The Stipendium Hungaricum, which is the official name for the Hungarian Government Scholarship, is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in Europe. It lets international students, like Nigerians and other Africans, study in Hungary with full financial help.
This program is one of the best chances for 2026 if you want a scholarship that pays for your tuition, living expenses, housing, and more.
This full guide covers everything, from who can apply and the benefits to the steps to take and the best ways to win.
What is the scholarship from the government of Hungary?
The Hungarian government set up the Stipendium Hungaricum, a fully funded scholarship programme for international students at all levels of study.
It is:
- Students from more than 70 countries around the world can apply.
- Available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
- Available in English and other languages
- Held at the best universities in Hungary
The goal of the program is to improve international cooperation in education and give students from around the world access to quality European education.
Levels of Study Covered
You can ask for:
- A bachelor’s degree (2–4 years)
- Master’s degree (1.5 to 2 years)
- One-tier master’s degree (5–6 years, like Medicine or Law)
- Four years of PhD study
- Programmes that don’t lead to a degree and those that let you study abroad
This award is one of the few scholarships that covers all levels of education.
Advantages of the Hungarian Government Scholarship
This program is a fully funded scholarship, which means it will pay for most of your big costs.
What the Scholarship Pays For
- Full tuition fee (100% free school)
- Monthly allowance for living costs
- Free housing or a housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Student benefits (ID, academic help)
Breakdown of Monthly Stipend
- For a bachelor’s or master’s degree, about HUF 43,700 a month
- PhD: HUF 140,000–180,000 per month, depending on the stage of study
Help with housing
- Free dormitory at university OR
- Housing contribution of about HUF 40,000 per month
Please note that this stipend is a contribution and does not cover all of your living expenses.
Different Areas of Study
The scholarship covers hundreds of programmes in a wide range of fields:
- Technology and Engineering
- Health Sciences and Medicine
- Farming
- Economics and Business
- The Social Sciences
- Science of Nature
- Humanities and Arts
Hungary’s universities offer more than 500 programmes.
Requirements for Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements to qualify:
Basic Requirements
- Must not be a citizen of Hungary
- You have to be at least 18 years old.
- Must apply through a sending country authority (nominating system)
Requirements for School
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma
- Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree: PhD
Extra Requirements
- Good grades in school
- English language skills (MOI or test, depending on the programme)
- Letter of motivation
- Health and fitness
What documents do you need?
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- Degrees, certificates (WAEC, etc.)
- Resume or CV
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of your passport
- Certificate of health
- Proof that you know English
Please ensure that all documents are scanned correctly and translated if necessary.
Deadline to Apply for 2026 Due date: January 15, 2026
- Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Start date: September 2026
Usually, applications open in November.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: See if you can do it in your country
You need to apply to a “sending partner,” which is usually a government agency or ministry in your country.
Step 2: Pick Your Programme
You can choose up to two study programs in Hungary.
Step 3: Fill out an online application
Use the official scholarship portal to send in your application.
Step 4: Apply by Sending Partner
You also need to send your application to the authority that your country has chosen.
Step 5: Wait for the Nomination
Your country will choose people to apply for the scholarship.
Step 6: Review by the University
Hungarian universities review your application.
Step 7: The Last Choice
People who do well are offered scholarships.
How hard is it to get the money?
Even though the Hungarian Government Scholarship is very competitive, it’s not impossible.
Every year:
- A lot of students apply
- We select thousands from across the globe.
- More than 4,500 scholarships have been given out in the last few years.
Your chances depend on:
- How well you do in school
- How good your motivation letter is
- How good your profile is
Advantages of Studying in Hungary
Costs of living are lower than in Western Europe. Hungary is still pretty cheap, even if you don’t get a full stipend.
You get a degree in Europe that is accepted all over the world.
Classes taught in English A lot of classes are taught in English.
Opportunities to travel You can travel to other European countries.
Hungary is known for being a friendly place for students.
Things You Should Know About Problems
Costs of living that are different The stipend might not cover all of your expenses.
Picking the best one You need to send in good applications.
Need for a nomination You have to go through the selection process in your country.
How to Apply for the Hungarian Government Scholarship
1. Write a letter that shows how motivated you are.
This is a very important part of your application.
Please tell me why:
- Your goals
- Why Hungary?
- How the scholarship will help you later in life
2. Choose the Right Classes
How to use:
- Programmes with less competition
- Classes that are right for your background
3. Apply Early
Don’t put it off until the last minute.
4. Get ready for the interview if you need to.
Some programmes might have interviews.
5. Fulfil all the requirements
Applications that aren’t complete are automatically turned down.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Not making the deadline
- Not applying through the partner in your country that sent it
- Sending in papers that aren’t finished
- Making a bad letter of motivation
- Choosing classes that don’t matter
Final Thoughts
The Hungary Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum) is one of the best fully funded scholarships in Europe for 2026.
It gives:
- School is free.
- Payment every month
- Help with finding a place to live
- Health insurance
Most importantly, it gives students from Africa and other developing countries a real chance to study in Europe for free.