stipendium hungaricum scholarship programme
the stipendium hungaricum scholarship represents the hungarian government’s flagship initiative to internationalize higher education. launched to strengthen bilateral educational cooperation, this programme connects hungary with countries across africa, asia, europe, latin america, and the middle east.
the programme’s mission focuses on creating opportunities for talented international students while building long-term academic and cultural partnerships. it aims to establish hungary as a central hub for international education in central europe.
since its establishment, the stipendium hungaricum scholarship has supported thousands of students from over 70 countries. the programme continues to expand annually, increasing both the number of scholarships and participating institutions.
this hungary government scholarship operates through bilateral agreements between hungary and partner countries. each participating nation receives allocated quotas based on existing educational cooperation agreements.
role of the hungarian government
the hungarian government fully finances the stipendium hungaricum programme through the tempus public foundation. this governmental body manages the entire scholarship process from application review to fund distribution.
the government allocates substantial resources annually to ensure scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support. this commitment demonstrates hungary’s investment in international education and cultural diplomacy.
funding covers not only tuition fees but also living expenses, accommodation, and health insurance for all scholarship holders. the government ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing quality education.
the tempus public foundation works closely with hungarian universities and foreign partner institutions to maintain programme quality and student satisfaction throughout the scholarship period.
why choose university of pecs
the university of pecs holds the distinction of being one of hungary’s oldest universities, with a history dating back to 1367. it ranks consistently among the top institutions in central europe and maintains strong international recognition.
the university operates ten faculties covering medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, law, business and economics, humanities, sciences, engineering, music and visual arts, and education. this diversity allows students to choose from hundreds of degree programmes across different fields.
with over 20,000 students from more than 100 countries, the university of pecs provides a truly international learning environment. english-taught programmes eliminate language barriers while optional hungarian courses help students integrate into local culture.
the city of pecs offers students a comfortable lifestyle with affordable living costs, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural activities. located in southern hungary, the city combines historical charm with modern amenities and excellent public transportation.
the university of pecs scholarship for international students includes access to modern laboratories, research centers, libraries, sports facilities, and student support services. faculty members bring both academic expertise and international experience to their teaching.
scholarship overview
host country: hungary
host university: university of pecs
degree levels offered: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree (phd)
scholarship type: fully funded
funding source: hungarian government through stipendium hungaricum programme
programme language: english and hungarian
scholarship duration
the fully funded university of pecs hungary scholarships 2026 covers the complete standard duration for each academic level.
bachelor’s degree programmes: the scholarship provides funding for 6 to 8 semesters depending on programme requirements. most bachelor’s degrees at the university of pecs follow a 6-semester or 7-semester structure. engineering and certain science programmes may require 8 semesters.
master’s degree programmes: students receive scholarship support for 3 to 4 semesters based on their chosen discipline. the majority of master’s programmes require 4 semesters of full-time study to complete all coursework and thesis requirements.
doctoral degree programmes: phd candidates benefit from scholarship funding for 8 semesters. this duration aligns with the typical timeframe needed to conduct research, complete coursework, and defend a doctoral dissertation.
preparatory semester: all scholarship recipients can access one additional preparatory semester before starting their main programme. this semester focuses on intensive language training in either hungarian or english, helping students meet language requirements and adapt to the academic environment.
scholarship benefits
the stipendium hungaricum scholarship at the university of pecs provides comprehensive financial support covering all essential student needs:
- full tuition fee waiver for the entire programme duration at the university of pecs
- monthly living stipend of 43,700 huf (approximately 110 eur) for bachelor’s degree students
- monthly living stipend of 43,700 huf (approximately 110 eur) for master’s degree students
- monthly living stipend of 140,000 huf (approximately 350 eur) for doctoral degree students
- accommodation contribution of 40,000 huf per month or free university dormitory placement
- comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the scholarship period
- financial support during the preparatory semester for language training
- access to student discounts on public transportation, cultural events, and services
these benefits ensure students can maintain a comfortable standard of living in pecs without financial pressure. the monthly stipends adequately cover food, local transportation, study materials, and personal expenses.
eligibility criteria
candidates applying for the university of pecs scholarship for international students must meet the following requirements:
- applicants must be citizens of countries participating in the stipendium hungaricum programme
- candidates cannot hold hungarian citizenship or dual citizenship including hungary
- bachelor’s applicants must have completed secondary education and hold a valid high school diploma
- master’s applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution
- doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree with strong academic performance
- all applicants must meet the specific language proficiency requirements of their chosen programme
- candidates must obtain nomination from their country’s official sending partner or nominating authority
- applicants must be in good health and provide a valid medical certificate
- students cannot hold another hungarian state scholarship concurrently with stipendium hungaricum
- candidates must meet any age limitations specified by their home country’s bilateral agreement
- applicants must demonstrate academic merit through transcripts and academic records
each participating country may have additional specific requirements or quotas. candidates should verify details through their national nominating authority before applying.
how to apply
follow these detailed steps to submit your application for the fully funded university of pecs hungary scholarships 2026:
- check eligibility: verify that your country participates in the stipendium hungaricum programme and confirm you meet all basic eligibility requirements.
- identify sending partner: contact your country’s official sending partner or nominating authority to understand national requirements and nomination procedures.
- register online: visit the official stipendium hungaricum scholarship application portal and create an account using a valid email address.
- choose programmes: select the university of pecs as your host institution and choose up to two degree programmes in order of preference from available options.
- complete application form: fill out all sections of the online application form accurately, including personal information, educational background, language skills, and contact details.
- prepare documents: gather all required documents in digital format, ensuring they meet specified format and size requirements (typically pdf files).
- upload documents: upload each required document to the appropriate section of the online application portal.
- obtain nomination: secure official nomination from your country’s sending partner, as this is mandatory for application completion.
- review application: carefully review all information and documents before final submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- submit application: submit your completed application through the online portal before the january 15, 2026 deadline.
- track status: monitor your application status regularly through the online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
successful applicants will receive official notification via email and through the application portal between april and june 2026.
required documents
prepare the following documents before starting your application to study in hungary on scholarship:
- completed online application form with all mandatory fields filled accurately
- valid passport copy showing personal information page and expiration date (must be valid for at least one year)
- high school diploma and complete transcripts for bachelor’s degree applicants
- bachelor’s degree certificate and full academic transcripts for master’s degree applicants
- master’s degree certificate and complete transcripts for doctoral degree applicants
- medical certificate confirming good health status, issued within six months of application
- proof of language proficiency (ielts, toefl, or equivalent certificate) if required by the chosen programme
- motivation letter explaining academic goals, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing hungary and the university of pecs (maximum 2 pages)
- detailed curriculum vitae outlining educational background, work experience, achievements, and skills
- two signed letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional supervisors
- research proposal for doctoral programme applicants (including research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes)
- recent passport-size photographs meeting official specification requirements
- copy of nomination letter from your country’s official sending partner
all documents must be submitted in english or hungarian language. documents in other languages require certified translations attached to the original document copies.
application deadline
the official application deadline for the stipendium hungaricum scholarship is january 15, 2026. all applications must be submitted through the online portal before 11:59 pm central european time on this date.
the system will not accept applications submitted after the deadline under any circumstances. technical issues or incomplete nominations do not qualify as valid reasons for deadline extensions.
candidates should begin their applications at least one month before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document collection, translation, and nomination procedures. early submission is strongly recommended.
the selection process begins immediately after the deadline closes. results are typically announced between april and june 2026, with successful candidates receiving detailed information about next steps and programme enrollment.
frequently asked questions
can i apply if my country is not listed as a partner country?
unfortunately, only citizens of countries with bilateral agreements under the stipendium hungaricum programme can apply. check the official programme website for the current list of participating countries and contact your local hungarian embassy for information about future participation.
do i need to know hungarian language to apply?
no, hungarian language knowledge is not required for application. the university of pecs offers numerous programmes in english. if you choose a hungarian-taught programme, you will receive one preparatory semester of intensive hungarian language training before starting your main studies.
can i work part-time while studying on this scholarship?
yes, international students in hungary can work up to 24 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official university breaks. however, the scholarship stipend is designed to cover your living expenses, so employment is optional rather than necessary.
is the scholarship renewable each year?
the scholarship covers the entire standard duration of your programme, not requiring annual renewal. however, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with university regulations to continue receiving scholarship benefits throughout your studies.
what happens if i do not receive nomination from my sending partner?
nomination from your country’s official sending partner is mandatory for stipendium hungaricum applications. without nomination, your application cannot be processed. contact your sending partner early in the application process to understand their selection criteria and deadlines.
the fully funded university of pecs hungary scholarships 2026 represent an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue quality european education without financial burden. the comprehensive scholarship coverage, experienced faculty, and international student community make this programme highly competitive and valuable.
the stipendium hungaricum scholarship eliminates financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing higher education abroad. with full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and accommodation support, students can concentrate fully on academic achievement and personal development.
candidates interested in this hungary government scholarship should begin their application preparation immediately. gathering required documents, securing nomination, and completing the online application require adequate time and attention to detail.
the january 15, 2026 deadline approaches quickly, and early submission increases your chances of success. do not delay your application process, as last-minute submissions often encounter technical difficulties or incomplete documentation issues.
take advantage of this opportunity to study at the university of pecs and experience hungarian culture while building your academic credentials. start your application today and take the first step toward your international education journey.
