The Stipendium Hungaricum Has Two Application Portals — Missing Either One Means Automatic Rejection

The Stipendium Hungaricum is one of Europe’s most popular government scholarship programs, consistently receiving applications from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Ghana, and dozens of other countries. It is also one of the most frequently misunderstood in terms of how the application actually works.

The application has TWO separate portals. Both are mandatory. Missing one means automatic rejection.

Portal 1: The Stipendium Hungaricum official online application system at stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply/

Portal 2: Your home country’s “Sending Partner” for Pakistani students, this is the Higher Education Commission (HEC) at hec.gov.pk. For other countries, the Sending Partner varies.

Both must be completed before the deadline. A complete application on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal alone is not enough. A complete application on the HEC portal alone is not enough. Both are required, and both must be submitted before January 15.

With that critical operational fact established, the Stipendium Hungaricum offers one of Europe’s most genuinely accessible fully funded scholarship experiences:

Monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (~EUR 110) for non-degree, bachelor’s, master’s and one-tier master’s level students. For doctoral level students an amount of HUF 140,000 (~EUR 355) for the first phase of education (4 semesters) and HUF 180,000 (~EUR 460) for the second phase (4 semesters).

Full tuition waiver. Free dormitory or HUF 40,000/month housing allowance. Health insurance. Approximately 900 English-medium programs across 30 Hungarian universities. And for Pakistan specifically over 340 scholarship seats.

What Is the Stipendium Hungaricum — Full Overview

Full Financial Package — What You Actually Receive

Bachelor’s / Master’s / One-Tier Master’s / Non-Degree:

Monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (~EUR 110) for non-degree, bachelor’s, master’s and one-tier master’s level students. Stipends are paid for 12 months a year, until completion of studies.

Accommodation contribution: free dormitory place or a contribution of HUF 40,000/month to accommodation costs for the whole duration of the scholarship period.

Honest assessment for BSc/MSc students: The stipend (HUF 43,700 + HUF 40,000 housing allowance = HUF 83,700/month total for BSc/MSc) is helpful but not always sufficient to cover all monthly expenses, especially in Budapest where monthly costs can reach HUF 150,000-200,000.

HUF 83,700/month = approximately EUR 220/month total. Budapest living costs are higher, food, transport, social expenses. Many SH scholars supplement their income with a part-time job, legally permitted up to 24 hours/week during term time.

Outside Budapest (Debrecen, Pécs, Miskolc, Eger, Győr) — costs are significantly lower and HUF 83,700/month is more manageable.

Doctoral (PhD):

For PhD students: HUF 140,000 for the first four semesters and HUF 180,000 for the following four semesters.

PhD Phase 1 (~EUR 365/month) + HUF 40,000 housing (~EUR 105) = ~EUR 470/month total PhD Phase 2 (~EUR 470/month) + HUF 40,000 housing (~EUR 105) = ~EUR 575/month total

The PhD stipend is genuinely competitive even compared to some European countries. PhD students are significantly better funded than BSc/MSc students under Stipendium Hungaricum.

Health Insurance:

Comprehensive medical coverage under Hungarian legislation plus supplementary insurance up to HUF 65,000 annually.

Summary Financial Table:

90+ Partner Countries — Who Can Apply

Citizens of 90+ partner countries who are 18+ by August 31 of the intake year.

The Stipendium Hungaricum has one of the widest eligibility networks of any government scholarship program. While the official list of 90+ partner countries should be verified at stipendiumhungaricum.hu, the confirmed eligible regions and countries include:

🌏 Asia (extensively covered): Pakistan ✅, Bangladesh ✅, India ✅, Indonesia ✅, Malaysia ✅, Philippines ✅, Vietnam ✅, Sri Lanka ✅, Nepal ✅, Cambodia ✅, Myanmar ✅, Mongolia ✅, Kazakhstan ✅, Uzbekistan ✅, Kyrgyzstan ✅, Tajikistan ✅, Azerbaijan ✅, Georgia ✅, Armenia ✅, Jordan ✅, Turkey ✅, Iran ✅

🌍 Africa (extensively covered): Nigeria ✅, Ghana ✅, Kenya ✅, Ethiopia ✅, Tanzania ✅, Uganda ✅, Rwanda ✅, Senegal ✅, Morocco ✅, Egypt ✅, Algeria ✅, Tunisia ✅, South Africa ✅, Zimbabwe ✅, Zambia ✅, Mozambique ✅, Namibia ✅, Sierra Leone ✅, Liberia ✅, Angola ✅ and many more

🌎 Americas: Brazil ✅, Colombia ✅, Peru ✅, Ecuador ✅, Bolivia ✅, Argentina ✅, Mexico ✅, Costa Rica ✅, Guatemala ✅, Honduras ✅, El Salvador ✅ and more

🌍 Europe (non-EU or lower income EU): Ukraine ✅, Serbia ✅, Bosnia ✅, North Macedonia ✅, Kosovo ✅, Moldova ✅, Belarus ✅ and more

Verify your country: Always confirm at stipendiumhungaricum.hu/sending-partners/ — the official sending partner list is the definitive source.

Study Programs — 900+ English Options

Approximately 30 Hungarian universities host Stipendium Hungaricum scholars. Applicants can choose from nearly 900 study programs, primarily offered in English.

Study Levels Available:

Bachelor’s (BSc/BA): 3-4 year undergraduate programs

Master’s (MSc/MA): 1.5-2 year postgraduate programs

One-Tier Master’s (OTM): 5-6 year integrated programs for Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Architecture, Veterinary Science

Doctoral (PhD): 4-year doctoral research programs

Non-Degree / Preparatory: Foundation/preparatory courses for later degree entry

Postgraduate Specialist Training: Continuing professional education

Participating Hungarian Universities (Selected):

Can you apply for any program? No, your chosen program must be from the list of programs officially listed on stipendiumhungaricum.hu for the current cycle. The available programs change slightly year to year.

Up to 2 programs: You can list your first choice and one alternative. If your first choice university does not select you, your application goes to the second choice.

The TWO-Portal Application Process — Critical Detail

15 January 2026, 14:00 CET: Online application deadline. January 2026: Technical check by Tempus Public Foundation. February 2026: Sending Partners submit nomination lists. March – May 2026: Universities conduct entrance examinations.

Full Application Timeline (2027 Cycle):

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Step 1: Go to stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply/ Create an account or log in. This is the Stipendium Hungaricum’s own portal.

2: Choose up to 2 programs Browse the official program list. Select your first choice (and optional second choice) program. Research the universities carefully before selecting.

Step 3: Fill the application form Complete all personal information, academic history, study plan, and motivation fields.

4: Upload all documents Required documents (based on Call for Applications 2026/2027):

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts (all previous study)
• Degree certificates
• Motivation letter / study plan
• Language proficiency certificate (English — IELTS/TOEFL, or MOI Certificate for some programs)
• Medical certificate (health clearance)
• Two letters of recommendation
• For PhD: supervisor statement (if required by doctoral school)
• Recent passport photograph

Step 5: Apply on your Sending Partner portal For Pakistan: hec.gov.pk (HEC portal). For other countries: find your Sending Partner at stipendiumhungaricum.hu/sending-partners/

The application has TWO separate portals. Both are mandatory. Missing one means automatic rejection.

Step 6: Submit BOTH before January 15 at 2pm CET Changes are not permitted after the deadline. Review everything before submitting.

Pakistan-Specific Guide — 340+ Seats

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships available to Pakistani students. It covers all major expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic pursuits.

Over 340 scholarship seats are available for Pakistani students annually.

For Pakistan, 340+ seats is a very large scholarship allocation, far more than Chevening (~100 for Pakistan), DAAD (limited seats), or most other fully funded European programs.

Pakistan’s Sending Partner: Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan HEC Portal: hec.gov.pk

Pakistan-specific application process:

1. Apply at stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply/
2. Simultaneously apply at HEC portal (hec.gov.pk)
3. HEC nominates selected applicants to Hungarian universities
4. Universities conduct entrance examinations (online/in-person)
5. Final selections confirmed

Critical Pakistan-specific warning: If you’re applying for a professional degree — medicine, engineering, nursing, architecture, law, pharmacy, you personally have to confirm that the program is accredited by the relevant Pakistani council. HEC does not do this for you. Students have been nominated and then had issues later because their degree wasn’t recognized by PMDC or PEC back home.

Before applying for medicine → check PMDC accreditation Before applying for engineering → check PEC accreditation
Before applying for pharmacy → check relevant council Before applying for architecture, law, nursing → check the relevant body

A Hungarian medical degree that is not recognized by PMDC has very limited value upon return to Pakistan. Verify accreditation first, then apply.

Hungary as a Study Destination — Practical Facts

Location: Central Europe — Budapest is surrounded by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia. Being in Hungary means easy access to explore the Schengen Area.

Language: Most SH programs are taught in English. Hungarian is not required for English-medium programs. Learning basic Hungarian enhances daily life but is not an academic requirement.

Living costs: Lower than Western Europe — but rising. Budapest is more expensive than other Hungarian cities. Budapest monthly costs can reach HUF 150,000-200,000 for a full budget. Outside Budapest (Debrecen, Pécs, Miskolc), costs are significantly lower and more manageable on the SH stipend.

European degree recognition: Hungarian university degrees are EU-recognized and internationally accepted.

Part-time work: Legally permitted up to 24 hours/week during term time for scholarship holders. Many BSc/MSc students supplement the stipend with part-time work.

Cultural environment: Hungary has a rich cultural heritage, Baroque architecture, thermal baths, classical music (Liszt, Bartók, Kodály), and a vibrant Budapest nightlife. Approximately 15,000+ Stipendium Hungaricum scholars are studying in Hungary at any given time, creating a large international student community.

Language Requirements

Some accept Medium of Instruction certificates.

English language requirements vary by program:

• IELTS accepted: Most programs specify IELTS 5.5-6.5 depending on level
• TOEFL accepted: Most programs accept TOEFL equivalent scores
• MOI Certificate: Some programs (especially at applied/technical universities) accept a free Medium of Instruction Certificate as proof of English-medium education
• Hungarian language programs: Some programs are taught in Hungarian — language preparation course available

Generate a free MOI Certificate

Stipendium Hungaricum vs Other European Scholarships

Key insight: Stipendium Hungaricum pays significantly less per month than French, Belgian, or German scholarships but has far more eligible countries, more program choices, and is significantly easier to access. For students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and other countries where other European scholarships are harder to access, Stipendium Hungaricum is the most accessible European scholarship.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Applying only on the SH portal The most common error. Both portals are mandatory. Both must be submitted before January 15.

2: Applying for a program not on the official list You cannot apply for any Hungarian university program. Only programs officially listed in the current Stipendium Hungaricum cycle are eligible.

Mistake 3: Choosing more than 2 programs Maximum is 2 programs in order of preference.

4: Not verifying professional degree accreditation For medicine, engineering, nursing, architecture, pharmacy applicants, verify that your home country’s professional council recognizes the specific Hungarian program.

Mistake 5: Choosing Budapest without budgeting EUR 220/month (BSc/MSc total stipend + housing) may not cover full Budapest living costs. Research living costs outside Budapest if budget is a primary concern.

Mistake 6: Missing the January 15 deadline by minutes The deadline for submitting your application is 15 January 2026, 2 pm (Central European Time). Not midnight — 2:00 pm. The system closes at 14:00 CET.

FAQ

What is Stipendium Hungaricum?

The Hungarian Government established the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme to promote the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education and to attract top international students from all around the world.

What is the monthly stipend?

HUF 43,700 (~EUR 110) per month for BSc/MSc students. HUF 140,000 (~EUR 355) for PhD Phase 1 and HUF 180,000 (~EUR 460) for PhD Phase 2. Stipends are paid 12 months per year.

What does it cover?

Full tuition + monthly stipend + free dormitory (or HUF 40,000/month rent contribution) + health insurance + application fee waived.

Is Pakistan eligible?

Yes, Pakistan has over 340 scholarship seats available annually. Apply through HEC and the SH portal simultaneously.

How many programs can I apply for?

Up to 2 programs in order of preference.

What is the 2027 application deadline?

Based on consistent annual pattern — January 15 at 2pm CET.

Is the application free?

No, the application is completely free. No application or exam fee.

Are there programs in medicine and engineering?

Yes, Semmelweis University (medicine), BME (engineering), University of Pécs (medicine/law) are all Stipendium Hungaricum partner universities. Verify professional accreditation in your home country before applying.

Free Application Tools

• Motivation Letter: Motivation Letter Generator
• SOP / Study Plan: SOP Generator
• CV: Free CV Builder
• Reference Letter: Reference Letter Generator
• MOI Certificate (if needed): MOI Generator
• Research Proposal (PhD): Research Proposal Generator