The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026–2027 is a fully funded master’s scholarship in Hungary for outstanding students from selected developing and middle‑income countries in agriculture and related fields. It is an excellent opportunity if you want to study in Europe, gain in‑demand skills in food security and sustainable agriculture, and build an international career.
Basic information about the FAO Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 is jointly offered by the Government of Hungary and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It supports international students in pursuing English-taught MSc degrees in specialized agricultural and life-science fields at top Hungarian universities.
- Event Period: 21 January – 28 February 2026
- Study Start: September 2026 (studies start in September 2026).
- Mode: Virtual application process
- Funding type: Fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, subsistence and health insurance.
- Level of study: Master’s (postgraduate) programmes.
- Target group: Citizens of selected developing and middle‑income countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and other eligible regions.
University and institution details
The scholarship is coordinated by the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia together with the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. Scholars study at accredited Hungarian universities that specialize in agriculture and life sciences.
Key host institution (main example for 2026–2027):
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), particularly the Szent István Campus in Gödöllő.
Other Hungarian universities may host specific programmes related to agricultural bioeconomy, animal nutrition and feed safety, and plant protection, depending on the year and course structure. All institutions provide modern laboratories, research farms and strong links with the agri‑food industry.
Study areas and available programmes
For the 2026–2027 intake, the FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship supports master’s degree programmes taught entirely in English in high‑demand agricultural disciplines. The exact list can evolve, but typical and announced study areas include:
- MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Gödöllő Campus)
- MSc in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Kaposvár Campus)
- MSc in Plant Protection
- University of Debrecen
- Courses will run only if the minimum number of students is reached.
All programmes are designed to align with FAO’s mandate in food security, sustainable agriculture, climate‑smart farming and rural development. Courses usually combine theoretical training with applied research, laboratory work and practical field experience.
FAO Hungarian Government Scholarship benefits
- Full application and tuition fees for the entire study period.
- Basic books and academic notes needed for your courses.
- Dormitory accommodation in a student residence.
- Monthly subsistence allowance to help cover food and basic personal expenses.
- Comprehensive health insurance during the scholarship period in Hungary.
- All costs are funded by the Hungarian Government
Benefits not included
- International travel to and from Hungary (airfare and related costs are normally not covered).
- Visa fees and any other consular charges in your home country.
- Personal expenses beyond the subsistence allowance (clothing, leisure, travel inside Europe, gadgets, etc.).
- Costs for accompanying family members – the scholarship covers only the student; dependents are not supported.
Eligibility criteria for the FAO Hungarian Government Scholarship
- Citizen and resident of an eligible country
- Strong academic background
- Good English proficiency
- Clear motivation to study
- Good physical health
- Under 30 years preferred
- Previous unsuccessful applicants may reapply
- Scholarship cannot be extended or deferred
- Only complete dossiers will be considered
- Candidates will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
- Citizenship and residency of one of the eligible countries
- Excellent school achievements
- English language proficiency (for courses taught in English)
- Motivation
- Good health
Eligible Countries (Selected)
- Bangladesh ✅
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, Palestine, the Philippines, Republic of Cabo Verde, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.
Required documents for the application
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- English language proficiency certificate
- Passport copy (photo & expiry page)
- Letter of recommendation
- Motivation statement
- Medical/Health certificate
- Police clearance / Certificate of Good Conduct
Always double‑check the official FAO and university websites for the latest, exact list of required documents before you submit.
FAO Hungarian Government Scholarship application process (step‑by‑step)
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026 selection process has two main phases. Follow these steps carefully:
- Check eligibility and programmes
- Review the official FAO scholarship announcement and university pages to confirm that your country, degree and background are eligible.
- Choose the MSc programme that best matches your academic profile and career goals.
- Prepare your documents
- Download and complete the official application form accurately.
- Gather all required documents: diplomas, transcripts, English test, CV, motivation letter, passport copy, etc.
- Ensure that all documents are clear, properly scanned and, where needed, officially translated into English.
- Submit your application by email (Phase 1)
- Send your complete dossier by email within the application window 21 January – 28 February 2026, to the address indicated in the official call.
- FAO conducts pre‑screening to check eligibility, completeness and basic quality, then forwards accepted dossiers to the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture.
- National and university evaluation (Phase 2)
- The Ministry sends eligible applications to the respective Hungarian university chosen by the applicant.
- Universities evaluate academic performance, motivation, and programme fit and then propose candidates for the final selection.
- Final selection and notification
- FAO and the Hungarian authorities finalize the list of scholarship awardees.
- Successful candidates receive an official admission and scholarship letter, with instructions on visas and arrival in Hungary.
Selection Process (2 Phases)
Phase 1:
- FAO pre-screens applications
- Selected files sent to Hungarian universities
Phase 2:
- The university may conduct an English test/interview
- Final selection made by universities
- Successful candidates notified by the Ministry
Tips for a successful FAO–Hungarian scholarship application
To improve your chances in this highly competitive scholarship, focus on quality and relevance at every step. Practical tips include:
- Align your goals with FAO’s mission
Show clearly how your proposed studies relate to food security, climate‑resilient agriculture, rural development or sustainable natural resource management in your home country. - Write a powerful motivation letter
Explain your academic background, your professional goals, and how the specific MSc programme will help you solve concrete problems in your region. Use clear, authentic and focused language. - Highlight academic excellence and experience
Emphasize strong grades, research projects, internships or field experience in agriculture or related sectors. Any publications, conference presentations or awards will strengthen your profile. - Submit a complete and organized dossier
Make sure all documents are included, correctly labeled and legible; incomplete dossiers are automatically rejected. Submit early to avoid last‑minute technical issues. - Prove your English proficiency clearly
If the programme requires IELTS/TOEFL, meet or exceed the minimum scores to demonstrate that you can follow lectures and complete assignments in English. - Choose the right programme
Select a study area that genuinely matches your background and future career, rather than just the most popular title; this makes your application more coherent and convincing.
Monthly living expenses in Hungary (for international students, in USD)
Hungary is generally more affordable than many Western European countries, but you still need to understand monthly living costs. The scholarship provides a subsistence allowance, but you may need extra personal funds depending on your lifestyle.
Typical monthly living expenses for an international student in Hungary (USD estimates):
- Food and groceries: around 250–350 USD per month, depending on whether you cook at home or eat out frequently.
- Local transportation (public transport pass): about 25–40 USD per month in most student cities.
- Study materials and personal items (beyond basic books already funded): approximately 30–60 USD per month.
- Mobile phone and internet: roughly 15–25 USD per month.
- Occasional leisure, clothing and miscellaneous expenses: 50–100 USD per month, depending on your habits.
A careful budget of 350–500 USD per month can provide a modest but comfortable student life in most Hungarian cities.
Why choose the FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
This scholarship is especially attractive for future agricultural and environmental leaders. Key reasons to choose it include:
- Fully funded master’s degree in Europe
You receive full tuition, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly allowance, allowing you to focus on your studies without major financial stress. - Top‑quality agricultural education
Hungarian universities such as the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences are recognized in Europe for their strong agricultural research, modern facilities and applied training. - Programmes aligned with global priorities
Study fields like agricultural biotechnology, plant protection, animal nutrition and agricultural bioeconomy are central to solving global challenges in food security and climate‑smart agriculture. - International networking and career impact
Since its launch, around 400 young professionals have benefitted from the FAO–Hungary scholarship and gone on to become “agricultural ambassadors” and leaders in their home countries. You will join a growing international alumni network. - Strategic location in Central Europe
Hungary offers a safe, culturally rich and relatively affordable European environment with easy travel access to other EU countries for conferences, study visits and networking. - Strong development focus
The programme is explicitly designed to build capacity in partner countries and reduce inequalities, making it ideal if you want to return home and contribute to national development.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Which programmes can I study with this scholarship?
You can study selected English‑taught MSc programmes in fields such as agricultural biotechnology, agricultural bioeconomy, animal nutrition and feed safety engineering, and plant protection, depending on the final annual offer.
2. Which costs are not covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship does not usually cover international travel to and from Hungary, visa fees, additional personal expenses and any costs for accompanying family members.
3. Can I bring my family with me?
You may bring family members at your own cost, but the scholarship does not provide funding or support for dependents; it covers the student only.
4. Do I need work experience to apply?
Work experience is not always mandatory, but relevant professional or field experience in agriculture, environment or rural development can strengthen your application.
5. How competitive is the FAO–Hungarian scholarship?
The number of scholarships is limited and applications from many eligible countries are received each year, so competition is high. Strong grades, clear motivation and a complete, well‑structured application are essential.
Application Procedure
- Submit complete application by EMAIL only
- Application period:
21 January – 28 February 2026
Official Link:
By understanding the benefits, eligibility and application process of the FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026 and preparing a strong, targeted application, you can position yourself for a life‑changing opportunity to study agriculture and life sciences in Hungary and build a high‑impact international career.
