As you may know, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme was launched in 2013 by the Hungarian Government and aims to support international students to pursue studies in Hungarian higher education institutions. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity to develop academically and professionally, build your network in Europe, and experience Hungarian tradition and creativity. The programme is based on bilateral educational cooperation agreements detailing the eligible fields, levels and types of study.

How many Hungarian universities participate in the scholarship programme?

In the 2023/2024 academic year, altogether 28 Hungarian higher education institutions offered academic programmes for scholarship holders including top universities such as Semmelweis University,  Eötvös Loránd University, or the University of Debrecen.

How many programme countries and territories were engaged?

As mentioned before, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is based on bilateral educational agreements between Hungary and the governments of the sending partners. In 2023/2024, the scholarship was available on five continents in more than 90 sending countries and territories. Since last year, 4 new sending partners have joined the programme: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Peru and SEGIB (eligible member states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela).

What were the most popular fields of study?

During the 2023/2024 academic year, you could choose from more than 600 full degree programmes, covering all higher education fields at all degree levels, including part-time and doctoral programmes. The degree programmes are conducted primarily in English, but some of them are also available in other languages. Most students were interested in fields such as Computer Science and Information Technology, Medical and Health Science or Economic Science while the top 5 most popular fields of study also contain Social Science and Engineering Science.

How many applications were submitted?

The Scholarship Programme is becoming increasingly popular every year which is especially noticeable from the number of applications. In 2023, more than 57 000 applications were submitted, a 60% increase compared to 2020/2021. From the record number of applicants, more than 98% applied for full degree programmes and most students apply from Asia and Africa.

Today, nearly 12 000 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders are currently studying in Hungary on different programmes and degree levels around the country. After they finish their studies, they will return to their home countries with marketable skills while they can build civil, political and economic relationships with their networking knowledge. Although they return to their home countries, we are proud that more than 93% of Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship holders would probably choose Hungary again, which is a true inspiration to further broaden the scope of the scholarship in the future.

Source: Times Higher Education: World University Rankings 2022