Stipendium Hungaricum 2026: Full Requirements, Benefits, and Application Steps

Stipendium Hungaricum 2026: Full Requirements, Benefits, and Application Steps

Hungary may be calling your name louder than your morning alarm if you've ever imagined yourself studying in Europe, enjoying coffee in cobblestone streets, touring historic campuses, or just advancing your academic career.

Say hello to Stipendium Hungaricum, the Hungarian Government’s most prestigious higher education scholarship programme. And this isn’t your average “fill 20 forms and hope for the best” scholarship. This one delivers.

What’s Stipendium Hungaricum, and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Launched in 2013, the scholarship has one clear mission:

• Bring talented international students to Hungary
• Offer them world-class education
• Build long-term academic, cultural, and professional connections

Today, the programme spans 100+ countries, available across five continents, offering 900+ full-degree programmes, from Bachelor’s to Doctoral levels.

Tens of thousands apply every year, and here’s the jaw-dropper: 91% of scholarship holders said they would choose Hungary again. That alone speaks volumes.

The program is supervised by Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by the Tempus Public Foundation, ensuring professional, transparent processes.

Why Hungary?

Hungary sits in the heart of Europe.

Think: studying next to medieval architecture, making friends from around the world, enjoying affordable living, vibrant culture, and high-quality degrees recognized globally. It’s a great blend of academic excellence and real-life adventure.

What Does the Scholarship Cover? (A lot, actually)

For Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s & Non-Degree Students

• Tuition-Free Education
• Monthly Stipend: HUF 43,700 (approx. €110) for living expenses
• Accommodation: Free dormitory or HUF 40,000 per month contribution
   (Note: In bigger cities like Budapest, this contribution may not cover full rental costs.)
• Medical Insurance: Health-care coverage + up to HUF 65,000 of supplementary insurance per year

For Doctoral Students

• Tuition-Free Education
• Monthly Stipend:
  • HUF 140,000 (approx. €355) for the first 4 semesters
  • HUF 180,000 (approx. €460) for the second 4 semesters
• Accommodation: Free dormitory or HUF 40,000 per month contribution
• Medical Insurance: Same coverage as other levels

Who Is Eligible?

You should consider applying if you:

• Have a solid academic background
• You are able to demonstrate fluency in the English language
• You are nominated by the Sending Partner in your home country
• Live in any of the numerous partner nations, such as Egypt, Vietnam, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and more.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. November-December 2025: Find Your Programme

• Look through the courses offered by Hungarian universities.
• There can only be two program selections.
• Study fields vary by country

2. December 2025: Contact Your Sending Partner

This might be:

• Your Ministry of Education
• The Hungarian Embassy
• A designated council

Get in contact as soon as possible because each has its own procedures, due dates, and documentation.

3. December 2025: Register & Upload Your Documents

Submit your application through the online portal: apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu

Documents needed:

• Completed application form
• Recent photograph
• Proof of identity
• Motivation letter (minimum one page)
• School certificates + translations
• Proof of English proficiency
• Medical certificate
• Signed application statement
• For PhD applicants: Research plan + two recommendation letters

4. 15 January 2026, 2 PM CET: Application Deadline

Ensure that all forms are correctly completed and submitted on schedule.

5. February 2026: Sending Partner Nominates Applicants

The best candidates are chosen by your national authority, which then sends their applications to the selected Hungarian universities.

6. Until 15 March 2026: Supervisor Statement (For PhD Applicants)

A supervisor's statement may be required by certain PhD programs; be sure to check ahead and obtain this if necessary.

7. March-May 2026: Entrance Exams

Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by Hungarian universities to arrange exams. To be eligible for the final selection, you must receive a minimum score of 56 out of 100.

8. June 2026: Final Results

By the end of June or the beginning of July, the Tempus Public Foundation releases the final results after reviewing exam results and supporting documentation.

Helpful Official Sections to Look For

• Application Guide for Bachelor’s/Master’s Applicants
• Application Guide for Doctoral Applicants
• Stipendium Hungaricum Official Portal

Final Thoughts

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is an opportunity you shouldn't pass up if you want to study overseas, want a top-notch education in Europe, and don't want to worry about tuition or other significant costs.

Hungary offers rich culture, globally recognized universities, affordability, and an international student community that grows each year. This scholarship hands you direct access to all of that.