Bilateral State Scholarships 2026 in Hungary offer international students a fully funded pathway to study at top Hungarian universities, covering tuition, stipends, and accommodation for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, partial studies, and research visits. Managed by Tempus Public Foundation, the application platform opens December 1, 2025, with a firm deadline of February 19, 2026—perfect timing if you’re planning your academic future abroad.

Basic Information

These government-backed scholarships promote cultural exchange through bilateral agreements between Hungary and sending countries, supporting diverse study formats at accredited Hungarian institutions. Programs start in the fall 2026 semester, with funding tailored to your level—making it accessible for undergrads to researchers.

Key details:

• Provider: Tempus Public Foundation (on behalf of the Hungarian government).
• Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s, PhD, partial/semester studies, short/long-term study visits (3–10 months or 1–5 months for researchers).
• Application window: Opens December 1, 2025; deadline February 19, 2026, 11 p.m. CET.
• No application fee; online-only submission via scholarship.hu.
• Quotas: Country-specific (check your nation’s agreement via sending authority or [email protected]).

Early prep is key—deadlines are strict, and spots fill fast for popular fields.

Available Scholarship Types

• Semester / Partial Studies: 3–10 months
• Full Degree Studies:
  • Bachelor: 36 months
  • Master: 24 months
  • Doctoral: 36–48 months
• Short or Long-Term Study Visits: 3 days – 6 months
• Summer Courses: 2–4 weeks

University/Institution Details

Scholarships apply to all accredited Hungarian higher education institutions, from historic gems like Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest to technical powerhouses like Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Tempus oversees administration, but you select your host via preliminary acceptance letters—giving flexibility across 60+ universities. Hungary’s compact size means easy access to Budapest’s vibrant culture, affordable living, and EU networks, ideal for building a global career.

Study Areas

Programs span humanities to STEM, with English-taught options growing yearly. You’re not locked into one field—choose based on your goals and university strengths.​

Popular available programs:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Computer Science (BME, University of Debrecen).
• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil) – One-Tier Master’s (5–6 years).
• Business Administration & Management (Corvinus University).
• Medicine/Pharmacy (Semmelweis University; partial studies common).
• International Relations & Diplomacy (ELTE).
• Environmental Sciences (University of Pécs).
• PhD in Biotechnology or Economics (various).

Full degrees last 2–4 years (PhD up to 4); partial studies 1–2 semesters. Confirm English programs on studyinhungary.hu.

Bilateral State Scholarships Benefits

True to “fully funded” promise, these scholarships ease your journey with comprehensive support—no loans needed.​

Included perks:

• No tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Possible accommodation contribution and supplements
• Payment made by:
  • Host institution, or
  • Tempus Public Foundation, or
  • Sending country (depends on scholarship type)

Value adds up to €10,000+ yearly, letting you focus on studies.

Benefits Not Included

Scholarships prioritize essentials, so budget for lifestyle extras in student-friendly Hungary.​

Plan to cover:

• Travel (flights ~$500–$1,000 round-trip).
• Visa/residency fees (~$60–$100).
• Books/supplies ($100–$300/semester).
• Personal expenses (leisure, phone: $50–$150/month).
• Off-campus rent if dorms full (~$250–$400).​

A $1,500 arrival buffer smooths transitions.

Eligibility Criteria for Bilateral State Scholarships

Open to motivated students/researchers from bilateral partner countries (over 90 nations, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, most of Africa/Asia). No age limit, but must hold relevant qualifications.

Must-haves:

• Citizen of eligible sending country (not Hungary/EU for full degrees).
• Age 18+ at application.
• Academic fit: High school diploma (bachelor’s); bachelor’s (master’s); master’s (PhD).
• Language: Hungarian/English proficiency (B2+; tests or prior medium of instruction).
• Commitment to return home post-study (some agreements enforce).
• Not receiving other Hungarian scholarships.

GPA 3.0+ equivalents boost chances.

Selection Process

• Formal eligibility check by Hungary
• Evaluation by external experts
• Applicants (and national offices, if nominated) receive results by email
• Accepted applicants receive guidance to prepare for stay in Hungary

Countries and Application Type

• Pool only
  • Korea
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Mongolia
  • Germany
  • Norway
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine (partially)
• Nominee & Pool
  • Poland
  • Mexico
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Russia
  • Vietnam
• Nominee only
  • (Countries where application is possible only through nomination, if specified by agreement)
• Application type not specified / limited
  • North Macedonia
  • Morocco
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palestine
  • Serbia
  • Syria
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Taiwan

Required Documents

Digital uploads only—scan clearly, translate if needed.

Checklist:

• Valid passport/ID.
• Proof of language (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL, or school certificate).
• Highest qualification (diploma/transcripts; notarized).
• Motivation letter (1–2 pages: why Hungary, goals).
• Preliminary acceptance from Hungarian institution (email template).
• PhD extras: Research plan, 2 recommendation letters.
• CV; medical certificate (some cases).​

Prep templates from scholarship.hu guide.

Ways to Apply

1️⃣ Through Home Country Nomination

• Apply first to your national scholarship office
• If nominated, also apply through Tempus online system
• Tempus receives the official nomination list from your country

2️⃣ Individual Application

• Apply directly through the Tempus online system
• No nomination required

Bilateral State Scholarships Application Process

Types of Application

• Pool
  • Applicants can apply individually and directly to the Tempus Public Foundation
  • No nomination from the home country is required
  • No bilateral agreement or work plan is needed
  • Applicants do not need to apply through their home country’s scholarship authority
• Nominee
  • Applicants must be nominated by their home country’s national scholarship organization
  • Based on a bilateral educational agreement (work plan) between Hungary and the sending country
  • Applicants can apply only for scholarship types defined in the agreement
  • Nationality is not restricted, but nomination is mandatory

Step-by-step:

1. Confirm eligibility/country quota ([email protected] or sending authority).
2. Contact university for preliminary acceptance (use form; aim 2–3 options).
3. Register at scholarship.hu (from Dec 1, 2025).
4. Fill form/upload docs (double-check fields).
5. Submit by Feb 19, 2026—nominations to universities by March.
6. Interviews/selection (April–June); results by July.
7. Visa/enroll (August).

Track via portal; save PDFs.

Tips for Success

Reviewers seek passion and fit—craft a story that shines.​

Proven strategies:

• Secure acceptance early: Email 3–5 unis by January; follow up.
• Motivation letter wins: Weave personal story, Hungary link, impact (e.g., “Apply skills to Bangladesh green energy”).
• Quantify merits: “GPA 3.8, published paper” > vague claims.
• Language proof smart: Use school waiver if possible.
• Backup unis: Public ones prioritize quotas.
• Network via Study in Hungary Facebook groups.​

85% success ties to tailored apps.

Monthly Living Expenses (USD)

Hungary’s affordable—scholarship stipend covers basics comfortably.​

Breakdown (Budapest average):

• Dorm/housing: $0–$110 (covered).
• Food: $150–$250 (cafeterias $3–$5/meal).
• Transport: $20–$40 (monthly pass).
• Utilities/phone: $40–$70.
• Misc/leisure: $80–$150.

Total: $290–$620 (thrifty to comfy). Provinces cheaper by 20%.

Why Choose This Scholarship?

Beyond funding, it’s a gateway to EU education and networks.​

Top 5+ reasons:

• Fully loaded funding: Tuition/stipend/accommodation/health—stress-free study.
• Flexible formats: Full degrees or short visits suit all levels.
• Top unis access: ELTE, BME, Semmelweis—QS-ranked globally.
• Bilateral quotas: Reserved spots for your country.
• Affordable Europe: Live well on stipend; travel Schengen easily.
• Career launch: English programs, internships, strong alumni ties.​

Ideal for ambitious globals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bilateral State Scholarships 2026 fully funded?
Yes—tuition, stipend, dorms/health covered.​

Deadline?
February 19, 2026, 11 p.m. CET.​

IELTS needed?
B2+ English/Hungarian; waivers common.​

Bangladesh eligible?
Yes—check quota via local authority.​

University application separate?
Yes—preliminary acceptance required

Important Deadlines (2026–2027)

• 19 February 2026
  • Semester/Partial Studies
  • Full Degree Studies
  • Short/Long-Term Study Visits
• 27 February 2026 (5:00 PM CET)
  • Summer Courses

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Official Link:

British Council Stem Scholarship 2026-27 (Worldwide)