The experience of pursuing an education can vary greatly from country to country. Many European countries have a reputation for quality education, diverse academic programs, and comparatively accessible study options. Hungary is one such destination, with several well-established student cities.
In recent years, the country has become a popular study destination for international students, as Hungarian cities can offer a blend of academic, cultural, and personal experiences. Hungary also operates government scholarship programs that may allow eligible international students to study without paying tuition while receiving a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance. The flagship program is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, through which students such as Elina Sultanbekova at Corvinus University of Budapest, Andrea Bergula Saises at Semmelweis University, and Zaina Ahmad at the University of Debrecen are receiving substantial financial support for their studies. In this article, we explain how these scholarships can help you reduce the cost of studying in Hungary.
How to Study in Hungary for Free with Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with Hungary’s Government Scholarships (Not Just Stipendium Hungaricum)
If your goal is to study in Hungary without paying tuition, begin by reviewing the main government-funded options and confirming which ones are available to applicants from your country. The best-known option is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. It is operated by the Hungarian government and coordinated by Tempus Public Foundation through more than 100 official Sending Partners on five continents. Depending on the bilateral agreement with each Sending Partner, scholarships may be available for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, doctoral, preparatory, postgraduate specialist, and partial-exchange studies.
For bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and eligible non-degree programs, the 2026/27 scholarship provides a tuition exemption, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, either a dormitory place subject to institutional capacity or an accommodation contribution of HUF 40,000 per month, and medical insurance under the program’s rules. The official call emphasizes that the stipend and accommodation contribution are intended to help with living costs and may not cover all expenses, especially private rent in Budapest and other larger cities.
Student profiles show how this route works in practice. Zhibek from Kyrgyzstan received Stipendium Hungaricum support to study International Relations at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest. Andrea from the Philippines is studying for a BSc in Nursing at Semmelweis University through the program and received the 2025 Stipendium Hungaricum Student Excellence Award.
Other Hungarian government schemes include Bilateral State Scholarships and the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship. Bilateral State Scholarships may support full-degree studies, partial studies, study visits, or summer courses. Accepted applicants generally study without paying course fees and receive a stipend, but additional provisions, amounts, eligible countries, and study types depend on the specific call and bilateral arrangement.
The Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship is intended for eligible applicants with Hungarian roots who live in a Hungarian diaspora. Under the 2026/27 call, it is available for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, doctoral, and certain non-degree programs. It provides tuition-free education and medical insurance, while the monthly stipend and accommodation contribution are available upon request. Geographic, citizenship, recommendation-letter, and other eligibility restrictions apply, so applicants should read the current call carefully.
If you are interested in a multi-country program that includes Hungary, consider the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship. Students from around the world may apply, although each joint master’s program sets its own academic and admissions requirements. Full scholarships for the best-ranked applicants cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa, and living expenses.
For example, Zewdie Habtie Sisay from Ethiopia received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the Intelligent Field Robotic Systems program. The program is coordinated by the University of Girona and includes Eötvös Loránd University and the University of Zagreb as consortium partners. Zewdie’s program profile states that he completed his third semester in Budapest.
Step 2: Target Hungarian Universities That Work Well with These Scholarships
Once you know which scholarship fits your circumstances, choose a Hungarian university and program that are available under that funding route. Stipendium Hungaricum may be used at numerous participating institutions, including Eötvös Loránd University, Semmelweis University, Corvinus University of Budapest, the University of Debrecen, and the University of Szeged. Available universities and programs depend on your citizenship, Sending Partner, study level, and the current Stipendium Hungaricum Study Finder.
Each institution has a different academic focus. ELTE was founded in 1635 and currently has faculties covering fields such as humanities, science, informatics, law, social sciences, economics, education, and psychology. It also offers numerous programs for international students. Corvinus University of Budapest focuses largely on economics, business, and social sciences. Semmelweis University is Hungary’s oldest medical university and specializes in medicine and health sciences, with programs including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, and public health-related fields.
Students often choose institutions that closely match their previous education and future plans. Elina chose International Relations at Corvinus and applied through Stipendium Hungaricum. Zaina, who previously studied dentistry in Pakistan, chose the University of Debrecen for a Master’s in Public Health.
Self-financed tuition varies substantially by university, program, and sometimes citizenship. As one current benchmark, the University of Szeged’s 2026/27 international fee schedule lists some bachelor’s and master’s programs at EUR 1,800 per semester, many other non-medical programs between approximately EUR 2,200 and EUR 4,100 per semester, and numerous PhD programs between EUR 3,500 and EUR 5,000 per semester. English-language General Medicine costs EUR 7,900 per semester, or EUR 15,800 per academic year during years one through five. Separate application or entrance-examination fees may also apply. Always check the official fee page for your exact program and intake year.
Step 3: Build the Kind of Profile Hungarian Committees Actually Fund
Scholarship selection is not based on a single universal formula. For Stipendium Hungaricum, the process normally includes a technical eligibility check, Sending Partner nomination, university admission assessment, and final allocation under the program’s rules. Academic performance, motivation, program fit, and university entry requirements can therefore all affect an application.
Recipient profiles illustrate the types of backgrounds successful applicants have presented, although no particular GPA or activity guarantees an award. Zaina reported earning a Chancellor’s Gold Medal during her dentistry degree and explained how public-health study would help her work at a wider community level. Andrea combined her science background with leadership and community activities before later receiving a Stipendium Hungaricum excellence award. Elina reported an International Baccalaureate GPA of about 3.9/4.0 and a 5.0/5.0 national high-school GPA.
A coherent connection between your previous education, chosen degree, and long-term plans can also strengthen your application. Nominzul at the University of Szeged connected her Food Science and Technology Engineering master’s studies with her goal of contributing to Mongolia’s food industry. Brian at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences matched his biology degree and agricultural work experience with a master’s in Agricultural Biotechnology, specializing in Plant Biotechnology.
Some successful applicants also present relevant professional work, research, volunteering, competitions, or creative work. Minahil Mustafa, who is pursuing an MA in Media and Communication Studies at ELTE, described using her visual-communication portfolio, academic work, and professional experience in her application.
When drafting your application, ask whether your academic record meets the program’s published requirements, whether your previous experience leads naturally to the chosen degree, and whether your motivation letter explains why the particular university and program support your future plans.
Step 4: Prepare for Language Proof, Entrance Exams, and Interviews the “Hungarian Way”
Scholarship recipients must meet both the scholarship’s conditions and the admission requirements of their chosen university. English-language requirements are program-specific and should not be treated as a single nationwide score. For example, ELTE’s International Relations BA currently lists B2 English and IELTS 5.5, while the University of Szeged’s Computer Science BSc lists B2 English and IELTS 5.5. The University of Debrecen’s Public Health MSc lists B2 English and an IELTS-equivalent score of 6.0, although the program states that a test certificate is not strictly required because English is also assessed during the entrance interview. Other programs may set higher scores or different conditions.
Some programs accept evidence that the applicant’s previous education was completed in English. ELTE’s International Relations BA, for example, allows applicants to document that their previous education was taught entirely in English. Brian also reports that his English-medium bachelor’s degree in Belize allowed him to submit a university letter instead of taking IELTS or TOEFL. However, applicants should not assume that every Hungarian university or program accepts a medium-of-instruction letter.
Hungarian universities may also require entrance examinations or interviews. Semmelweis University’s current General Medicine admissions process includes online written tests in Medical Biology, Medical Chemistry, General English, and Biomedical English, followed by an interview and oral examination. At the University of Szeged, applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy normally complete written and oral examinations in science subjects and English. Applicants applying only to Szeged’s Nursing or Physiotherapy program undergo an English-language assessment and a motivational conversation.
For Stipendium Hungaricum, applicants normally submit their documents through the Tempus Public Foundation online system and must also follow their Sending Partner’s procedure. Sending Partners may impose separate deadlines, examinations, document rules, or pre-selection processes. Except for limited exceptions stated in the call, an application proceeds to university evaluation only after the applicant is nominated by the appropriate Sending Partner.
Once enrolled, students at many Hungarian universities use the Neptun electronic academic system. At the University of Szeged, for example, Neptun is used for course registration, exam registration, grades, class schedules, and some financial administration.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Hungary
Hungary offers several opportunities for eligible international bachelor’s students to receive tuition and living-cost support. One of the main government initiatives is the Stipendium Hungaricum Program discussed above. It is a competitive scholarship rather than an automatic entitlement. Eligible applicants may select participating programs at institutions such as the University of Debrecen, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and Eötvös Loránd University, subject to the current Sending Partner agreement and Study Finder.
Under the current standard bachelor’s-level package, scholarship holders receive a tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance. These benefits reduce study costs substantially but may not cover every personal or living expense.
Here are some of the students who received scholarships for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary:
Here is what Bachelor’s Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“which fully covers my tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, free dormitory accommodation, and medical insurance coverage, including medical allowances.”
Muhammad Shayan
“My advice is simple: just apply. Even if you feel unsure or think you’re not qualified enough, send that application anyway.”
Andrea Bergula Saises
“I didn’t discover the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship myself. My friend found it in her email spam folder.”
Glyssa May Bosquit
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Hungary
Scholarships such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and Stipendium Hungaricum are available to eligible international students planning to pursue master’s studies in Hungary. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept applications from students worldwide, although applicants must meet the requirements of the specific consortium. Full scholarships may be awarded to the best-ranked students and cover participation costs while contributing toward travel, visa, and living expenses.
Here are some of the students who received scholarships for a master’s degree involving study in Hungary:
Scholarship-recipient quotations describe individual admissions experiences. Language-test waivers, standardized-test requirements, and scholarship provisions may differ by university, program, nationality, and application year.
Here is what Master’s Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“It supports students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels and covers tuition, accommodation, and a contribution to living expenses.”
Hafsa Iqbal
“I would therefore advise interested applicants to first check the call for applications by the sending partner in their country.”
Stella Murugi
“Hungary stood out because of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which didn’t require standardized test scores like GRE or IELTS for applicants from English-medium universities.”
Ayesha Javaid
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Hungary
Like bachelor’s and master’s students, eligible PhD applicants can benefit from the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. A full doctoral program normally lasts eight semesters, divided into two four-semester phases. The scholarship includes a tuition exemption, medical insurance, accommodation support, and a monthly stipend of HUF 140,000 during the first four semesters and HUF 180,000 during the second four semesters. The official call states that these provisions do not necessarily cover all living costs.
Eligible applicants with Hungarian roots may also consider the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship. The 2026/27 call offers tuition-free doctoral study as well as bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and certain non-degree options. Applicants must satisfy the program’s Hungarian-heritage, citizenship, geographic, recommendation, and academic conditions. A full-time doctoral program normally lasts 2+2 years.
Here is one of the students who received funding for a PhD in Hungary:
Here is what PhD Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“I was awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for the academic year 2024/2025, offered by the Hungarian Government. It fully covers my tuition and provides a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance, enabling me to focus on my doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), in the Doctoral School of Plant Science at the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology in Gödöllő, Hungary.”
Alaa Al Jarf
FAQs: Studying in Hungary as an International Student
Are there Opportunities for International Students to Study in Hungary for Free?
Most self-financed international students pay tuition in Hungary, but eligible students may obtain tuition-free study through competitive scholarships. Programs such as the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship waive tuition and provide a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance. However, the official call states that these contributions may not cover all living costs. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s nationality or Sending Partner, the available program, nomination, and university admission requirements. You can also review our guide to low-cost education in Hungary.
How Much is the Annual Academic Cost in Hungary?
There is no single national tuition range that applies to every international student. Fees vary by university, program, citizenship category, and intake year.
For example, the University of Szeged‘s international fee schedule lists some bachelor’s and master’s programs at EUR 1,800 per semester, many other non-medical programs between approximately EUR 2,200 and EUR 4,100 per semester, and numerous PhD programs between EUR 3,500 and EUR 5,000 per semester. English-language General Medicine costs EUR 7,900 per semester, or EUR 15,800 per academic year during years one through five. Application or entrance-examination fees may be charged separately. Applicants should check the current official fee page for their exact program. See also our guide to universities in Hungary.
Hungary can be an attractive study destination for students seeking comparatively affordable options and a broad range of academic programs. International students do not generally receive tuition-free education automatically, but competitive government and international scholarships may waive tuition and provide additional financial support.
We hope this article has helped you understand some of the country’s major scholarships and funding options. For more study opportunities, explore our Available Courses for International Students!
