How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Hungary in 2027: The Complete International Student Guide

How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Hungary in 2027

Imagine walking the historic streets of Budapest or studying in a vibrant university city like Debrecen or Pécs while earning a European degree—without paying tuition fees. For thousands of international students each year, this becomes reality through fully funded scholarships in Hungary. As applications for the next academic cycle approach, understanding the available opportunities can open the door to high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe or North America.

Hungary stands out for its combination of academic excellence, affordable living, and government-backed funding programs. The country’s universities offer hundreds of English-taught programs across engineering, medicine, business, computer science, agriculture, and the humanities. Living costs remain relatively low compared with many EU destinations: roughly €400–650 per month in cities outside Budapest and €500–800 in the capital, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

This guide covers the main fully funded scholarships in Hungary for international students, with a focus on the flagship program and complementary options. Details are based on the most recent cycles; always verify the latest calls on official websites, as deadlines and quotas can shift.

Why Choose Hungary for Your Studies?

Hungarian higher education has a long tradition, with the first university founded in Pécs in 1367. Today, more than 60 accredited institutions participate in international programs. Degrees are recognized across the EU and beyond, and many universities rank well in global assessments, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and natural sciences.

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Students benefit from a central European location that makes travel easy, a rich cultural scene, and a growing international community. English-taught programs number in the hundreds, and many universities provide support services for newcomers. For those seeking value, Hungary delivers strong academic credentials alongside lower overall costs than the UK, Netherlands, or Germany.

The Flagship Opportunity: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is the largest and most accessible fully funded scholarship in Hungary for international students. Launched in 2013 by the Hungarian Government and managed by the Tempus Public Foundation, it aims to strengthen educational ties and attract talented students from partner countries.

What the Scholarship Covers

Scholarship holders receive:

  • Full exemption from tuition fees for the entire duration of the program
  • A monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (approximately €110–120) for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and non-degree programs
  • Higher doctoral stipends of HUF 140,000 for the first four semesters and HUF 180,000 thereafter
  • Accommodation support in the form of a free dormitory place (subject to availability) or a monthly housing contribution of HUF 40,000
  • Medical insurance coverage according to Hungarian regulations, plus limited supplementary insurance

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The stipend and housing contribution are designed as support rather than complete living-cost coverage. Students typically need additional personal funds or part-time work to cover the full cost of living, especially in Budapest.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally:

  • Be citizens of a partner country (more than 80–100 sending partners across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and non-EU Europe)
  • Obtain nomination from their country’s designated Sending Partner (usually a ministry of education or scholarship agency)
  • Meet the academic and language requirements of the chosen university program
  • Be at least 18 years old by the start of the academic year (with limited exceptions for certain programs)

Each bilateral agreement defines the available study levels and fields, so check the official list for your country. Dual Hungarian citizens are not eligible.

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How to Apply

The process involves two parallel tracks:

  1. Contact your national Sending Partner early to understand their nomination procedures and deadlines (often earlier than the central deadline).
  2. Create an account and submit your full application through the official online system at apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu once the call opens.
  3. Select up to two programs in order of preference.
  4. Upload required documents, which typically include academic transcripts, a motivation letter, proof of language proficiency, and a passport copy.
  5. Complete any university-specific entrance exams or interviews after nomination.

For the 2026/27 cycle the central deadline was 15 January 2026. The next application window for the 2027/28 academic year is expected to open in November 2026, with a similar January deadline. Results are usually announced in June or July.

Official resources:

Other Fully Funded and Highly Supported Options

Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship

This program targets individuals with Hungarian roots who live outside the EU, Serbia, and the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine. It offers tuition-free study, a monthly stipend (upon request), accommodation contribution, medical insurance, and, in some cases, travel support for long-distance applicants.

Applicants need a recommendation from a Hungarian diaspora organization or embassy and must demonstrate Hungarian identity. The 2026/27 deadline was 2 February 2026. Details and the application portal are available at diasporascholarship.hu.

FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme

In cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Hungary funds fully supported master’s programs in agricultural fields such as agricultural biotechnology, animal nutrition and feed safety engineering, and plant protection. Benefits include tuition, dormitory accommodation, subsistence costs, and health insurance.

Eligible applicants come from a defined list of developing and middle-income countries. Applications are typically accepted in January–February for a September start. More information appears on the FAO Hungary page.

Additional Routes

  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs that include Hungarian universities as partners can provide full funding for selected students.
  • University-level merit or excellence scholarships at institutions such as Central European University (CEU), Corvinus University of Budapest, and others may cover partial or full tuition for strong applicants.
  • Bilateral or specialized agreements in certain fields.

Explore broader options on the official Study in Hungary portal.

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Practical Tips for a Strong Application

Success rates depend on academic record, the strength of the motivation letter, and meeting country-specific quotas.

  • Start early: Contact your Sending Partner as soon as the call is published.
  • Tailor your motivation letter to the specific program and explain how the degree will benefit your home country.
  • Gather documents carefully: Ensure translations are official where required and language certificates are valid.
  • Consider universities outside Budapest: Smaller cities often have more dormitory places and lower living costs, stretching the stipend further.
  • Prepare for entrance exams: Many programs require written tests or interviews between March and May.
  • Budget realistically: Plan for flights, initial setup costs, and the gap between the housing contribution and actual rent.

Students may also work part-time (up to certain hourly limits) under Hungarian regulations for international students.

What Life as a Scholarship Holder Looks Like

Once in Hungary, scholarship holders join a large international community. Universities typically assist with orientation, residence permits, and finding accommodation. Public transport is inexpensive (student monthly passes in Budapest cost around €10), and food markets and supermarket chains keep grocery bills manageable. Cultural activities, student associations, and the chance to learn Hungarian add depth to the experience.

After graduation, a European degree improves career prospects both at home and internationally. Many alumni maintain professional networks formed during their studies.

Final Thoughts

Fully funded scholarships in Hungary, led by the Stipendium Hungaricum program, remain one of the most realistic pathways for international students to obtain a quality European degree with substantial financial support. The combination of tuition coverage, living stipends, and access to English-taught programs makes Hungary a compelling destination for the 2027 intake and beyond.

Begin by confirming whether your country is a partner and identifying your Sending Partner. Then monitor the official Tempus Public Foundation and Stipendium Hungaricum websites for the November 2026 opening of the next call. With careful preparation and a strong application, you can join the thousands of students already studying in Hungary without the burden of tuition fees.

For the latest updates, visit stipendiumhungaricum.hu and studyinhungary.hu.


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