Studying in Hungary is the dream of most foreign students. This is because Hungary has some of the best globally recognized institutions. However, many people are limited by the simple thought of the cost of studying in Hungary. However, the Hungarian Government is big on investing in its educational sectors and international relationships. Today, they offer scholarships to international students in various courses of study. The Hungary government scholarship is available in over 600 courses and institutions across Hungary.
Every year, the Hungary Government offers fully funded and partially funded scholarships to students from over 70 countries, based on bilateral governmental agreements. This scholarship enables international students to study at any certified Hungarian university and return to their home countries with marketable skills. Whether it’s in English or Hungarian, these programs are structured to ensure that you can pursue your education in Hungary without any language barrier.
If you’ve ever desired to study in Hungary, here is your chance! Meanwhile, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships are highly competitive. Thus, to enhance your odds of being awarded a scholarship, you need to distinguish yourself from your competition. This post will show you all you need to know, to be ahead of the competition. You will also learn more about the benefits of this scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines.
Scholarship Summary
Summary
About the Host of the Hungary Government Scholarship
The Hungary Government Scholarship, known as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, is hosted by the Hungarian Government and coordinated by the Tempus Public Foundation. Established in 2013 by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program aims to foster international collaboration and enhance Hungary’s global academic reputation. Thus, it offers fully-funded scholarships to talented students from various parts of the world, enabling them to pursue higher education in Hungary’s top universities.
The Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) is a public body founded by the Hungarian government. It oversees the administration and management of the scholarship. Also, the organization ensures a transparent and efficient application process, assists scholars with their academic journey, and facilitates cooperation between Hungarian institutions and partner countries. TPF also ensures compliance with the bilateral educational agreements that Hungary has with participating countries.
Over the years, it has developed robust partnerships on five continents with over 90 countries and regions, attracting thousands of international students each year. The program is a valuable tool for promoting development and growth in partner countries. Hence, through this program, the Hungarian Government promotes academic excellence and also fosters cultural exchange.
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Why Apply for the Hungary Government Scholarship?
The Hungarian Government Scholarship program is designed to support international students while strengthening relationships between academic institutions in Hungary and abroad. Here are why students find the scholarship program very attractive:
How Much is the Hungary Government Scholarship Worth?
The Government of Hungary scholarship is a unique opportunity that covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, and many more. Below we dive deeper into the worth of the Hungary scholarship.
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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
The number of Stipendium Hungaricum applicants and awards is continuously increasing, as is the number of available scholarship places. In 2024, more than 66,000 applications were received, and nearly 4,500 scholarships were awarded. Even though we cannot state the exact number of students who are going to be awarded for this year’s scholarship program, we’re safe to say that limited number of qualified applicants will be awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship.
What is the Acceptance Rate of the Hungary Government Scholarship?
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship application has seen a significant increase in recent years, reflecting its growing popularity and competitiveness. Currently, more than 4,000 scholarship holders are studying in Hungary across various programs and degree levels. While the exact acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed, these figures suggest that approximately 21% of applicants were awarded the scholarship in the 2024 academic year. This indicates that it’s a highly competitive scholarship program.
Eligible Nationality
The Hungaricum scholarship is open to international students from partner countries under bilateral agreements with Hungary. The full list of supported countries is available in the Call for Applications.
Host Nationality
The scholarship is hosted in Hungary.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Hungary Government Scholarship?
The Hungary Government Scholarship is available in various fields of study across various degrees. Thus, applicants will have the option of choosing from more than 600 full degree programs, encompassing disciplines such as Agricultural Science, Computer Science and Information Technology, Legal Science, Economic Science, Engineering Science, Medical and Health Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.
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Which Level is Eligible for the Hungary Government Scholarship?
The Hungary Government Scholarship is available for undergraduate programs, master’s, one-tier master’s programs, doctoral programs, and non-degree programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Hungarian scholarship program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship award, you must be at least 18 years old by August 31, 2025.
How to Apply for the Hungary Government Scholarship?
The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship is a very selective program, with only a few students selected every year. Hence, to apply for this scholarship, you need to carefully follow these steps:
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Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Hungary Government Scholarship program:
Select Program
Go to the scholarship website, and click on apply for scholarship. Type your prospective course of study and you’ll see the Hungarian institutions that accept scholarships.Choose Scholarship
Visit the chosen university’s official website, navigate to the International Students section, and locate the Scholarships tab.Complete the Application Form
Fill out personal details, educational history, and study preferences. Following this, you can upload all documents and submit them through the portal.Nomination
Await review and nomination by your country’s designated authorities (Sending Partner). Accepted candidates will receive notification of their admission and scholarship status.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
You can read the Call for Applications on the following links:
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us at stipendiumhungaricum@tpf.hu
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What are the Documents Required for the Hungary Government Scholarship Application?
To apply for a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, you’ll need the following documents:
Is the Hungary Government Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
The application period for the 2026/2027 Hungary Government Scholarship is will be open for in January. Thus, you can start preparing the necessary documents so you can apply immediately the application portal is open.
What Can I Do To Win a Hungarian Government Scholarship This Year?
Every year, the Hungarian Government Scholarship keeps becoming more competitive because it’s a country of transformative adventure and opportunities. Here are practical tips to improve your chances of winning the scholarship program:
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting the complete application is usually 15 January, at 2p.m. (CET). Final decision and notification will be in June while the academic year will commence in September.
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Selection Procedures
The selection process for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship begins with an initial screening by the Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) to ensure all applications meet the eligibility criteria. After this, the sending partner in the applicant’s home country reviews the applications and nominates candidates. These nominated applications are then forwarded to Hungarian universities, where an academic evaluation is conducted. Universities will conduct online interviews, and tests, and recommend candidates based on academic merit and program suitability.
The TPF compiles the final list of awardees based on university recommendations and the scholarship quotas for each partner country. Successful candidates will receive an acceptance letter and confirm their intention to accept the scholarship. Finally, awardees apply for a student visa, travel to Hungary, enroll, and commence their chosen programs.
Does the Hungarian Government Scholarship Have Past Questions?
The Hungarian Government Scholarship does not publicly release past questions for entrance exams. However, you can effectively prepare by reviewing the program descriptions, practicing common interview questions, and engaging with online forums, where other applicants share tips and experiences. Here are more tips that will help you get prepared:
Kindly Check Out these International Scholarships
If you’re looking for other scholarship opportunities to further your study and make things easy for you in any country of your choice, we’ve complied a list of international scholarship programmes. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you can go through these list and start applying. You can learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Hungarian Government Scholarship
Can I get a full scholarship in Hungary?
Yes, you can get a full scholarship in Hungary. A lot of organisations in Hungary provide financial aid programs to students in various levels of study.
How do I know if my country is eligible for the Hungary Government scholarship?
The full list of supported countries can be found in the Call for Applications for BSc, and MSc programs and in the Call for Applications for Doctoral programs.
Can I apply if am under 18 years old?
You must be 18 years old by 31 August 2026 to be eligible. If you turn 18 on/after 1st September 2026, you can apply a year later. However, your Sending Partner may set country-specific age limits. Hence, you can contact them and ask for any country-specific requirements or additional criteria.
How many programs can I choose for the Hungary Government scholarship?
You can choose two programs. These can be the same program at two different universities or two different programs at the same or different universities. Please make sure you choose the desired University in the FIRST place, as most awarded applicants get a place at their first choice.
Do I need an IELTS language exam?
No, IELTS is not required, any type of exam is accepted as long as it is a proctored exam and on the required level.
Are books and study materials free?
No, they are not covered by the scholarship, you will have to buy them or use the library facilities of the university. You will receive a monthly stipend, contributing to your living expenses.
What is the minimum GPA for Master or PhD programs?
Generally, the student should have a good academic standing, meaning grades above 65-70%. Some programs are more competitive, these require either better grades or extracurricular achievements.
Conclusion
The Hungarian Government scholarship program remains a unique opportunity to further your studies, connect with professionals, and have an amazing experience while you prepare yourself for the global job market. Please bear in mind that these scholarship provisions are only a contribution to the living expenses of the Scholarship Holders.
Thus, it does not fully cover all the costs of living, meaning you’ll need to add your financial resources to cover all living expenses in Hungary. As a result, all applicants are highly advised to check the expected living expenses both in Hungary and the city that they wish to live in before applying.
Furthermore, be extra cautious when selecting your preferred study programs in the online application because it is impossible to change the study programs once you’ve submitted your application. Also note that you can always apply for two study programmes, but choose in order of preference. This is because the first choice will be given higher consideration than the second.
