The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships 2026-27 in Hungary offer an incredible opportunity for international students to achieve their academic goals at some of Hungary’s top universities, without financial concerns. This comprehensive blog covers application deadlines, participating institutions, available programs, scholarship benefits, eligibility, required documents, the step-by-step application process, tips, estimated living expenses, and frequent asked questions.
Basic Information about Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships 2026-27
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program is a fully funded, prestigious scholarship scheme launched by the Hungarian government in 2013 to promote internationalization of higher education and attract talented students worldwide. For the academic year 2026-27, the application will open in November 2025, with a deadline in mid-January 2026 (typically January 15). The application process is conducted through an official online portal and encompasses undergraduate, master’s, one-tier master’s, PhD, and non-degree programs across various fields.
University/Institution Details
The program covers more than 800 accredited English and multilingual programs across Hungary’s leading universities. Participating institutions include:
- University of Debrecen
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
- University of Pécs
- Corvinus University of Budapest
The full list and details about each can be found through the Stipendium Hungaricum study finder portal.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
Applicants can choose from a wide array of fields and all major levels:
- Bachelor’s degree programs (BA/BSc)
- Master’s degree programs (MA/MSc)
- One-Tier Master’s (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy)
- PhD/Doctoral programs
- Non-degree programs (Preparatory & Specialization Courses)
Popular study areas include:
- Engineering & Technology
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Business & Economics
- Natural & Social Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Agriculture & Environmental Studies
Visit the official study finder for more programs and eligibility by country.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships Benefits
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships 2026-27 provide:
- Tuition-free education – no tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s: HUF 43,700/month (~€110) for living expenses (12 months/year).
- PhD:
- HUF 140,000 (~€355) for the first 4 semesters.
- HUF 180,000 (~€460) for the last 4 semesters (12 months/year).
- Accommodation:
- Free dormitory OR HUF 40,000/month (~€100) for rent contribution.
- Medical insurance:
- Full health care per Hungarian law + up to HUF 65,000 (~€165/year) supplementary coverage.
- ⚠️ Note: These are contributions, not full living costs — students must cover the rest.
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship is generous, it does not cover certain expenses:
- International travel (airfare) is not routinely covered, though some sending countries may provide support
- Additional personal expenses (clothing, leisure, personal electronics)
- Meals not included in dormitory provision
- Expenses above the accommodation allowance
- Any costs related to family members/accompanying dependents
Eligibility Criteria for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships
- Based on bilateral agreements between Hungary and partner countries.
- Must be nominated by a Sending Partner country that has a bilateral agreement with Hungary.
- Eligible countries include: Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.
- Only citizens of the Sending Partner country can apply through that country.
🚫 Not Eligible If
- You are a Hungarian citizen (including dual citizenship), refugee, or have long-term residence in Hungary.
- You apply through a country different from your citizenship.
- You are already a Stipendium Hungaricum holder in the same education cycle.
- You were previously awarded but did not start studies or failed to notify the authorities.
- You submit multiple or false applications.
- You are under 18 (born after 31 Aug 2008).
- You are a self-financed student in Hungary unless:
- Recommended by your university, and
- Have above-average academic results.
Required Documents for the Application
Typical documentation includes:
- Online application form (with recent photo).
- Motivation letter (min. 1 page, in English or program language).
- Proof of language proficiency (certificate or previous degree in that language).
- School Certificates:
- Bachelor: High school certificate.
- Master: Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Degree certificates & transcripts (with translations if needed).
- Research plan (min. 2 pages).
- Letter of recommendation (from a professor/supervisor).
- Statement of supervisor (if required by Doctoral School) –
- Declaration by 15 Jan 2026; final statement by 15 Mar 2026.
- Copy of passport or national ID.
- Acceptance of online Statement for Application.
- Medical certificate – only required after scholarship award (issued after Nov 2025).
Additional for Art & Music Applicants
- Portfolio or audition materials as required by the host institution.
- Upload via online system or provide downloadable link (max 4MB/file).
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Check Country Eligibility: Confirm if your country is a partner on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.
- Explore Programs and Universities: Use the study finder tool to shortlist programs and universities of interest.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documentation, ensuring they are in English or Hungarian (certified translations as needed).
- Apply Online: Register and submit your application through the official portal (apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu) before the deadline (typically January 15th).
- Apply via Sending Partner (if needed): In some countries, you must also apply through your national scholarship agency or relevant authority.
- Upload Supporting Materials: Attach scanned copies of all documents as instructed.
- Await Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for online university entrance exams or interviews.
- Receive Conditional Acceptance: If successful, universities issue preliminary acceptance, pending submission of any remaining documents.
- Final Approval: Final approval is communicated by the Tempus Public Foundation and your sending body.
- Visa Process: Arrange visa and travel once all paperwork is complete.
Selection Procedure
First Round (Jan–Feb 2026)
- Technical check by Tempus Public Foundation (TPF):
- Verifies eligibility, nationality, documents, and submission completeness.
- Automatically rejects late, incomplete, duplicate, or false applications.
- Eligible applications are sent to the Sending Partner for nomination.
- Sending Partner sends nomination list to TPF by 28 February 2026.
Second Round:
- Only nominated applicants are evaluated by Hungarian universities.
Acceptance & Enrollment
- Scholarship must be accepted by given deadlines.
- Disqualification occurs if the applicant:
- Fails to accept or upload missing documents by 1 August 2026.
- Withdraws or provides false information.
- Does not hold a Master’s degree by 1 August 2026.
- Revokes GDPR consent.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start preparing your documents early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Tailor your motivation letter for each program, explaining your goals and why you chose Hungary.
- Choose two universities/programs to increase your chances of selection.
- Ensure all translations are certified and match original documents.
- Double-check all deadlines, including any specific to your country’s sending partner.
- Monitor email regularly for updates or interview invites.
- Practice English skills and research your chosen subjects for any possible entrance exams or interviews.
- Consult university-specific requirements carefully—some require portfolios or unique documents.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD Estimate)
Hungary is relatively affordable for international students. Average monthly expenses include:
- Accommodation: $110–$250 (after scholarship allowance)
- Meals: $150–$250
- Transportation: $15–$30
- Study materials: $10–$25
- Personal expenses: $50–$100
Total estimated monthly living expenses: $350–$550 USD (after accounting for the housing and stipend provided by the scholarship).
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Fully funded: Covers all tuition and provides financial support for cost of living.
- Wide range of programs: Includes engineering, medicine, social sciences, arts, and more at undergraduate to doctoral levels.
- Prestigious universities: Access to Hungary’s top-ranked institutions with modern facilities.
- International exposure: Join a vibrant student community from over 90 countries and experience rich culture.
- Career boost: Outstanding academic environment and opportunities for internships, research, and job placements.
- Affordable living: Hungary offers high-quality education at a fraction of Western European costs, with most expenses covered by the scholarship.
- Cultural experience: Learn Hungarian language and enjoy deep cultural immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stipendium Hungaricum
When does the 2026-27 application open?
Can I apply to more than one program?
Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
- Required for English-taught programs, though sometimes a letter from previous institution suffices.
Are there age limits?
Are family members covered?
What happens after selection?
Is airfare included?
Can scholarship holders work in Hungary?
Deadline
For the 2026-27 academic year, the deadline is expected to be around January 15, 2026. Always confirm deadlines for your country/partner agency as additional local steps may have earlier dates.
Timeline
- 15 Jan 2026 – Application deadline.
- 15 Mar 2026 – Recommendation letter deadline (for self-financed students).
- Mar–May 2026 – Selection results.
- Jun–Jul 2026 – Visa process.
- Jul–Aug 2026 – Arrival in Hungary.
Official Link:
For Bachelor’s and Masters
For PhD
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026-27 is an extraordinary opportunity for ambitious international students seeking high-quality education at world-class Hungarian institutions. With comprehensive support—from tuition fee waiver to living stipends and accommodation—the program removes financial barriers and fosters a vibrant, multicultural academic environment. Start preparing your application early, follow each step carefully, and you could be one step closer to studying in Hungary!
Can I apply for 2nd bachelor as my HSC was in 2018 and after that I completed bachelor program also?