Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026-2027

Overview

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is a fully funded initiative of the Hungarian government, managed by the Tempus Public Foundation. It enables international students to pursue bachelor's, master's, one-tier master's, doctoral, and non-degree programmes at Hungarian higher education institutions. Established in 2013, the programme has grown into one of Europe's largest government scholarship schemes, with over 30 Hungarian universities participating and about 800 study programmes available in foreign languages, most of them in English.

The scholarship provides full tuition fee waiver, monthly living stipend, free dormitory accommodation or a housing contribution, and medical insurance. Doctoral students receive a much higher stipend than undergraduate and master's students. The programme runs through bilateral educational cooperation agreements between Hungary and partner countries, so applicants must be nominated by their home country's designated sending partner organisation.

With partner countries across every continent (Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, East Asia), Stipendium Hungaricum is one of the most globally accessible government scholarship programmes. The annual application deadline is mid-January, and the selection process (sending partner nominations, university entrance examinations) runs through June.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Hungarian Government, managed by Tempus Public Foundation
Host Country	Hungary
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (HUF 43,700 for BA/MA; HUF 140,000–180,000 for PhD), free dormitory or HUF 40,000/month housing contribution, and medical insurance
Deadline	January 2026
Duration	Varies by programme: 2–3 years (bachelor's), 1–2 years (master's), 4 years (doctoral), 1 year (non-d
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of 80+ partner countries with valid bilateral educational cooperation agreements with Hungary
Official Website	https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements of their selected programme, which vary by university and degree level. A strong academic record is expected. For master's programmes, a completed bachelor's degree is required; for doctoral programmes, a completed master's degree is required.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of a country that has a valid educational cooperation agreement with Hungary under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme. The list of eligible countries changes annually and is published on the official website.

Language Requirements

English language proficiency is required for English-taught programmes. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or university-specific language assessments. Some programmes are taught in German or French. All full-time bachelor's and master's students must complete a mandatory two-semester Hungarian language course provided free by the host institution.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for degree programmes. Relevant professional experience can strengthen a doctoral application.

Other Requirements

Applicants must be nominated by the designated sending partner authority in their home country. Without nomination, applications are not forwarded to Hungarian universities. Applicants can select a maximum of two programme choices. A minimum score of 56 out of 100 on entrance examinations is required. Scholarship holders must maintain at least 18 credits per semester and must reside in Hungary; absences exceeding 30 days result in allowance suspension.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire programme duration
• Monthly living stipend of HUF 43,700 (about EUR 110) for bachelor's and master's students
• Monthly living stipend of HUF 140,000 (about EUR 355) for doctoral students in the first phase, rising to HUF 180,000 (about EUR 455) in the second phase
• Free dormitory accommodation or a monthly housing contribution of HUF 40,000 (about EUR 100) for private accommodation
• Medical insurance covering full healthcare services at public hospitals
• Free two-semester Hungarian language course for full-time bachelor's and master's students
• Access to over 800 programmes at 30+ Hungarian universities
• Cultural and academic integration support

How to Apply

1. Contact Your Sending Partner: Find and contact the designated sending partner organisation in your home country (often the Ministry of Education or a national scholarship agency). Each country has its own nomination process and internal deadline, which may be earlier than the Stipendium Hungaricum deadline.
2. Research Programmes: Browse available study programmes on the Stipendium Hungaricum website. You may select up to two programmes on your application. Pick programmes that match your academic background and career goals.
3. Register and Apply Online: Create an account on the DreamApply application system and complete the online application form. Upload all required documents before the 15 January 2026 deadline at 2:00 PM CET.
4. Obtain Sending Partner Nomination: Your sending partner reviews applications and nominates the best candidates by the end of February 2026. Only nominated applications are forwarded to Hungarian universities. This step is mandatory.
5. Complete Entrance Examinations: Nominated candidates are contacted by their chosen Hungarian university to schedule entrance examinations, which run from mid-March through the end of May. A minimum score of 56 out of 100 is required.
6. Receive Results and Accept Offer: Final results are announced in June 2026. Successful candidates receive an official scholarship award letter and instructions for visa application, accommodation arrangements, and pre-departure preparations.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or national identity card with signed declaration
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (officially translated if not in English)
• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Medical certificate using the mandatory Stipendium Hungaricum template
• Completed Statement for Application form
• Motivation letter explaining academic and career goals
• Research plan (for doctoral applicants)
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Passport-sized photograph
• Any additional documents specified by the chosen university and sending partner

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	November 2025
Application Deadline	15 January 2026, 2:00 PM CET
Results Announced	June 2026
Course Start	September 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Contact your country's sending partner well before the January deadline. Many countries have internal pre-selection deadlines in November or December.
• Explain clearly why Hungary and the specific programme are the right fit for your academic and professional goals
• For doctoral applications, prepare a detailed research plan that shows familiarity with your intended supervisor's work and the university's research strengths
• Highlight any previous international or intercultural experience to signal adaptability
• Explain how your studies in Hungary will contribute to your home country's development when you return

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to contact the sending partner in your home country early enough. Without their nomination, your application will not proceed regardless of quality.
• Selecting more than two programmes on the application form, which is not permitted
• Not using the mandatory medical certificate template provided by Stipendium Hungaricum
• Submitting documents that are not officially translated into English when the originals are in another language
• Underestimating the entrance examination. A score below 56/100 disqualifies the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are eligible for Stipendium Hungaricum?

Over 80 countries have bilateral educational cooperation agreements with Hungary. Eligible countries span Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Europe. The exact list changes annually and is published on the Stipendium Hungaricum website.

How much is the Stipendium Hungaricum monthly stipend?

Bachelor's and master's students receive HUF 43,700 per month (about EUR 110). Doctoral students receive HUF 140,000 per month (about EUR 355) in the first phase and HUF 180,000 per month (about EUR 455) in the second phase.

Does Stipendium Hungaricum cover accommodation?

Scholars receive either a free place in a university dormitory or a monthly contribution of HUF 40,000 (about EUR 100) toward private accommodation costs.

What is a sending partner for Stipendium Hungaricum?

A sending partner is the official organisation designated by your home country's government (usually the Ministry of Education or a national scholarship agency) to manage Stipendium Hungaricum nominations. You must be nominated by your sending partner for your application to be considered.

Can I apply for Stipendium Hungaricum without a sending partner nomination?

Nomination by your country's sending partner is mandatory. Applications that are not nominated are not forwarded to Hungarian universities. Contact your sending partner well in advance of the deadline.

What is the Stipendium Hungaricum entrance examination?

After nomination, Hungarian universities conduct entrance examinations for shortlisted candidates between March and May. These may include written tests, interviews, or portfolio reviews depending on the programme. A minimum score of 56 out of 100 is required to pass.

Does Stipendium Hungaricum cover travel costs?

The standard scholarship package does not include international travel costs. Some sending partners may provide travel funding separately. Scholars are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to Hungary.

How many programmes can I apply for on Stipendium Hungaricum?

You may select a maximum of two programme choices on your application form. Choose carefully; your selections cannot be changed after submission.

Is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship renewable?

The scholarship covers the full duration of the selected programme. Scholars must maintain a minimum of 18 credits per semester to keep their scholarship status. Extensions of up to two semesters may be requested in exceptional circumstances, though these do not include stipend payments.

Do I need to learn Hungarian for Stipendium Hungaricum?

Most programmes are taught in English, so Hungarian language skills are not required for admission. All full-time bachelor's and master's students must complete a mandatory two-semester Hungarian language course, which is provided free by the host institution.

When is the Stipendium Hungaricum deadline for 2026?

The application deadline for the 2026/2027 academic year is 15 January 2026 at 2:00 PM Central European Time. Many sending partners have earlier internal deadlines, so contact yours as soon as applications open in November.

Can I work while on Stipendium Hungaricum?

Scholarship holders must reside in Hungary and prioritise their studies. Limited part-time work may be permitted under Hungarian regulations, but absences from Hungary exceeding 30 consecutive days result in suspension of the living allowance.

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