Stipendium Hungaricum: an application guide

Stipendium Hungaricum is the Hungarian government's scholarship programme for international students. It funds full degree programmes at Hungarian universities, and some non-degree and preparatory programmes, for citizens of countries that have a cooperation agreement with Hungary. Its structure is different from most scholarships because two organisations are involved in your selection: the programme in Hungary and a sending partner in your own country. Our programme page shows the current status; the official website has the call and the list of partners.

How it works: two organisations, one decision

The scholarship is based on agreements between Hungary and partner countries. In each partner country, a sending partner (often the ministry of education or another public body) receives the applications from its citizens, may set its own additional requirements and deadlines, and nominates candidates. The Hungarian side, together with the universities, assesses the applications and makes the final decision. You need both: a nomination from your sending partner and a positive decision in Hungary.

This means you must read two sets of rules: the Stipendium Hungaricum call and the information published by the sending partner in your country. The sending partner's deadline can be earlier than the main deadline, and it may ask for extra documents or hold its own interview.

Who can apply

You must be a citizen of a country on the current list of sending partners, and not a Hungarian citizen. Each partner country decides which study levels and fields it supports; some only nominate for certain levels. Check the partner list on the official website first; if your country is not on it, you cannot apply through this programme that year.

What the scholarship covers

The scholarship has generally included:

• tuition-free study;
• a monthly stipend, which differs by level;
• a dormitory place or a contribution towards accommodation costs;
• medical insurance.

Travel costs are often not covered by the Hungarian side, though some sending partners help with them. Read the current call for the exact terms, and see our guide on fully funded and partial scholarships for the costs that may remain, such as your flight, the visa and the first weeks of living costs.

Choosing programmes

You apply through one online system and can usually choose up to two study programmes, in order of preference. Many programmes are taught in English; others are in Hungarian, and for those a preparatory year in Hungarian may be available. Choose programmes that match your background, and check each programme's entrance requirements and language requirements. A careful choice matters more than a famous city: universities in regional cities can offer strong programmes and lower costs.

Documents

Expect to provide:

• a passport;
• your diplomas and transcripts (with translations if they are not in English or Hungarian);
• a motivation letter for each programme;
• proof of language skills;
• a medical certificate on the programme's form;
• recommendation letters for some levels, and a research plan for doctoral applicants;
• any extra documents your sending partner requires.

Our document checklist explains translations and certified copies.

The stages of selection

1. Online application before the main deadline, which has usually been in mid-winter, but check the current call.
2. Formal check of the application and the documents.
3. Entrance examination or interview organised by each university, often online. The format depends on the programme: a test, an interview, a portfolio review or a combination.
4. Nomination by your sending partner.
5. Final decision and notification, usually several months after the deadline.

Tips for a strong application

• Contact your sending partner early and follow its instructions to the letter.
• Write a separate motivation letter for each programme; see our motivation letter guide.
• Prepare for the university interview: review the basics of your field and be ready to explain your choice.
• Keep copies of everything you submit, and your login details.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring the sending partner's own deadline and requirements.
• Choosing two programmes with unrelated content and the same generic letter.
• Missing the university's entrance exam invitation in the spam folder.
• Paying an agent: the application is made directly through the official system.

Related: scholarships in Hungary, applying from Central Asia and how to find and choose a scholarship.