Hungary Government Scholarship 2024-2025

Embarking on a study adventure in Hungary is now a possibility through the Hungary Government Scholarship, also known as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, for the academic year 2024-2025. This fully funded scholarship caters to international students, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, accommodation assistance of HUF 40,000 per month, and medical insurance up to HUF 65,000 per year.

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, established by the Hungarian Government in 2013, stands as one of the most prestigious higher education scholarship programs in Hungary. Its primary goals include promoting internationalization in Hungarian higher education, enhancing international academic and research collaborations, and elevating the global reputation of Hungarian universities.

Managed by the Tempus Public Foundation and supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this scholarship program is built upon bilateral educational agreements between Hungary and partnering countries. It is accessible in around 70 countries on five continents, attracting over 5,000 international students annually. The program offers more than 500 full degree programs across various academic fields, including part-time and doctoral programs.

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About the Scholarship

Level of Study:

• Undergraduate: This scholarship is available for students pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. The duration of undergraduate scholarships typically ranges from 2 to 4 years.
• Masters: The scholarship is open to students pursuing their master’s degrees. The program duration for master’s scholarships generally varies from 1.5 to 2 years.
• Ph.D.: Doctoral scholarships are available for those pursuing a Ph.D. The doctoral scholarship program has a duration of 4 years.
• Non-degree Programs: This category includes various short-term and non-degree programs typically lasting for 1 year. Non-degree programs can offer specialized training or language courses.

Institutions:

The Hungary Government Scholarship is applicable to institutions in Hungary. Specifically, this scholarship covers Hungarian universities.

Study Location:

All scholarship recipients will study in Hungary, a country located in Central Europe.

Program Duration:

Depending on the degree of study, the length of the scholarship varies:

• For Bachelor’s Scholarships, students can expect the program to last between 2 to 4 years.
• Master’s Scholarships typically have a program duration of 1.5 to 2 years.
• For a One-tier master, the program lasts for 5 to 6 years.
• Doctoral Scholarships encompass a 4-year program.
• Non-degree Programs are shorter, with a duration of 1 year.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for the Hungary Government Scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025 is January 16, 2024. This is the date by which all application materials and requirements must be submitted.

It’s crucial for prospective applicants to adhere to these timelines and program durations to ensure a successful application process and a clear understanding of the study commitment.

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Scholarship Coverage

Tuition-Free Education

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the selected study program. Students do not have to pay any tuition fees, making their education in Hungary completely tuition-free. This benefit significantly reduces the financial burden on scholarship recipients.

Monthly Stipend of HUF 43,700 (approximately EUR 130)

Scholarship recipients are entitled to a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, which is approximately equivalent to EUR 130. This stipend is intended to assist students with their living expenses during their study period in Hungary. It provides financial support for various day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal needs.

Accommodation Contribution or Free Dormitory Place

The Hungary Government Scholarship offers two options for accommodation support:

• Free Dormitory Place: Some scholarship recipients may be provided with a free dormitory place. This means that the scholarship program covers the cost of staying in a university dormitory, allowing students to live on campus.
• Accommodation Contribution: For students who do not stay in a dormitory, there is an accommodation contribution of HUF 40,000 per month. This contribution is designed to assist with the cost of renting accommodation. It’s important to note that in larger cities, especially the capital city Budapest, this contribution may not cover the full rental expenses, so students may need to supplement it from their stipend.

Medical Insurance

The Hungary Government Scholarship includes medical insurance for scholarship recipients. The insurance covers healthcare services in accordance with Hungarian legislation, including access to the national health insurance system (Act No. 80 of 1997). Additionally, scholarship recipients are provided with supplementary medical insurance, which can cover medical expenses up to HUF 65,000 per year per person (approximately EUR 205). This insurance ensures that students have access to necessary healthcare services and provides financial support in case of medical emergencies or health-related needs.

The Hungary Government Scholarship offers comprehensive support to international students, including covering tuition fees, providing a monthly stipend for living expenses, offering accommodation options, and ensuring access to healthcare through medical insurance. These benefits aim to make studying in Hungary more accessible and financially sustainable for scholarship recipients.

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Eligibility Criteria

Let’s delve into more details regarding the eligibility criteria for the Hungary Government Scholarship:

Proficiency in English (for English-Taught Courses)

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This requirement is particularly important for courses taught in English. Proficiency is typically assessed through standardized English language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants should achieve the minimum required score in these tests to prove their English language competence. Meeting this criterion ensures that students can effectively understand and participate in English-medium academic programs.

Outstanding Academic Achievements

Candidates must have a proven track record in the classroom. This means that applicants should have excelled in their previous academic studies, whether at the secondary school level for undergraduate applicants, or at the bachelor’s or master’s level for those applying for higher degrees. You may evaluate academic achievements through academic transcripts, certificates, and recommendation letters from teachers or professors. Strong academic performance reflects the applicant’s commitment to learning and their ability to excel in their chosen field of study.

Motivation to Pursue Higher Education in Hungary

Applicants must clearly and compellingly demonstrate their motivation for pursuing higher education in Hungary. They can convey this motivation through a well-written motivation letter as part of the application process. In this letter, candidates should articulate their reasons for choosing Hungary as their study destination and how their chosen program aligns with their academic and career goals. It’s important to convey a genuine interest in studying in Hungary and a strong commitment to academic and personal growth.

Good Health

Scholarship recipients must maintain good health. To verify this, applicants typically must provide a medical certificate from a qualified physician. This certificate confirms that the applicant does not have certain illnesses, such as AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C, or any other epidemic conditions. Demonstrating good health ensures that students can actively participate in their studies without significant health-related limitations.

Nominations by Sending Countries

The Hungary Government Scholarship operates under bilateral educational agreements between Hungary and various partner countries. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be officially nominated by the responsible authorities of their sending countries. These sending partners can include the local Hungarian Embassy, related ministries, or other designated institutions responsible for higher education. The nomination process ensures that candidates are officially endorsed by their home countries and are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

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The eligibility criteria for the Hungary Government Scholarship encompass English language proficiency, academic excellence, a genuine motivation to study in Hungary, good health, and official nomination by the sending country’s authorities. Meeting these criteria enhances an applicant’s chances of successfully securing the scholarship and pursuing higher education in Hungary.

Required Documents

Online Application Form

Applicants are required to complete an online application form provided by the scholarship program. This form serves as the primary means of submitting personal and academic information. It is essential to fill out this form accurately and thoroughly to ensure a complete application.

Recent Applicant Photo

Applicants must include a recent photograph of themselves as part of their application. The photo should be taken no earlier than two years before the submission of the application. This photo is typically used for identification purposes and helps institutions and evaluators verify the applicant’s identity.

Motivation Letter

An essential component of the application process is a motivation letter. In this letter, applicants are expected to explain their motivation and reasons for applying for the Hungary Government Scholarship. They should articulate why they have chosen Hungary as their study destination, how their chosen program aligns with their academic and career goals, and why they are a strong candidate for the scholarship. A well-crafted motivation letter helps evaluators understand the applicant’s aspirations and determination.

Proof of Language Proficiency

Applicants must provide evidence of their language proficiency, especially if they are applying for English-taught programs. This can be achieved through standardized language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. The required minimum score may vary by institution and program. Some applicants may also be exempt from this requirement if they have completed their previous studies in the language of the selected program.

School Certificates and Their Translations

Depending on the level of study, applicants need to submit their academic certificates. For bachelor-level programs, this typically includes the secondary school graduation certificate or its equivalent. For master’s and doctoral programs, applicants should provide their bachelor’s or master’s degree certificates. These certificates should be accompanied by translations if they are not in the language of the selected study program or in English.

Transcript of Records and Its Translations

Applicants must include their academic transcripts, which detail their academic performance throughout their previous studies. This document should provide information on courses taken, grades obtained, and the overall academic record. Like the academic certificates, transcripts should also be translated if not in the language of the selected study program or in English.

Medical Certificate

A medical certificate is required to confirm that the applicant is in good health. This certificate should be issued by a qualified physician and should state that the applicant does not have certain specified illnesses, such as AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C, or any other epidemic conditions. Demonstrating good health is essential to ensure that students can actively engage in their studies and stay healthy during their time in Hungary.

Copy of Identification Document

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their identification document, such as a passport. If the applicant does not yet have a passport, they can provide another form of identification, such as a national ID card. This document helps verify the applicant’s identity.

Additional Documents for Doctoral Level:

Applicants applying for doctoral-level programs have some additional document requirements:

• Research Plan: A minimum two-page research plan is required. This plan should outline the applicant’s research interests, objectives, and plans for their doctoral studies. It helps demonstrate the applicant’s preparedness for doctoral-level research.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Applicants need to provide two signed letters of recommendation from their former or current academic tutors or supervisors. These letters should attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for doctoral studies. The two letters should be from different individuals and should be written in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian.

Ensuring that all required documents are complete and submitted accurately is essential for a successful scholarship application. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to application rejection or delays in the evaluation process.

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Application Process

let’s delve into more details about the application process for the Hungary Government Scholarship:

Find Your Desired Program and Check Eligible Study Fields

Start by researching and identifying the academic program that you wish to pursue in Hungary. Different countries have different eligible study fields, so ensure that your chosen field aligns with the options available to applicants from your country. You can typically find this information on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website or through the relevant authorities in your home country.

Contact Your Sending Partner

After identifying your desired program, get in touch with your sending partner. The sending partner can vary but is often the local Hungarian Embassy or the ministry responsible for higher education in your country. Reach out to them to inquire about the specific application procedures and deadlines that apply to applicants from your country. Each sending partner may have unique requirements and deadlines, so it’s crucial to get accurate information directly from them.

Register and Upload Your Documents

The application process for the Hungary Government Scholarship is typically conducted through an online application system. Register on the official scholarship application portal. You need to provide personal information, details about your chosen program, and upload the required documents, such as your academic certificates, transcripts, identification documents, medical certificates, and other necessary materials. Ensure that you scan and upload all documents according to the provided guidelines.

Meet the Application Deadline

Pay close attention to the application deadline provided by your sending partner and the scholarship program. It’s imperative to submit your application, along with all the required documents, before the specified deadline. Late applications may not be considered.

Nomination by Sending Partners

After the application deadline, sending partners will review the applications they receive and nominate the most qualified candidates from your country. Your sending partner’s nomination is a significant step in the selection process. It indicates that your home country has officially endorsed you to apply for the scholarship.

Participate in Entrance Exams

If someone nominates you, then you will participate in entrance exams, which Hungarian universities conduct.These exams typically take place from the middle of March until the end of May. The specific details, format, and content of the entrance exams may vary by university and program. It’s important to prepare thoroughly for these exams to demonstrate your aptitude for the chosen field of study.

Achieve a Minimum Score of 56 Out of 100

To be considered for the final list of scholarship awardees, you must achieve a minimum score of 56 out of 100 on your entrance exams. This score demonstrates your competence and suitability for the program you wish to enroll in. Meeting this minimum score threshold is crucial for your scholarship application’s success.

Conduct the Application Process in English

The entire application process, including communication with sending partners, filling out the online application form, and preparing your documents, must be conducted in English. English is the primary language of instruction for many of the programs offered under the Hungary Government Scholarship, so proficiency in English is vital.

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It’s important to stay organized, adhere to all deadlines, and ensure that your application is complete and well-prepared. Successfully navigating each step of the application process increases your chances of being awarded the Hungary Government Scholarship and pursuing your higher education in Hungary.

Well, now you know what you need to prepare. Let’s start your preparation to achieve a score that meets the requirements of your target universities. There are many online practice tests available on the internet, but still feeling confused? Join us now.