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, Hungary has been a top choice for students who are looking to study abroad. The country’s international student population is at around 40,000, most of which are in the highest-ranked universities in Budapest, Hungary’s capital.
Living in Hungary is relatively cheap in comparison to other European countries. Their tuition fee and living expenses are lower, making it an affordable option. What we’ll see in this article are very generous scholarships offered to international students of all levels. Aside from full-tuition coverage, most Hungary scholarships also include additional allowances that students can maximize for their day-to-day and healthcare for some.
Students are also welcome to apply for European scholarships, which opens another door for more opportunities. What Hungary aspires to become is a top global provider of esteemed education and research, and to form strong relations with other nations.
Best Scholarships in Hungary for International Students
1. Stipendium Hungaricum
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and a monthly stipend
- Eligible Degree: All degree levels
The Stipendium Hungaricum is the best scholarship in Hungary for international students. It is funded by the Hungarian government and is established to promote internationalization and strengthen academic and research collaborations with other countries. Each year, Hungary accepts over 5,000 students from over 70 participating countries who are interested to complete a full degree at any level, in one of 29 Hungarian institutions. More than 500 programs are covered by the scholarship, catering to all fields and including non-degree programs.
Accepted scholarship recipients will be fully exempt from the payment of tuition fee and will receive additional stipends which can cover their other daily living expenses until their completion of studies. Free dormitory accommodation is also provided, but if the student decides to stay elsewhere, a housing allowance of HUF 40,000/month or approximately $133 will be given.
Additionally, the student will be entitled to health care services and medical insurance for up to HUF 100,000 ( approximately $334) each year. The monthly stipend will depend on the scholar’s level— bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier, and non-degree students will receive HUF 43,700 (roughly $146) monthly. Doctoral students are entitled to HUF 140,000 (around $467) for the first phase of education (4 semesters) and HUF 180,000 (around $600) for the second phase (4 semesters) each month.
2. Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
- Eligible Degree: All degree levels
The Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship is another program on the Hungarian government, available for students residing in a Hungarian Diaspora outside the European Union. The program aims to be a part of students’ professional and personal journey as they experience Hungary’s top-level education and rich culture. Chosen scholarship recipients will have the chance to study in one of 28 prestigious institutions in the country, and will be able to choose from 1,300 non-degree and full degree programs that suit their interest. Those who are 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 the payment of tuition and are qualified for health care services and medical insurance amounting to HUF 100,000 (approximately $334). A monthly stipend and accommodation contribution are also provided upon request, but the approval is dependent on the student’s academic standing and financial situation.
3. Bilateral State Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
- Eligible Degree: All degree levels
Bilateral State Scholarships are an agreement between two partnering countries that will be providing 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, this is 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 opens this opportunity to researchers or lecturers in higher education institutions or in scientific or art institutions. The scholarship type also varies, from the partial degree, full degree, short or long-term study visits, and summer courses.
Accepted scholars will be able to study their chosen course in Hungary, free of tuition. They will also receive an additional allowance that they may use for their living expenses, with the amount dependent on the type of scholarship they are under. 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+
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s program in support of education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. This scholarship in Hungary is open to all students in 28 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.
For bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral grantees, the courses they will be taking in Hungary must be part of their sending institution’s curriculum so as to credit their taken subjects when they go back. The study period lasts for a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year. Erasmus+ covers the scholar’s tuition for their entire studies in the country.
5. Visegrad Scholarship Program
The Visegrad Fund is an international donor organization established in 2000 by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Their 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 nations’ advancement. One of their programs, the Visegrad Scholarship Program, supports bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral students, and researchers in their studies in one of more than 190 partner institutions.
Undergraduate and master’s students are supported for one to four semesters with this Hungary scholarship, while post-doctoral scholars will receive the grant for up to two semesters. The total scholarship amount is €4,000 or roughly $4,800 for each semester of study.
6. SZTE Start Scholarship at the University of Szeged
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €500
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters
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 has been 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 with thousands of books on various subjects related to academic studies at this institution.
Today, the school offers more than 100 master’s and 50 doctoral 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.
To apply for this scholarship in Hungary, you must submit the application form through a platform called DreamApply. You would also need to upload a one-page long CV, and a one-page long reference letter explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship.
7. University of Debrecen International Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: discount of 30% – 90% of the first year tuition fee
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters
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 college offers master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and doctorates in various fields, including science, social sciences, humanities, arts, and education.
The university has over 30,000 students from all over the world, with over 2,000 international students from more than 50 countries studying there each year. It also has an extensive research program with over 1 million euros per year allocated to funding projects by its faculty members.
To apply for this scholarship, you must fill out and save all the required information in the online application form. You must also upload a motivation letter and two recommendation letters. Next, you need to submit your academic transcripts, copy of identification document, medical certificate, and bank receipt of the application fee.
8. METU Academic Scholarship at Budapest Metropolitan University
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: 33% of the tuition fee
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters
Budapest Metropolitan University is a public university in Budapest, Hungary. It was established in 1990 with the merger of several independent colleges and institutes. It offers courses in many fields of study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The college has more than 28,000 students and about 1,400 professors. The university has several campuses across the country, 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. The university 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 need to be submitted to apply.
9. CEEPUS Freemover Mobility Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €425
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters
The CEEPUS scholarship is offered by the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) to students who wish to study in CEEPUS member countries for a short time. You can apply for this scholarship program if you are from one of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, or Slovenia.
This Hungary scholarship program aims to encourage cultural and scientific exchange between countries while improving the quality of higher education. CEEPUS grants €425 to chosen scholars to cover various study expenses.
To apply for this scholarship, students must first secure admission to any of the Hungary host universities. A list of these host universities is available on the scholarship website linked above. One Letter of Admission and two Letters of Recommendation should be submitted online along with the application form to the central CEEPUS website. Even though the application is fully digital, all documents must still be signed and stamped, otherwise, the application will be invalid. There is one application deadline each year, so make sure to check on that and plan your submission accordingly.
10. EEA Grants Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Monthly stipend of €400 per month, Travel expenses
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD
The EEA Grants Scholarship provides funding to cover the study and living expenses of students who wish to spend a short time in Hungary, particularly for their studies. This scholarship is open to students from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The goal of this program is to help students acquire new skills and experiences by spending some time in a different institution with a different culture.
Interested applicants must complete at least two semesters in their home country in order to be eligible. Students from the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs are welcome to apply. While the travel coverage is one-time, the monthly award is given for every month of a scholar’s study period in Hungary, which can last from three to twelve months. Summer school participation can also be allowed but with a maximum stay of only 30 days.
Application for this scholarship must be done at the students’ home institution. It’s best to check with the International Office at your university for details on the application process. Students may also be required to undergo intensive preparatory classes before going to Hungary.
We hope that this article on top scholarships in Hungary was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
