🏆 What Is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is a fully‑funded international scholarship programme launched by the Hungarian Government in 2013 to attract talented students from around the world. Its main goal is to internationalise Hungarian higher education, foster cultural exchange, and promote academic cooperation between Hungary and other countries.
The programme is managed by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated by the Tempus Public Foundation, which administers applications, evaluation processes, and awards.
🎓 Levels and Fields of Study Covered
You can apply to Stipendium Hungaricum at any of the following levels:
- Bachelor’s (Undergraduate)
- Master’s / One‑tier Master’s
- Doctoral (PhD)
- Preparatory language courses (for those who don’t have required language skills)
The scholarship covers programmes in a wide variety of study fields — from business, science, engineering, medicine, education, arts, humanities and more. Hundreds of partner universities in Hungary offer eligible programmes under this scheme.
💰 What the Scholarship Covers
One of the best things about Stipendium Hungaricum is that it covers many financial aspects of your studies in Hungary — making it relatively easier and more affordable compared to many other scholarships.
✔️ 1. Tuition‑Fee Exemption
You do not pay tuition fees to the university for the entire period of your studies under this scholarship.
✔️ 2. Monthly Stipend (Living Allowance)
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, Preparatory courses: approx. HUF 43,700 (~€110‑€130) per month.
- Doctoral (PhD): significantly higher — around HUF 140,000/month (~€380) for the first phase and HUF 180,000/month (~€490) for the second phase of the programme.
This money is meant to support some of your everyday living costs in Hungary. It might not cover all expenses (especially in big cities), but it provides a stable monthly supplement.
✔️ 3. Accommodation Contribution
You will either receive:
- Free place in university dormitory (if available), or
- Monthly housing allowance of approx. HUF 40,000 (~€100‑€110) if dormitory placement isn’t available.
Dormitory places for scholarship holders are usually guaranteed only for the first year, and afterward, you may need to re‑apply or receive the housing allowance instead.
✔️ 4. Medical / Health Insurance
Stipendium Hungaricum provides health care coverage based on Hungarian law, plus supplementary insurance to help cover additional needs.
✔️ 5. Other Benefits
- Free or simplified visa & residence permit processing through Hungarian authorities.
- Access to university services like libraries, labs, and student support.
✔️ Eligibility Criteria (General Rules)
While the rules may vary slightly depending on your country and chosen programme, the basic requirements are:
- You must be a citizen of a country that has an educational cooperation agreement with Hungary (a “Sending Partner”).
- You must meet the academic requirements of the level you’re applying for (e.g., high school diploma for Bachelor’s, bachelor’s degree for Master’s).
- There is no minimum age in most cases, but you need to have completed prior study level before enrolment.
- Application and participation in admission exams are free — you never pay the Hungarian government or universities directly for applying.
👉 Important: In many countries, your government or a designated authority must nominate you for the scholarship before your application will be evaluated further, so you should check procedures in your home country.
📅 When and How to Apply
Here’s the typical step‑by‑step application timeline (subject to annual updates):
🪪 1. Choose Your Programme
Visit the official study programme list on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal and pick up to two preferred programmes from the available options for your country.
📥 2. Contact Your Sending Partner
You must contact the sending partner authority in your home country (e.g., ministry of education, scholarship office, embassy, etc.) to confirm local procedures and nomination rules.
🖥️ 3. Register on the Official Application Portal
Use the official application system:
➡️ Apply here: https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
Complete your application by uploading required documents (ID, diplomas, transcripts, etc.).
📆 4. Deadline
The main annual deadline is usually 15 January (Central European Time). If you miss it, you must wait for the next cycle.
📝 5. Application Review and Nomination
After submission, your application must be nominated by your country’s sending partner. Then it is sent to universities that you selected.
🎓 6. University Entrance / Evaluation
Some universities require an entrance exam or interview between March and May. The results determine final scholarship offers.
📬 7. Result Announcement
Tempus Public Foundation usually announces final results around June / July.
🧠 Tips for a Strong Application
📌 1. Start Early:
Begin preparing your documents and checking deadlines in autumn or early winter.
📌 2. Prepare Required Documents:
This typically includes:
- Secondary/bachelor’s diploma and transcripts,
- Motivation letter,
- Passport copy or ID,
- Any language certificates (if required).
📌 3. Contact Local Sending Partner:
Find out if your country needs special nomination forms or additional steps.
📌 4. Read the Official Guide:
Tempus Public Foundation releases an Application Guide every year that details exact requirements.
📌 5. Stay Updated:
Rules, scholarships, and deadlines may change annually.
📌 Important Notes
- The scholarship covers your entire study duration (e.g., 3 or 4 years for a Bachelor’s programme).
- Dormitory accommodation is not always guaranteed after the first year — you might receive the housing allowance instead.
- If you fail language or credit minimum requirements, your stipend might be reduced.
📍 Official Links
🔗 Application portal (where you register and apply):
👉 https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
🔗 Main scholarship info and call details:
👉 https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/about/
📌 Summary
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the most accessible and generous government scholarships in Europe. It offers:
✅ Tuition‑free education
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Accommodation support
✅ Health insurance
✅ Opportunities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies
🧠 A clear online process and structured yearly application timeline
It’s a great opportunity if you want a fully funded international education with financial support and exposure in Europe.
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