if I receive the SCYP scholarship?

The scholarship covers only the individual student. Family members are not covered under the programme. If bringing family is important to your decision, factor in the costs and immigration requirements independently of the scholarship.

How many students receive the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People scholarship each year?

The programme received nearly 3,000 applications for 2025/2026 and currently supports 160+ students. The acceptance rate is competitive. A strong personal statement, solid academic record, and clear documentation of your situation are all important.

Is the SCYP scholarship renewable each year?

The scholarship covers the duration of your enrolled programme, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress and continued eligibility. Annual renewal typically requires you to be in good academic standing and to continue meeting the programme's requirements.