• Stipendium Hungaricum is available for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, doctoral, non-degree preparatory courses and postgraduate specialist training courses.
• Most programmes are taught in English, but there are also options in Hungarian, and in some cases German or French, depending on the institution and field of study.
• Applicants can choose from around 30 Hungarian higher education institutions and roughly 900 study programmes in foreign languages via the official application system.
• Students can apply for full-degree studies (complete programme in Hungary) or, in some cases, partial (exchange) studies for 1–2 semesters, where allowed by their country’s agreement.

Check out the lists of Full Degree Programmes and Partial Studies.

• October/November 2025: Application period opens (This varies based on your country)
• Until 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET): Final deadline to submit your complete online application (and any required declaration forms) in the Stipendium Hungaricum system.‍
• By 28 February 2026: Sending Partners (e.g. ministries, embassies or national agencies) review all eligible applications and send nomination lists and reserve lists to Tempus Public Foundation (TPF). Only nominated applicants proceed to university evaluation.‍
• Until 15 March 2026: For doctoral programmes that require a supervisor, the Statement of Supervisor (acceptance by a supervisor at the host institution) must be uploaded. Applicants who could not obtain it by 15 January may use a declaration and then submit the statement by this date.‍
• March – May 2026: Institutional entrance examinations (written tests, online or in-person interviews, portfolio assessments, etc.). Each applicant can be examined for up to two programmes, according to their choices. The minimum required score is 56/100.‍
• End of June – mid-July 2026: Final allocation decisions are made by TPF and applicants are informed via the online system about whether they are approved scholarship holders, conditionally approved, pending, or rejected.‍
• July – August 2026: Selected students complete visa/residence permit procedures, arrange travel and accommodation according to their host institution’s instructions.‍
• Until 30 September 2026: Scholarship holders must arrive in Hungary and start their studies by the deadline set in the call and the host institution’s academic calendar.

General Criteria

To apply for Stipendium Hungaricum, you must:

• Hold citizenship of a Stipendium Hungaricum partner country/territory, and apply through the Sending Partner of that country (e.g., Ministry of Education, embassy or designated agency).
• Meet the minimum entry requirements of your chosen study programme(s) (academic background, language level, and any specific programme requirements).
• Be able to live and study in Hungary for the duration of the scholarship (you cannot habitually reside in another country while holding the scholarship).
• Be at least 18 years old by 31 August 2026, except for certain Dance programmes where different rules may apply (see specific programme requirements).

Important Note: Detailed eligibility and non-eligibility rules (e.g., for former scholarship holders or current self-financed students in Hungary) are fully defined in the official Calls for Applications linked below.

Level-Specific Criteria

Bachelor’s (BA/BSc) & One-tier Master’s

• Completed secondary school / high school education (or be in your final year) and be able to present your final school-leaving certificate and its official translation by the deadline set for missing documents (at latest 1 August 2026, where applicable).
• Meet the subject and grade requirements set by the host university for the chosen study programme(s).

Master’s (MA/MSc)

• Hold (or be in the final semester of) a relevant Bachelor’s or equivalent degree, and be able to present the Bachelor diploma and transcript (with official translation if needed).
• Fulfil any additional requirements for the specific programme (e.g. portfolio, professional experience, entrance tests as set by the university).

PhD / Doctoral Programmes

• Hold (or be in the final semester of) a Master’s degree or equivalent by the time studies begin.
• Prepare a research plan that fits within the research fields offered by the chosen doctoral school, and meet any additional academic criteria set by the host institution.
• Where required, obtain a Statement of Supervisor (acceptance from a potential supervisor at the host institution) and upload it by 15 March 2026 at the latest.

Documents Required for All Levels

All applicants must submit the following via the online application system by 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET), unless noted otherwise:

• Online application form: Completed and submitted in the system, with all requested personal, educational and programme-choice information.‍
• Motivation letter: At least one page, written in the language of the chosen study programme, explaining your academic background, reasons for choosing Hungary and the selected programme(s), and your future plans.‍

• Academic transcripts‍
  
  • For the highest completed level of education (and current ongoing level, if applicable).
  • Including all completed semesters/years, grades, and credits.
  • With official translation if not issued in the language of the programme or in Hungarian.‍
• Proof of language proficiency‍
  
  • A language test certificate (e.g., English test) or other proof that previous studies were completed in the language of instruction required by the programme, meeting the minimum level required by the host university.

• Copy of identification document
  • A passport valid for at least the duration of the application and early study period, or another accepted ID, according to the call.
  • With official translation if the personal data are not in Latin script.
• Declaration / Statement for Application
  • The online consent and data protection declarations in the system (including acceptance of the Privacy Notice and GDPR-related consents), which must be accepted to submit the application.
• Medical certificate (for scholarship holders only)
  • Required only after you are awarded the scholarship.
  • Must confirm that you are in satisfactory health according to the official form and must be issued no earlier than 1 November 2025.
  • Do not upload this certificate to the system; scholarship holders must bring it to Hungary and present it during the compulsory medical examination at their host institution.

Documents Required Per Level

Bachelor’s & One-tier Master’s

• Secondary school leaving certificate (final high school diploma) and its official translation if needed.

Master’s

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent) and its official translation if needed.
• Final Bachelor’s transcript, including all completed semesters and credits.

PhD/Doctoral

• Master’s degree certificate (or equivalent) and its official translation, if not issued in the language of the programme or in Hungarian.
• Full Master’s (and, if relevant, Bachelor’s) transcripts with grades and credit points.
• Research plan / proposal outlining the planned research topic, objectives, methodology and relevance to the doctoral programme (usually minimum 2 pages, check specific institutional requirements).
• Letter(s) of recommendation – where required by the doctoral school, typically from academic staff familiar with your studies or research.
• Statement of Supervisor – if the chosen doctoral programme requires it, a written statement from a supervisor at the host institution accepting you as a potential doctoral student, to be uploaded by 15 March 2026 if not available by 15 January.

Specific Documents for PhD

Additional Documents for Art & Music Applicants (All Levels)

• Portfolio – required for Arts and/or Music programmes, containing works as defined by the host institution (e.g. photos, audio or video files) and uploaded via the Media Files section by 15 January 2026, 14:00 CET.

Only students from Stipendium Hungaricum partner countries/territories are eligible to apply. These are countries that have a formal educational cooperation agreement with Hungary for the programme.

Important Note: Sending Partners can only nominate applicants who hold the citizenship of that Sending Partner, and only nominated applicants will be considered in the second round (institutional evaluation).

For Bachelor, Master, One-tier Master, Non-degree & Postgraduate Specialist Programmes

If you are selected as a scholarship holder at these levels, you receive:

1. Tuition-fee exemption
   • You do not pay tuition fees to the Hungarian host institution for your scholarship studies.
2. Monthly stipend for living expenses
   • Bachelor, Master, one-tier Master and non-degree studies:
   • Approx. HUF 43,700 per month for the entire study period, until the end of the scholarship.
3. Accommodation contribution
   • A place in a student dormitory or a monthly contribution of HUF 40,000 towards accommodation costs (if you live in other housing such as rented flats).
   • This contribution may not fully cover actual rental costs, especially in large cities; students may need to top up from other sources.
4. Health insurance
   • Health care services according to Hungarian legislation (Act LXXX of 1997) – typically including access to public health care.
   • Additionally, supplementary health insurance up to HUF 65,000 per person per year may be provided.

For Doctoral Programmes

Doctoral scholarship holders receive:

1. Tuition-fee exemption
   • The full tuition fee of the doctoral programme is covered by the scholarship.
2. Monthly doctoral stipend (2+2 years)
   • For the first 4 semesters (training & research phase):
   • HUF 140,000 per month.
   • For the second 4 semesters (research & dissertation phase):
   • HUF 180,000 per month.
3. Accommodation contribution
   • Same as for other levels: dormitory place or HUF 40,000/month as a contribution towards accommodation.
4. Health insurance
   • Access to Hungarian public health services according to national legislation, plus supplementary health insurance up to HUF 65,000 per year per person.

Important Note: The scholarship significantly reduces living costs but does not necessarily cover all expenses. You are expected to plan your budget carefully and, if needed, have additional financial resources. You can explore expected costs using the official Costs of Living calculator.

General Application Process

1. Check if your country is a partner
   • Confirm that your citizenship is listed among the partner countries/territories and identify your Sending Partner (e.g., Ministry, embassy, or national agency).
2. Browse available programmes
   • Check the list of available programmes or use the official application portal to explore universities and programmes available under Stipendium Hungaricum
   • You may apply for up to two study programmes in total, in order of preference.
3. Check programme requirements
   • Read the admission criteria for each chosen programme (academic prerequisites, required language level, additional portfolio/tests, etc.) on the application portal and university websites.
4. Prepare and upload your documents
   • Collect all required documents (motivation letter, transcripts, diplomas, language proof, ID, research plan, etc.) and upload them to the online system by the deadline.
   • If a document cannot be obtained by 15 January 2026, upload a signed declaration committing to submit it by 1 August 2026.
5. Follow your Sending Partner’s instructions
   • Some Sending Partners require a parallel national application or additional documents. Always check their local call and deadlines.
6. Wait for nomination and university evaluation
   • If nominated, your application goes to the selected universities for professional assessment and entrance exams.
7. Check final decision and arrange travel
   • If awarded the scholarship, follow the instructions of TPF and your host university, arrange your visa/residence permit, and plan your arrival to Hungary.

Detailed Application Process — Bachelor & One-tier Master (Call for Applications)

1. Confirm eligibility & Sending Partner
   • Make sure your citizenship is on the partner list and find your Sending Partner for Stipendium Hungaricum.
2. Choose up to two programmes
   • Select a maximum of two bachelor’s or one-tier master’s programmes through the official online application system.
   • Submit your application by 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET).
3. Complete your application & upload documents
   • Fill out all sections of the online form and upload your school certificates, transcripts, language proof, motivation letter and other required documents.
4. Check Sending Partner rules
   • If your Sending Partner has a separate national procedure, complete it as well by their local deadline.
5. Nomination
   • Your Sending Partner reviews applications and nominates candidates to TPF (typically by the end of February).
6. Entrance examinations
   • Nominated applicants attend university-organized entrance exams (tests, interviews, portfolios) between March and May 2026. The required minimum score is 56 points out of 100.
7. Missing documents & medical certificate
   • Certain missing documents (e.g. final school leaving certificate, passport, language certificate) can be submitted after 15 January 2026, but no later than 1 August 2026, if you uploaded a signed declaration by the application deadline.
   • The medical certificate is required only for scholarship holders and must be brought to Hungary for the compulsory medical check; it is not uploaded to the system.
8. Final result & enrolment
   • Successful applicants receive the final decision in June–July 2026, then complete visa procedures and enrol at their host institution.

Detailed Application Process — Master (Call for Applications)

1. Check country & Sending Partner
   • Confirm that you are from a partner country and identify your Sending Partner’s specific call and conditions.
2. Select up to two Master’s or one-tier Master’s programmes
   • Choose a maximum of two eligible Master’s/one-tier Master’s programmes and submit your application.
   • Deadline: 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET).
3. Submit all required documents
   • Upload your Bachelor diploma (or declaration if still in final semester), transcripts, language certificate, motivation letter and any extra documents required by the programme.
4. Complete any national-level steps
   • If your Sending Partner requires a parallel application or additional paperwork, complete those steps by their announced deadlines.
5. Nomination & institutional evaluation
   • Your Sending Partner nominates selected applicants to TPF.
   • Host institutions perform formal checks and then conduct entrance exams (tests, interviews, portfolios) between March and May 2026.
6. Missing documents & medical certificate
   • If you are awaiting your final Bachelor diploma or language test result, you may upload a declaration by 15 January 2026 and then submit the missing document by 1 August 2026, in line with the official Missing Documents rules.
   • The medical certificate is only required for nominated scholarship holders and must be presented in Hungary during the medical check, not uploaded.
7. Final decision & arrival
   • Final results are communicated in June–July 2026. If you receive the scholarship, you complete visa procedures and arrive in Hungary by the required date.

Detailed Application Process — PhD / Doctoral (Call for Applications)

1. Explore doctoral programmes & supervisors
   • Check available doctoral programmes in the Stipendium Hungaricum application system.
2. Contact potential host institutions / supervisors
   • Many doctoral schools require you to have a confirmed supervisor. Contact the relevant departments and discuss possible research topics and supervision, and confirm whether a Statement of Supervisor is needed.
3. Select up to two doctoral programmes & apply online
   • Choose a maximum of two doctoral programmes and submit your application via the online system by 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET).
4. Upload all doctoral-level documents
   • Include your Master diploma (or declaration if in final semester), transcripts, research plan, language proof, recommendation letter(s), and—if required—Statement of Supervisor.
5. Sending Partner nomination
   • Eligible applications are forwarded to the relevant Sending Partners, who create nomination and reserve lists by 28 February 2026.
6. Institutional entrance examination
   • Nominated applicants are evaluated by host doctoral schools, including scientific assessment of the research plan and, usually, an interview or other entrance exam between March and May 2026. The minimum required score is 56/100.
7. Missing documents & medical certificate
   • Certain missing documents (Master diploma, language certificate, passport) can be submitted by 1 August 2026, if a signed declaration was uploaded by 15 January 2026, 14:00.
   • The medical certificate is required only for scholarship holders and must be brought to Hungary; it is not uploaded.
8. Results & enrolment
   • Final scholarship decisions are made by the end of June 2026; applicants are notified in June–July via the online system. Successful applicants then proceed with visa and arrival.

• Missing documents: Certain documents (e.g., school certificates, Bachelor/Master diplomas, language certificates, passport) may be submitted after the application deadline, but only if a signed declaration is uploaded by 15 January 2026, 14:00 (CET) and the missing documents are uploaded by 1 August 2026 at the latest. Otherwise, the application will be automatically rejected.
• Medical certificate: Only applicants who actually receive the scholarship need a medical certificate. It must be issued after 1 November 2025, follow the official template and be presented during the compulsory medical examination in Hungary, not uploaded to the system.
• Living in Hungary: Scholarship holders are required to live and study in Hungary. Habitually living in another country or staying abroad for long periods without approval can lead to termination of the scholarship and/or loss of allowances.
• Other scholarships (double financing): You cannot receive Stipendium Hungaricum if you already have another full scholarship from the Hungarian central budget for studies in Hungary, or if you receive a long-term scholarship to study abroad for more than 30 days (with limited exceptions for short academic programmes).
• Self-financed students in Hungary: Students who are already fee-paying at a Hungarian university and want to continue on the same study level under Stipendium Hungaricum can only apply if:
  • Their host university recommends them, and
  • Their academic performance is above the programme’s average (as defined by the university).
• Former scholarship holders: There are detailed rules on when former Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders cannot re-apply (e.g., same level of studies, not starting previously accepted scholarships, or postponing without proper notification). These are fully described in the official Calls for Applications.
• Arts & Music applicants: Programmes in Arts or Music require a portfolio that follows the host institution’s instructions and is uploaded in the Media Files section. File size limits apply; if needed, you can upload links to external files.
• Minimum exam score: For institutional entrance exams, the minimum score is 56 out of 100; no scholarship can be offered to applicants scoring below this level.
• Complex exam in PhD: Doctoral programmes are 8 semesters (2+2 years). At the end of the first 4 semesters, doctoral students must pass a Complex Exam to continue to the research & dissertation phase.
• Translations: All documents that are not issued in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian must be accompanied by an official translation and uploaded together with the original.