Immerse yourself in vibrant culture, beautiful attractions, and, most importantly, quality education in Hungary, one of the oldest countries in Central Europe. In recent years, the place has been a top choice for students looking to study abroad. Living in this country is relatively cheap compared to other European countries.
This article will highlight generous scholarships offered to international students of all levels. Aside from full tuition coverage, most scholarships in the country also include additional allowances that students can maximize daily, including healthcare for some.
Hungary aspires to become a top global provider of esteemed education and research and to form strong relations with other nations, so let’s read about the top scholarships in Hungary below.
Top Scholarships in Hungary for International Students
1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition, monthly stipend, free accommodation, and health insurance
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Stipendium Hungaricum is the best scholarship for international students in Hungary. It is funded by the Hungarian Government and was established to promote internationalization and strengthen academic and research collaborations with other countries. Each year, it accepts over 5,000 students from over 70 participating countries interested in completing a full degree at any level in one of 30 Hungarian institutions.
The scholarship covers more than 800 programs, catering to all fields and including non-degree programs. Accepted scholarship recipients will be fully exempt from the tuition fee payment and receive additional stipends to cover their other daily living expenses. Free dormitory accommodation is also provided, but if the student decides to stay elsewhere, a housing allowance of HUF 40,000 per month will be given.
Additionally, the student will be entitled to health care services and medical insurance for up to HUF 65,000 each year. The monthly stipend will depend on the scholar’s level— bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier, and non-degree students will receive up to HUF 43,700 monthly. On the other hand, doctoral students are entitled to HUF 140,000 in the first phase of education and HUF 180,000 for the second phase for four semesters each month.
2. Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, and medical insurance
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship is another government program available for students residing in a Hungarian Diaspora outside the European Union. The program aims to contribute to students’ professional and personal journeys as they experience Hungary’s top-level education and rich culture.
Chosen scholarship recipients can study in one of 30 prestigious institutions in the country. They can select from 1,500 non-degree and full-degree programs that suit their interests. Those keen to take a full degree will be required to learn Hungarian during their study period and will have to pass a language test after graduation.
Students receiving this scholarship in Hungary are exempt from tuition payment and are qualified for health care services and medical insurance amounting to HUF 65,000. A monthly stipend and accommodation contribution are also provided upon request, but the approval depends on the student’s academic standing and financial situation.
3. Bilateral State Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, and free accommodation
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Bilateral State Scholarships are agreements between two partnering countries to provide a scholarship to their partner nation. Each country has a designated office that manages applications and nominates potential scholars from their home country to be sent abroad— in Hungary, the Tempus Public Foundation. If an individual is not nominated, they may also personally send their application to the foundation.
Aside from international students, Hungary also offers this opportunity to researchers or lecturers in higher education or scientific or art institutions. The scholarship type varies, from partial to complete degrees, short—or long-term study visits, and summer courses. Accepted scholars can study their chosen course in Hungary, free of tuition.
Depending on the type of scholarship, students will also receive an additional allowance that they may use for living expenses. The stipend for this scholarship in Hungary will be paid for by the receiving institution, Tempus Public Foundation, or by the student’s country of origin.
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Participation costs, living expenses, and travel and visa fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s program in support of education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. This scholarship is open to all students in EU member states, including Hungary who has been a member since 1997. Chosen students will be given the chance to study and train abroad at a partner university.
Master’s programs in Erasmus Mundus are highly esteemed worldwide programs collaboratively created and offered by several universities. They include numerous affiliated partners from the academic and non-academic worlds and three or more institutions from different nations. These include thesis preparation, research, study periods, traineeships, and defense.
Top-ranked students worldwide can receive full scholarships for attending master’s programs, including participation fees, living expenses, travel, and visa fees.
5. Visegrad Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Monetary support per semester
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Post-Master’s
The Visegrad Scholarship is an international donor organization established in 2000 by the Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakian governments. Its vision is to provide scholarships, grants, and residencies to outstanding students in Central and Eastern Europe in the hopes of paving the way for innovative ideas and the nation’s advancement.
One of its programs, the Visegrad Scholarship Program, supports master’s students’ studies for up to two semesters in one of more than 190 partner institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. The scholarship provides €3,000 per semester for the scholar and €1,500 for the host institution.
6. SZTE Start Scholarship (University of Szeged)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: €500
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The University of Szeged is one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was founded in 1871 as a Royal Hungarian University and is held in high esteem. The college has a large campus with modern facilities for students and faculty members. There are many sports facilities available for students, and libraries have thousands of books on various subjects related to academic studies at this institution.
Today, the school offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. It also provides language courses for students who want to study at the university but don’t speak Hungarian. In addition, the university’s location is perfect for students who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s located in Szeged, Hungary, about 200 kilometers from Budapest.
You must submit the application form through DreamApply to apply for this scholarship in Hungary. Upload a one-page long CV and a one-page reference letter explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship.
7. International Scholarship (University of Debrecen)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 30% to 90% tuition discount
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The University of Debrecen is a higher education institution in Hungary. It was founded in 1635 and is one of the oldest universities in the country. The institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorates in various academic disciplines, including science, social sciences, humanities, arts, and education.
The university has over 30,000 students worldwide, including over 2,000 international students from more than 50 countries. It also has an extensive research program, with over one million euros per year allocated to funding projects by its faculty members.
Students can apply for the International Scholarship by filling out and saving all the required information in the online application form. You must also upload a motivation letter and two recommendation letters. Next, you must submit your academic transcripts, a copy of your identification document, a medical certificate, and a bank receipt for the application fee.
8. METU Academic Scholarship (Budapest Metropolitan University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 33% tuition fee coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Budapest Metropolitan University is a public institution in Budapest, Hungary. It was established in 1990 by merging several independent colleges and institutes. It offers courses in many fields of study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It has several campuses nationwide, including one in Budapest, one in Szekesfehervar, and others in Debrecen and Sarospatak.
The institution’s student body consists of over 5,000 students from all over the world. The university has five faculties: Education and Psychology, Humanities, Economy and Business Administration, Law and Public Administration, and Sciences and Technology. It also offers master’s degree programs in English language and literature, psychology, social work, and management studies.
To be eligible for the METU Academic Scholarship, you must be one of the students with the highest adjusted credit index in the previous semester. The university automatically calculates the results. This award is for undergraduate and master’s students. An application form and a few relevant documents must be submitted to apply.
If you’re an international applicant, remember to check everything in the scholarship program, including the requirements, deadlines, and other required information. It’s also best to go through their official website or contact the international office at your chosen university for details on the application process. So, if you need financial aid for your schooling in Hungary, consider the scholarships listed above and see if you fit their criteria!
We hope this article on top scholarships in Hungary was helpful. Make sure also to check out the Hungary Page and Available Programs in Europe for International Students to learn more about studying abroad!
