Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026-27: Study in Hungary
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Hungarian Government, has announced the call for applications for the highly prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme 2026-27. This fully-funded bilateral opportunity enables outstanding Pakistani students to pursue undergraduate (Bachelor's), One-Tier Master's, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD) degrees at top-ranked Hungarian universities.
| Key Parameter | Program Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Hungary |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, One-Tier Master's, Master's, PhD |
| Funding Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Accommodation, Health Insurance) |
| Nomination Body | Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan |
| Aptitude Test | HEC USAT / HAT Required |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
Comprehensive Funding and Benefits
The Stipendium Hungaricum is recognized as one of Europe's most comprehensive scholarship programs. It is explicitly designed to ease the financial burden of international students, offering the following guaranteed provisions:
- Full Tuition Fee Exemption: Zero tuition fees for the entire duration of the selected academic program.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular monthly living allowance (approx. HUF 43,700 for BA/BSc/MA/MSc and significantly higher for PhD students) to assist with living expenses in Hungary until the completion of studies.
- Accommodation Contribution: Free dormitory accommodation or a substantial monthly contribution toward private housing costs.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health care services under the relevant Hungarian legislation, along with supplementary medical insurance for up to HUF 65,000 a year/person.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Due to the highly competitive nature of the scholarship, candidates must meticulously follow both Hungarian and Pakistani (HEC) guidelines to secure a nomination.
- Academic Consistency: Applicants must have a strong academic background correlating directly with the degree they intend to pursue in Hungary. Age restrictions apply for undergraduate programs.
- HEC Aptitude Test: As an obligatory filtering mechanism, all Pakistani candidates must appear in and pass the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT for Master's/PhD or USAT for Bachelor's). Valid scores are strictly required for the final merit list.
- Dual Portal Application: It is mandatory for candidates to apply through two distinct digital portals. First, the official Hungarian Tempus Public Foundation portal. Second, the HEC Pakistan e-portal. Incomplete applications on either portal lead to immediate rejection.
Candidates are encouraged to begin the application procedure immediately to allow ample time for document preparation, especially securing medical certificates and academic recommendations. Visit the official HEC portal or the Tempus Public Foundation website for an exhaustive list of available universities and study programs for the 2026-27 intake.
Source: Higher Education Commission