The Government of Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships is a fully funded program designed to support international students in pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies at top Hungarian universities. This initiative is based on bilateral agreements between Hungary and partner countries, offering financial aid to talented students worldwide.
If you’re looking to study in Hungary with full or partial funding, this scholarship could be your gateway to high-quality education and cultural exchange in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries.
Why Choose the Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships?
The Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships are among the most prestigious government-funded programs, providing a unique opportunity to access world-class education. Some key benefits include:
1. Fully or Partially Funded Education
- Tuition-Free Education: The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees, depending on the agreement with the applicant’s home country.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial support to help cover living expenses.
- Undergraduates & Master’s Students: Approx. HUF 43,700 (EUR 110) per month.
- Doctoral Students: Approx. HUF 140,000 (EUR 350) per month.
- Accommodation Support: Either free dormitory housing or a monthly housing allowance of HUF 40,000 (EUR 100).
- Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance as per Hungarian regulations.
2. Wide Range of Study Programs
Students can choose from hundreds of academic programs across various fields, including engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, and humanities.
3. International Recognition
Hungarian universities rank among the top European institutions, making their degrees highly valued worldwide.
4. Cultural and Academic Exchange
The scholarship fosters international cooperation, allowing students to build networks with peers from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria for the Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships
To qualify for the Government of Hungary Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a partner country with a bilateral agreement with Hungary.
- Educational Background:
- For Bachelor’s programs: Must have completed secondary school.
- For Master’s programs: Must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree.
- For PhD programs: Must hold a relevant master’s degree.
- Language Proficiency:
- Programs are available in English and Hungarian.
- Applicants may need to provide IELTS/TOEFL scores for English-taught programs.
- Age Requirements: Typically, applicants must be under 30 years old for undergraduate programs, while no strict age limit applies to master’s or PhD programs.
Each partner country may have specific eligibility requirements, so applicants should check with their respective national authorities for further details.
Available Programs Under the Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships
The Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships support students across various academic disciplines, including:
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Programs
- Business and Economics
- Engineering and Technology
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
2. Graduate (Master’s) Programs
- International Relations and Political Science
- Computer Science and IT
- Environmental Science
- Law and Public Administration
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)
3. Doctoral (PhD) Programs
- Research-based doctoral programs in all major disciplines are available at Hungary’s leading universities.
Many Hungarian universities offer courses in English, but some may require students to complete preparatory courses if applying for Hungarian-taught programs.
Application Process and Deadline
The application process for the 2025 Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships follows these key steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Partner Country Requirements
- Verify if your country has a bilateral agreement with Hungary.
- Contact your country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority to check additional requirements.
Step 2: Select Your Program and University
- Visit the Tempus Public Foundation website (https://tka.hu/) for an updated list of universities and programs.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Completed Application Form (submitted online via the Tempus Public Foundation platform).
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas (translated into English or Hungarian).
- Motivation Letter explaining why you want to study in Hungary.
- Language Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or Hungarian language certificate if applicable).
- Recommendation Letters from professors or employers (for master’s and doctoral applicants).
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants).
- Medical Certificate confirming good health status.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
- Applications are submitted through the Tempus Public Foundation portal or through the applicant’s national authority.
Application Deadline
The deadline for 2025 applications is February 20, 2025.
Step 5: Wait for Selection Results
- The initial selection is done by the applicant’s home country.
- Final decisions are made by Hungarian authorities and the host universities.
- Results are typically announced by June 2025.
Hungary’s Education System and Top Universities
Hungary is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The country’s education system is recognized for its high academic standards and research opportunities.
Top Universities in Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) – Best for humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- University of Debrecen – Popular for medical and health sciences.
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) – Leading in engineering and technology.
- Semmelweis University – Top choice for medical students.
- University of Szeged – Known for research excellence.
Hungarian universities have strong global partnerships, making them ideal for international students looking for quality education and postgraduate research opportunities.
Life in Hungary for International Students
Hungary offers an affordable and high-quality lifestyle for students, with several benefits:
- Low Cost of Living: Compared to other European countries, Hungary is more affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from EUR 500-800.
- Student-Friendly Cities: Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen are known for their vibrant student communities.
- Rich Culture & History: Students can explore Hungary’s castles, museums, and famous thermal baths.
- Job Opportunities: International students can work part-time while studying and apply for post-graduation work permits.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Submit your application before the deadline (February 20, 2025) to avoid last-minute issues.
- Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly explain why you want to study in Hungary and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Letters from professors or employers add credibility to your application.
- Prepare for an Interview (If Required): Some applicants may need to complete an online interview as part of the selection process.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hungary Bilateral State Scholarships is a fantastic opportunity for international students to study in Hungary for free. With fully funded tuition, a monthly stipend, and top-ranked universities, this scholarship can help students achieve their academic and professional dreams in one of Europe’s most dynamic education systems.
If you’re ready to start your journey to study in Hungary, begin your application today!
For more details, visit the Tempus Public Foundation website.