What’s better than pursuing the college major you’re so eager to study at a well-known, prestigious university is doing so on one of the best scholarships in Europe. It’s the dream of many young high school students to receive the highest college education possible. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for the academic year 2024/2025 is a governmental scholarship that is made to help students achieve their dreams.
Why study in Hungary?
Thousands of students from around the world apply for higher educational studies in Hungary each year, attracted by the affordable costs of living with an extremely favorable cost-to-value ratio, a safe and friendly living environment with convenient public transportation, the central location of the country in Europe, and the unspoiled natural beauties combined with a 2000-year-old, rich Hungarian history and culture and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is a broad selection of programs available in Hungarian, encompassing all higher education fields at all degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and doctoral studies. With respectable ranks among the top 200 universities in Europe, the University of Debrecen and the University of Pécs are considered two of the best universities in Hungary, being among the top accredited universities in Europe. Hungary boasts a remarkable legacy of scientific innovation, ranging from pioneering discoveries like Vitamin C to cultural icons such as the Rubik’s Cube, contributing significantly to its status among the top countries in Nobel Prize winners per capita and groundbreaking inventions.
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, the most esteemed higher education scholarship program, was initiated by the Hungarian Government in 2013. The core mission of the program regarding education policy is to support the internationalization of Hungarian higher education and its constant development, to strengthen the international relations of the Hungarian academic and research community, enhance the cultural diversity of higher education institutions, promote the good reputation and competitiveness of Hungarian higher education throughout the world, and attract foreign students. It offers a wide range of courses for international students with an excellent academic track record. The Education Scholarship Programme provides ample opportunities for qualified international students to pursue their educational studies in Hungary.
High Number of Hungarian Scholarships Available. A whopping 4,500 Scholarships a year!
Hungarian scholarships are available for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and non-degree programs, including opportunities at the doctoral level. These scholarships offer students the chance to pursue their studies in Hungary, known for its quality education across various disciplines with over 800-degree programs.
Available Scholarship Types
Study levels
Hungarian scholarships are available for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and non-degree programs, including opportunities at the doctoral level. These scholarships offer students the chance to pursue their studies in Hungary, known for its quality education across various disciplines
Scholarships are available in 2 types; Degree Programs and Non-degree Programs. Degree programs offer Bachelor’s programs that may take 4 years to complete, Master’s programs that range from 1-2 years, and One-tier Master’s programs that may take up to 5-6 years to complete.
Non-degree programs offer Preparatory courses in the Hungarian language and Specialization courses and may take a student up to 1 year to complete.
Study modes
Both full-degree and partial study modes are available. Full degree programs are programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD Programs. Partial (exchange) studies are one- or two-semester long exchange studies that are part of the student’s degree studies in their sending higher education institutions.
Benefits Covered by the Hungarian Scholarship
- Tuition-free education: Exemption from payment of tuition fee or the entire duration of studies
- Monthly Stipend: non-degree, bachelor’s, master’s and one-tier master’s level receive a monthly amount of HUF 43,700 (cca EUR 110) contribution to the living expenses in Hungary, for 12 months a year, until the completion of the study period, Suppose you apply for the doctoral level, according to the current Hungarian legislation. In that case, the monthly amount of the scholarship is HUF 140,000 (cca EUR 365 for the first phase of education (4 semesters) and HUF 180,000 (cca EUR 470) for the second phase (4 semesters) – for 12 months a year, until completion of studies.
- Contribution To Accommodation: Free dormitory place or a contribution of HUF 40,000/month to accommodation costs for the whole duration of the scholarship period.
- Health insurance: The scholarship covers health care services in accordance with Hungarian legislation (Act LXXX of 1997, national health insurance card) and includes supplementary medical insurance of up to HUF 65,000 (approximately EUR 170) per year per person.
How to Apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Public Scholarship?
Fill out an Online Application Form
An online application form must be filled out before moving on to later steps. Applicants must fill out and save all requested information on the online application form in English. A recent photo of the applicant (taken not earlier than 2 years before the submission of the application) is needed.
Required Documents
Motivation Letter
A minimum of 1 page is required, typed in Times New Roman 12-size letters and written in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian.
Language proficiency verification
A scanned copy of the original proof of language proficiency is needed, with a minimum level determined by the Host Institution AND its translation. In case the student has completed his/her previous level of studies in the language of the selected study program, proof can be uploaded about the fact that the language of education was the same as the language of the study program that the applicant is now applying for.
School Certificates Needed
Bachelor-level full-time program: a scanned copy of the original secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent AND its translation
Master-level full-time programs: a scanned copy of the original bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent AND its translation
One-tier master-level full-time programs: a scanned copy of the original secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent AND their translations
Non-degree, Hungarian language preparatory programs: a scanned copy of the secondary school graduation certificate AND its translation
Non-degree, specialization programs: a scanned copy of the degree certificate required by the Host Institution AND its translation
Partial study programs on all study levels: a scanned copy of the original certificate about student status issued by the current higher education institution where the applicant is registered AND its translation
Translations only have to be attached if the copy of the original document is not in the language of the selected study program or in English
Transcript of Records
Copy of the original transcript of records regarding all academic semesters or school years completed during previous studies (at the highest level of education that the student has participated in) AND its translation. Translations only have to be attached if the copy of the original document is not in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian.
Medical Certificate
A scanned medical certificate of good health issued until 15 April 2024 from a hospital or physician is mandatory. Certificates must be issued and signed by a physician to confirm the applicant’s non-existence of AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C, or any other epidemic conditions. Please note that a medical test may still be needed at the time of enrolment (free of charge for Scholarship Holders).
Copy of Identification Document
Provided that the applicant already has a passport, a scanned copy of the passport’s data page should be uploaded. In case the applicants do not yet have a passport, they should upload the scanned copy of their national ID card · page has to be uploaded which contains both the personal data and the photograph of the applicant
Acceptance of Statement for Application in the Online System
All applicants need to accept the “Statement for Application”. The statement can only be accepted in the online system, therefore scanned and signed copies should not be uploaded. The statement appears in the online application system after registration – all applicants need to click on accepting it in order to be able to submit their applications.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the application is 15th January 2024, at 2 pm (CET). Online applications must be filled out before the deadline date.
After reviewing the applications and exam results, the Tempus Public Foundation, as the scholarship coordinator, notifies applicants of their application outcomes by the end of June/early July.
Top participating universities at The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program
University of Debrecen
There are a number of reasons to choose the University of Debrecen as the destination for university studies. Apart from being among some of the oldest universities in Europe- having been established in 1538, the University of Debrecen is one of the top universities in Debrecen, Hungary. It is ranked #=574 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
16 Reasons to Study at the University of Debrecen in Hungary
The University of Debrecen is becoming the destination for an increasing number of international students every year offering a wide spectrum of curriculums and majors. Specialized in majors from agriculture and food science to engineering, pharmacy, economics, and business. The University of Debrecen aims to become a top-tier research university integrating education, research, health care, and agricultural activities with an international ranking.
Top programs to study at the University of Debrecen.
- BSc in Food Engineering
- BA in Commerce and Marketing
- BSc in Biochemical Engineering
- BSc in Chemical Engineering
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- BSc in Mechatronics Engineering
- BSc in Nursing and Patient Care (Nurse)
- BSc in Public Health
- BSc in Business Informatics
- BSc in Computer Science
Admissions and document requirements for the University of Debrecen:
There are some required documents to start your application process with the University of Debrecen. Studygram will assist you in starting your application. Click here for a free consultation. Given that applications may take time to process, applicants do not need to graduate from high school to start the application. An application can be started by providing a certificate of enrollment in high school with all the graduating documents submitted at a later stage.
The following documents need to be submitted during the application procedure by all applicants through our online application platform:
- Valid, filled-in application form (to be filled out online here).
- Certificate of education (school leaving qualification, high school diploma, document of graduation or any equivalent; university or college diploma/certificate or any equivalent; all in English (translated)).
- Certificate or proof of citizenship and/or permanent residence (e.g. passport).
- Short Resume/CV (personal details, educational background, work experience, language skills, additional skills).
- Medical Certificate – please see a template here.
- Bank receipt about the transfer of the application fee of 150 USD (non-refundable) – bank details are available here.
- In the case of Applicants applying to any of the Non-Medical Programs, whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required.
The University of Pécs
The University of Pécs is one of the largest and oldest institutions of higher education in Hungary and offers a broad spectrum of courses to 22,000 students in 500 different study programs. The University of Pécs is one of the top public universities in Hungary. The University of Pécs ranked #771-780 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The history of higher education in Pécs dates back to 1367 when Louis the Great initiated the establishment of a university in the episcopal city of Pécs. As a result of an integration process of several stages, the University of Pécs was founded, which has become one of the most famous, prestigious institutions having a leading role in regional education. It has ten faculties which cover the full spectrum of high-quality higher education.
The University of Pécs with its 22,000 students and more than 5000 international students, 1,400 lecturers and researchers, and its 10 faculties is one of the largest higher education institutions in Hungary and the center of knowledge within the Transdanubian region.
Top programs to study at the University of Pécs
- BSc in Nursing
- BSc in Business Administration and Management
- BSc in Physiotherapy
- BSc in Computer Science Engineering
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- BSc in Architectural Engineering
- BA in Communication and Media Science
Admissions and document requirements for the University of Pécs:
- Initially, an online application must be filled out here; and the following documents will need to be submitted.
- Copy of your secondary school leaving certificate/ college diploma/BA/MA/PhD degree.
- Copy of your transcript of previous studies or academic records.
- CV in the language of instruction.
- Completed application form with a passport-size photo.
- Proof of language knowledge (e.g. Language exam certificate).
- The payment receipt of the application fee.
- Motivation letter.
- Medical certificate, Vaccination card, and HIV test.
- Copy of the photo page (s) of your passport.
Hungary offers outstanding opportunities for international students through the Stipendium Hungaricum Education Scholarship Program, which promotes cultural understanding while providing quality education across various disciplines at top universities like the University of Debrecen and the University of Pécs. With more than 800 Degree Programmes available in English and other languages, the program covers tuition fees and offers monthly allowances, accommodation contributions, and health insurance. Hungary’s affordable living costs, rich cultural heritage, and high academic standards make it an ideal destination for students aiming for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and doctoral programs. Ensuring a correct application is crucial to benefiting from this program. Participation in this scholarship program is an exciting experience, offering a unique chance to thrive academically and personally in Hungary’s supportive and enriching educational environment.
Get a free Application Guide
Studygram will offer free assistance in starting a scholarship application. Click here for a free consultation.
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