For international students looking beyond the traditional scholarship destinations of the UK, US, Canada and Australia, Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme offers one of Europe’s major government-funded routes to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study.
The programme was launched by the Hungarian Government in 2013 and is built around educational cooperation agreements between Hungary and participating countries. It is not simply a university scholarship: applicants must generally come from an eligible sending partner and can only apply for study fields and scholarship types available under the agreement with their country.
For the 2027 intake, prospective applicants should understand an important distinction. As of August 29, 2026, the official programme website has published the 2026/2027 call, but the final 2027/2028 call should be treated as the authoritative source for the next cycle’s deadlines, participating countries, available fields and detailed conditions. The previous 2026/27 application deadline was January 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. CET.
The scholarship is particularly attractive because it can provide tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance, although students should not interpret it as a guarantee that every living expense will be completely covered.
Facts & Quick Verification Tracker for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
| Item | Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2027 |
|---|---|
| Host country | Hungary |
| Scholarship provider | Hungarian Government |
| Programme manager | Tempus Public Foundation |
| Established | 2013 |
| Study levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s, Doctoral and selected non-degree programmes |
| Study mode | Full-degree and partial-study opportunities |
| Main language | Many programmes are taught in English |
| Tuition | Tuition-free |
| Monthly stipend | Provided |
| Accommodation | Dormitory place or accommodation contribution |
| Health insurance | Provided |
| Application portal | Stipendium Hungaricum online application system |
| Application route | Online application + Sending Partner nomination |
| 2027/28 deadline | To be confirmed in the official 2027/28 call |
| Previous 2026/27 deadline | January 15, 2026, 2 p.m. CET |
| Eligibility | Depends on nationality, sending-partner agreement and programme |
| Official website | Stipendium Hungaricum |
The programme’s official website describes Stipendium Hungaricum as the Hungarian Government’s flagship higher-education scholarship for international students and says it aims to strengthen international academic and research relations and the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education.
Coverage & Requirements Matrix for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
| Requirement | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Doctoral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible nationality | Depends on sending-partner agreement | Depends on sending-partner agreement | Depends on sending-partner agreement |
| Previous qualification | Secondary/high-school qualification | Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Academic requirement | Programme-specific | Programme-specific | Programme/doctoral-school specific |
| Tuition | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Monthly stipend | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accommodation support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Research proposal | Usually not central | May be required depending on programme | Important |
| Supervisor | Generally not required | Programme-dependent | May be required by doctoral school |
| Language requirement | Programme-specific | Programme-specific | Programme-specific |
A critical point is that there is no single academic requirement that applies identically to every Stipendium Hungaricum course. Universities and programmes can impose their own admission requirements, while the scholarship itself also has country-specific conditions.
What the 2027 Scholarship Actually Covers
The Stipendium Hungaricum package is substantial, but prospective applicants should understand what each component means in practice.
1. Tuition-Free Education
Scholarship holders are exempted from paying tuition fees for the covered study programme.
This is arguably the largest financial advantage because tuition at Hungarian universities would otherwise be one of the biggest expenses for an international student.
2. Monthly Stipend
For the current 2026/27 framework, bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s and non-degree scholarship holders receive HUF 43,700 per month.
Doctoral students receive:
- HUF 140,000 per month during the first phase;
- HUF 180,000 per month during the second phase.
These figures come from the current scholarship framework and should be rechecked against the 2027/28 call before publication as final 2027 amounts.
Important financial reality
The monthly stipend should not be described as a guaranteed full living-cost salary.
The official information explicitly indicates that the accommodation contribution may not cover the full rental cost, particularly in Budapest and other more expensive locations.
Therefore, students should budget for expenses such as:
- Food;
- Transportation;
- Personal expenses;
- Clothing;
- Study materials;
- Accommodation costs above the allowance;
- Travel;
- Visa-related expenses where applicable.
Accommodation Support
The scholarship generally provides either: A place in a university dormitory, subject to capacity, or an accommodation contribution of HUF 40,000 per month under the current framework. This is one of the areas where applicants need to read the scholarship conditions carefully.
A HUF 40,000 contribution is not the same thing as the government paying whatever rent a student chooses.
If a student chooses private accommodation that costs considerably more, the difference may have to come from the student’s own funds.
Medical Insurance
The scholarship includes access to healthcare under the relevant Hungarian legislation and supplementary medical insurance.
The current programme information states that supplementary insurance can cover healthcare costs up to HUF 65,000 per year per person, subject to the applicable rules.
Official Source & Portal for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The primary source applicants should use is the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.
Official Stipendium Hungaricum Application Portal
The application website provides:
- Calls for Applications;
- Application guides;
- Available programmes;
- Sending partners;
- Participating universities;
- Programme information;
- Application instructions.
The official application guide specifically warns applicants that the educational cooperation agreement between Hungary and the sending country determines which scholarship types and fields they can apply for.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Step 1: Check whether your country is eligible
This should be the first thing an applicant does.
Unlike some global scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum does not allow every international student to apply regardless of nationality.
Hungary works with designated Sending Partners, which determine the scholarship opportunities available to their citizens.
Step 2: Check available study fields
Even if your country participates, you may not be eligible for every subject.
The cooperation agreement can restrict the available:
- Degree levels;
- Study fields;
- Study programmes.
Step 3: Find your programme
Use the official Study Finder/application system to identify programmes that match your qualification and career goals.
Step 4: Check university admission requirements
This is separate from simply meeting the scholarship conditions.
A university may require:
- Specific academic subjects;
- Language proficiency;
- Entrance examinations;
- Portfolio;
- Interview;
- Medical documents;
- Specific previous degree;
- Other programme-specific qualifications.
Step 5: Prepare documents
Start preparing documents well before the application deadline.
Step 6: Submit the online application
Applications are submitted through the official Tempus Public Foundation online system.
The official programme states that merely saving an application is not enough; it must be properly submitted before the deadline.
Step 7: Apply to the Sending Partner
This is an extremely important part of the process. Applicants generally need to submit to their country’s designated Sending Partner as well.
The Sending Partner conducts its own nomination process.
Step 8: Wait for nomination
An application generally needs to be nominated by the relevant Sending Partner to proceed in the main selection process.
Step 9: University selection
The Hungarian university evaluates the applicant according to its admission requirements.
Step 10: Final scholarship decision
Successful applicants receive the relevant scholarship documentation and proceed to admission, visa and travel arrangements.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
Stipendium Hungaricum was created partly to strengthen international educational and academic relationships.
The official programme says its objectives include:
- Internationalising Hungarian higher education;
- Strengthening international academic and research relationships;
- Increasing the competitiveness and reputation of Hungarian higher education internationally.
This makes the programme more than a financial assistance scheme.
It is also part of Hungary’s international education strategy.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
The duration depends on the academic programme.
Typical structures include:
| Study level | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Generally 3–4 years |
| Master’s | Generally 1–2 years |
| One-Tier Master’s | Generally 5–6 years |
| Doctoral | Generally 4 years |
| Non-degree | Programme-dependent |
The exact duration should always be checked against the individual programme and the relevant call.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The programme is particularly relevant to postgraduate students interested in:
- Engineering;
- Medicine;
- Agriculture;
- Computer science;
- Artificial intelligence;
- Environmental science;
- Economics;
- Public health;
- Biotechnology;
- Natural sciences;
- Social sciences.
Hungary’s higher education system includes universities with strong research programmes, making the scholarship relevant to applicants who want to progress from a master’s degree into research or doctoral study.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
For PhD applicants, Stipendium Hungaricum can provide an opportunity to establish long-term academic relationships with Hungarian researchers.
Doctoral programmes can have additional requirements.
For example, the 2026/27 doctoral call states that some doctoral schools require applicants to have a supervisor at the host institution and, where required, an acceptance statement from that supervisor.
This means doctoral applicants should not treat the application as simply an administrative scholarship form.
They should research:
- The doctoral school;
- Research groups;
- Professors;
- Research facilities;
- Current projects;
- Potential supervisors.
The Mission of Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Stipendium Hungaricum is designed to attract high-achieving international students while simultaneously strengthening Hungary’s international academic relationships.
The programme’s official description calls it the Hungarian Government’s most prestigious higher-education scholarship programme.
This explains why the programme combines:
financial assistance + university admission + international academic exchange + cultural interaction.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Scholarship holders are expected to remain academically engaged.
For doctoral students, this naturally includes:
- Research;
- Publications where applicable;
- Academic presentations;
- Progress assessments;
- Thesis/dissertation work;
- Interaction with supervisors.
For master’s and bachelor’s students, the expectations include satisfactory academic progress and compliance with university regulations.
Winning the scholarship should therefore not be viewed as simply securing free education.
The scholarship comes with academic obligations.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Overview and Academic Purpose
Stipendium Hungaricum provides international students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Hungary through bilateral educational cooperation.
The programme offers:
- Bachelor’s study;
- Master’s study;
- One-tier master’s programmes;
- Doctoral study;
- Selected non-degree opportunities;
- Partial-study opportunities.
The official programme notes that more than 600 full-degree programmes are available across higher-education fields under the current framework.
What This Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Offers — The Advantage
The strongest argument for Stipendium Hungaricum is the combination of several benefits in one programme.
A student can potentially receive:
Tuition-free education
plus
monthly financial support
plus
accommodation support
plus
medical insurance.
This makes it particularly attractive to students who might struggle to finance tuition abroad independently.
Features of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
- Hungarian Government scholarship;
- Tuition-free study;
- Monthly stipend;
- Accommodation support;
- Medical insurance;
- Bachelor’s opportunities;
- Master’s opportunities;
- Doctoral opportunities;
- One-tier master’s programmes;
- Partial-study opportunities;
- Many English-taught programmes;
- Access to Hungarian universities;
- International academic environment.
The programme’s official materials confirm that many available programmes are taught in English, while Hungarian-language study options are also available.
Eligible Courses for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The programme covers a broad range of academic disciplines.
Agriculture
- Agricultural sciences;
- Food science;
- Animal science;
- Agricultural engineering.
Engineering
- Civil engineering;
- Mechanical engineering;
- Electrical engineering;
- Chemical engineering;
- Computer engineering.
Information Technology
- Computer science;
- Software engineering;
- Data-related programmes;
- Artificial intelligence-related fields where offered.
Medicine and Health
- Medicine;
- Nursing;
- Public health;
- Pharmacy;
- Health sciences.
Natural Sciences
- Biology;
- Chemistry;
- Physics;
- Mathematics;
- Environmental science.
Business and Economics
- Economics;
- Finance;
- Accounting;
- Business administration;
- International business.
Social Sciences and Humanities
- Political science;
- International relations;
- Sociology;
- Psychology;
- History;
- Languages;
- Communication.
Arts
Selected programmes may also be available in:
- Music;
- Fine arts;
- Design;
- Performing arts.
Important: The subjects available to an applicant depend on the applicant’s country and the relevant educational cooperation agreement.
Who Can Apply for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?
The programme is open to citizens of countries and territories that have an active educational cooperation arrangement with Hungary.
This is why applicants should not simply search for a generic “Stipendium Hungaricum eligible countries” list and assume every course is available.
There are two levels of eligibility:
Scholarship eligibility
Does your country participate and does the cooperation agreement permit your chosen scholarship type?
University eligibility
Do you satisfy the admission requirements of your chosen Hungarian university and programme?
Both must be satisfied.
Eligibility Requirements for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
1. Citizenship
Applicants must generally be citizens of an eligible Sending Partner country.
2. Academic qualification
The applicant must possess the educational qualification required for the chosen programme.
For example:
- Bachelor’s → relevant secondary-school qualification;
- Master’s → bachelor’s degree;
- PhD → master’s degree.
3. Language proficiency
Requirements vary by programme.
An English-taught course may require proof of English proficiency, while Hungarian-taught programmes have different language expectations.
4. Programme-specific requirements
Some programmes require additional documents or assessments.
5. Medical fitness
Applicants may be required to submit medical documentation according to the official call.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Requirement | Bachelor’s | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible country | Required | Required | Required |
| Secondary education | Required | — | — |
| Bachelor’s degree | — | Required | — |
| Master’s degree | — | — | Required |
| Language ability | Programme-specific | Programme-specific | Programme-specific |
| Research proposal | Usually no | Sometimes | Commonly important |
| Supervisor | Usually no | Programme-dependent | May be required |
| Entrance exam | Programme-dependent | Programme-dependent | Programme-dependent |
Who Should Apply and Who Should Skip This Scholarship?
Who should apply?
Stipendium Hungaricum is particularly suitable for applicants who:
- Want to study in Europe;
- Need significant financial support;
- Have a good academic record;
- Are interested in Hungary;
- Want an English-taught European degree;
- Are willing to comply with the Sending Partner process;
- Have a clear academic or career objective.
Who should reconsider?
You may want to look at alternatives if:
- Your country is not eligible;
- Your desired field is unavailable under your country’s agreement;
- You cannot meet the university’s academic requirements;
- You need a scholarship that covers every personal living expense;
- You are unwilling to complete the additional nomination process.
What Past Applicants and Students Should Understand
One of the most important practical lessons is that Stipendium Hungaricum is not a single application evaluated only by Hungary.
The applicant’s home country can have a significant role through the Sending Partner nomination.
The official programme states that applications are considered only if the applicant is nominated by the Sending Partner, subject to the programme’s rules.
This makes the scholarship different from many direct university scholarship applications.
Realistic Chances of Winning the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The programme is competitive. One indication of this is the scale of applications. Official information cited by the Hungarian Embassy states that in 2024 more than 66,000 applications were received and nearly 4,500 scholarships were awarded.
That works out to an overall award ratio of roughly 6.8% if those figures are compared directly, although this should not be interpreted as an individual applicant’s probability of success.
Why? Because selection varies by:
- Country;
- Sending Partner quota;
- Degree level;
- Study field;
- University;
- Programme;
- Applicant quality.
Therefore, a strong applicant in a less crowded field may face a very different competitive environment from an applicant applying for a highly popular programme.
Common Rejection Reasons for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
There are no “secret” eligibility requirements, but applicants frequently overlook important parts of the system.
Applying for an unavailable programme
Your country may participate in Stipendium Hungaricum but not permit applications for every field.
Ignoring the Sending Partner
An applicant may complete the Hungarian online application but fail to satisfy their country’s separate nomination procedure.
Choosing a university without checking admission criteria
Scholarship eligibility does not guarantee university admission.
Weak motivation letter
A generic essay about wanting to study in Europe will not distinguish the applicant.
Incomplete documents
Missing documents can prevent the application from progressing.
Assuming the stipend covers everything
The accommodation contribution, particularly, may not cover the full private rental cost.
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
A strong Stipendium Hungaricum motivation letter should answer four questions:
1. Why this programme?
Explain the academic connection.
2. Why Hungary?
Give specific reasons.
3. Why this university?
Mention relevant courses, facilities, research groups or academic strengths.
4. What happens after graduation?
Explain how the degree will contribute to your career, community, industry or country.
Avoid writing a generic essay that could be sent unchanged to Germany, Canada, Australia or the UK.
How to Prepare a Strong PhD Research Proposal for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
PhD applicants should pay particular attention to:
- Research problem;
- Research gap;
- Objectives;
- Methodology;
- Expected findings;
- Academic significance;
- Practical significance;
- Relevant literature;
- Fit with the doctoral school.
Where a supervisor’s acceptance is required, applicants should also establish communication with potential supervisors early.
The current doctoral call confirms that some doctoral schools require a supervisor statement.
Document Checklist for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Applicants should prepare the documents required by the 2027/28 call, but the current application framework typically involves documents such as:
- Online application form;
- Motivation letter;
- Academic certificates;
- Academic transcripts;
- Proof of language proficiency where applicable;
- Identification/passport;
- Medical certificate where required;
- Recommendation letter(s), where required;
- Research plan for relevant doctoral applicants;
- Supervisor acceptance statement where required;
- Additional programme-specific documents.
Applicants should not assume that every document is mandatory for every degree level.
Timeline: From Application to Arrival to Hungary
The previous 2026/27 cycle provides a useful guide:
| Stage | 2026/27 example |
|---|---|
| Call published | October 2025 |
| Online application deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Sending Partner nomination | By end of February 2026 |
| University selection | Spring 2026 |
| Results | Around June–July |
| Visa/travel preparations | Summer 2026 |
| Study begins | September 2026 |
The 2027/28 schedule may change.
Applicants should therefore use this timeline as a planning model rather than a confirmed 2027 calendar.
Life as a Stipendium Hungaricum Scholar in Hungary
Students can expect to study in a European higher-education environment while interacting with students from many countries. Hungary also offers access to:
- Historic European cities;
- Student communities;
- Research institutions;
- International conferences;
- European travel opportunities;
- Cultural exchange.
Budapest is likely to be the most expensive location for many students, particularly regarding private accommodation. Students outside Budapest may find their accommodation budget goes further, although costs vary considerably between cities.
Cost of Living in Hungary for Stipendium Hungaricum Students
Hungary is generally considered a more affordable European study destination, although living expenses vary depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. The main expenses for international students include accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, mobile phone and internet services, study materials, health-related costs and personal expenses.
For Stipendium Hungaricum students, the financial burden is reduced because the scholarship provides tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance. However, the scholarship programme itself clearly states that these benefits are contributions toward living costs and may not cover all expenses.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
A student living modestly in Hungary could expect approximately:
| Expense | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Dormitory/shared accommodation | HUF 40,000–100,000 |
| Food and groceries | HUF 60,000–100,000 |
| Public transportation | HUF 10,000–20,000 |
| Utilities | HUF 15,000–30,000 |
| Mobile phone & internet | HUF 5,000–10,000 |
| Study materials/printing | HUF 5,000–15,000 |
| Personal/entertainment expenses | HUF 20,000–50,000 |
| Estimated total | HUF 155,000–325,000/month |
These are practical budgeting estimates rather than fixed government figures. Budapest is generally more expensive, particularly for private accommodation, while students in smaller Hungarian cities may be able to live on a lower budget.
Stipendium Hungaricum Monthly Support
For bachelor’s, master’s and one-tier master’s students, the current Stipendium Hungaricum programme provides a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, plus either a free dormitory place, subject to availability, or an HUF 40,000 monthly accommodation contribution. The programme also provides health insurance under the applicable Hungarian rules and supplementary medical insurance of up to HUF 65,000 per year.
This means a non-doctoral scholarship holder receiving the accommodation contribution could have HUF 83,700 per month in direct scholarship allowances, excluding the value of tuition exemption and medical coverage.
For doctoral students, the monthly stipend is higher: HUF 140,000 during the first four semesters and HUF 180,000 during the second four semesters, together with the accommodation and medical-insurance benefits applicable under the programme.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the biggest differences between cities. Stipendium Hungaricum students may receive a free dormitory place, depending on the capacity of their host institution. If a dormitory place is unavailable or the student chooses private accommodation, the programme provides an HUF 40,000 monthly contribution toward rent. The official programme warns that this amount may not cover the full rental cost, particularly in Budapest.
Food and Groceries
A student who prepares most meals at home could budget around HUF 60,000–80,000 per month for groceries. Students who frequently eat in restaurants, order takeaway or purchase food near university campuses may spend HUF 100,000 or more. University cafeterias and student discounts can help reduce daily food costs.
Transportation
Public transportation is widely used by students in Hungary. A student using local buses, trams and metro services could budget approximately HUF 10,000–20,000 per month, depending on the city and available student passes.
Utilities and Communication
Students renting privately may need to pay separately for electricity, gas, water, heating and internet. A reasonable combined budget could be around HUF 20,000–40,000 per month, although winter heating costs and the type of accommodation can significantly change the amount. Mobile phone services may add another HUF 5,000–10,000 monthly.
Personal and Academic Expenses
Students should also set aside money for books, printing, stationery, clothing, toiletries, entertainment, social activities and unexpected expenses. A modest budget of around HUF 25,000–60,000 per month can be used for these expenses.
How Much Should a Stipendium Hungaricum Student Budget?
A student living in a university dormitory and maintaining a modest lifestyle could potentially spend around HUF 150,000–200,000 per month. A student renting privately in Budapest and maintaining a more active lifestyle could easily spend HUF 250,000–325,000 or more per month.
The important point is that Stipendium Hungaricum is not a scholarship that guarantees all living expenses will be covered. The programme itself advises applicants to assess living costs in Hungary and in their chosen city before applying.
For this reason, students should view the HUF 43,700 monthly stipend and HUF 40,000 accommodation contribution for bachelor’s/master’s students as financial support toward living costs, rather than as a complete monthly living budget.
What Happens After You Win?
Winning the scholarship is followed by another series of administrative steps.
According to the official programme guidance, successful candidates must accept the scholarship offer within the specified deadline. They subsequently receive important documents including the Letter of Acceptance from the host institution and Letter of Award from Tempus Public Foundation, which are needed for the visa process.
The process broadly becomes:
Scholarship offer → Acceptance → University confirmation → Letter of Award → Visa → Travel → Enrolment → Study.
Students should also carefully read the scholarship agreement and operational regulations because scholarship holders have continuing obligations.
Stipendium Hungaricum vs Other Major Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Main strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Tuition + stipend + accommodation support | Students seeking European study |
| GKS | South Korea | Tuition + language training + living support | Students targeting Korea |
| MEXT | Japan | Government-funded study/research | Japanese university applicants |
| DAAD | Germany | Strong postgraduate/research options | Master’s, PhD and researchers |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Development-focused funding | Eligible developing-country applicants |
| Chevening | UK | Leadership-focused master’s | Experienced professionals |
Stipendium Hungaricum’s distinctive feature is the Sending Partner nomination system combined with tuition-free European study and accommodation support.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tuition-free education | Highly competitive |
| Monthly stipend | Stipend may not cover every expense |
| Accommodation support | Dormitory places depend on capacity |
| Medical insurance | Country-specific eligibility |
| European degree | Programme availability varies by country |
| English-taught options | Additional nomination process |
| Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD options | University admission is still required |
| Large range of academic fields | Deadlines are strict |
Alternatives If You Don’t Get Stipendium Hungaricum
Applicants who are unsuccessful can consider:
- University-specific scholarships in Hungary;
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships;
- DAAD scholarships;
- MEXT;
- GKS;
- Türkiye Scholarships;
- Commonwealth Scholarships;
- Australia Awards;
- Swedish Institute scholarships.
Students should also consider applying to multiple scholarship programmes rather than relying on one award.
Current Application Deadline
Stipendium Hungaricum 2027/28
Official 2027/28 deadline: To be confirmed.
As of August 29, 2026, the official Stipendium Hungaricum website is still presenting the 2026/27 application cycle as its published call. The previous cycle’s deadline was:
January 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CET.
Based on the previous cycle, prospective 2027 applicants should begin preparing toward the end of 2026 rather than waiting until January.
The final date should only be taken from the official 2027/28 Call for Applications.
Contact Information for Applicants
For general programme questions, applicants can use the official Stipendium Hungaricum/Tempus Public Foundation channels.
Tempus Public Foundation
Email: stipendiumhungaricum@tpf.hu
Applicants should also contact their country’s Sending Partner because that authority may have a separate application process and deadline. The official programme specifically advises applicants to contact their Sending Partner regarding its procedures.
Stipendium Hungaricum Official Website
Official Application Information
How To Apply for Stipendium Hungaricum 2027
Step 1: Confirm your country
Check the official Sending Partners list.
Step 2: Check your country’s available fields
Do not assume every Stipendium Hungaricum programme is available to you.
Step 3: Search for suitable programmes
Use the official Study Finder/application system.
Step 4: Check university requirements
Read the admission criteria for each selected programme.
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Begin early, especially for certificates, transcripts and recommendation documents.
Step 6: Prepare your motivation letter
Make it specific to your chosen programme and Hungary.
Step 7: Prepare research documents
If applying for a PhD or research-intensive programme, prepare your research proposal and supervisor documentation where required.
Step 8: Submit the online application
Complete and submit the application through the official system before the deadline.
Step 9: Complete the Sending Partner process
Follow the instructions of your country’s designated authority.
Step 10: Await nomination
Your Sending Partner’s nomination is an important stage in the process.
Step 11: Complete university selection
The host institution evaluates your academic application.
Step 12: Prepare for Hungary
Successful candidates proceed to scholarship acceptance, university documentation, visa application and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stipendium Hungaricum fully funded?
It provides major financial support, including tuition-free education, monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance. However, students should not assume that every personal expense will be completely covered.
Can Nigerians apply?
Nigerian applicants can apply if Nigeria is included as an eligible Sending Partner for the relevant 2027/28 programme and the desired study field is available under the applicable agreement.
Can I study for a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Bachelor’s programmes are part of the scholarship.
Can I study for a master’s degree?
Yes.
Can I study for a PhD?
Yes. Doctoral programmes are included.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily in every case. Language requirements depend on the chosen programme and university.
Can I study in English?
Yes. Many Stipendium Hungaricum programmes are taught in English.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
It provides either a dormitory place, subject to capacity, or an accommodation contribution under the applicable rules.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Under the current 2026/27 framework, bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s and non-degree students receive HUF 43,700 monthly. Doctoral students receive HUF 140,000 during the first phase and HUF 180,000 during the second phase.
The 2027/28 amounts should be confirmed from the new call.
Can I apply to any Hungarian university?
No. You can only select eligible programmes and institutions available under the relevant Stipendium Hungaricum framework and your country’s agreement.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
The number and order of programme choices are governed by the relevant annual call and application rules. Applicants should follow the 2027/28 instructions rather than assuming the previous cycle’s limits remain unchanged.
Is the scholarship competitive?
Yes. More than 66,000 applications were reportedly received in 2024, with nearly 4,500 scholarships awarded.
Can I bring my family?
The official FAQ says family members can accompany a scholarship holder in principle, but the Stipendium Hungaricum programme does not provide visa or administrative support or additional financial assistance for accompanying family members.
Stipendium Hungaricum 2027: Who Is Most Likely to Benefit?
The scholarship is particularly attractive to students who want a European degree without taking on the full cost of international tuition.
It is also a strong option for students from eligible countries who have:
- Good academic records;
- A clear study objective;
- A programme that matches their previous education;
- Strong motivation;
- Good documentation;
- A realistic financial plan;
- A willingness to study in Hungary.
However, the scholarship should not be approached as simply an opportunity to “study in Europe for free.”
The strongest applications demonstrate academic fit, career direction and a clear reason for choosing the specific programme.
Concluding Remarks
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2027 is expected to remain one of the major government-funded opportunities for international students seeking bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study in Europe.
Its current framework combines tuition-free education, monthly financial support, accommodation assistance and medical insurance, while offering a wide range of programmes at Hungarian universities.
But there is an important condition that applicants should understand from the beginning: eligibility is determined not only by the applicant’s academic qualifications but also by the educational cooperation agreement between Hungary and the applicant’s country. This means that a student may find an attractive Hungarian degree programme but still be unable to apply for it under Stipendium Hungaricum if that field is not available to their country.
The other major consideration is competition. With more than 66,000 applications and nearly 4,500 scholarships reported for 2024, applicants need more than a completed form to stand out.
For students targeting 2027/28, the best strategy is therefore to begin early: check the Sending Partner, identify eligible courses, research universities, prepare academic documents and develop a convincing motivation statement before the official application period begins.
Most importantly, applicants should use the official 2027/28 Call for Applications once released. The 2026/27 requirements, stipend figures and deadlines provide useful preparation guidance, but the new annual call will determine the final rules for the 2027 intake.
A Travel Consultant dedicated to helping students, job seekers, and professionals discover life-changing opportunities around the world. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Project Management & Ticketing, Degree in Microbiology, and Master’s in Public Health.