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Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme

Overview​

  • Provider: Hungarian Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; administered by the Tempus Public Foundation
  • Type: Government-funded scholarship (bilateral agreement-based)
  • Founded: 2013, as part of Hungary's "Eastern and Southern Opening" policy
  • Description: The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme provides fully funded opportunities for Lebanese students to pursue Bachelor's, Master's, One-Tier Master's, Doctoral, or non-degree studies at Hungarian universities. The programme aims to increase the number of international students in Hungary and strengthen academic ties between Hungary and over 100 partner countries. Around 900 study programmes are offered, primarily in English, across 30+ Hungarian higher education institutions. Lebanese applicants must be nominated by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) — direct applications are not accepted.
  • Official links:

References: Stipendium Hungaricum — About | Stipendium Hungaricum — Partners

Grade & background requirements​

  • Nationality: Lebanese citizen.
  • Academic level:
    • Bachelor's / One-Tier Master's: At least 12 years of completed education and a secondary school diploma (Baccalaureate)
    • Master's: A completed Bachelor's degree
    • Doctoral (PhD): A completed Master's degree
  • GPA: No fixed minimum GPA is published. The programme requires "excellent school achievements" and "good academic standing." Competitive applicants typically have strong grades.
  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old by 31 August of the academic year start. No upper age limit set by the central programme.
  • English proficiency: Most programmes are taught in English. Applicants must provide an official language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) meeting the minimum set by the chosen programme — generally at least B2 level. Alternatively, proof that previous studies were conducted fully in English is accepted.
  • Hungarian language: All scholarship holders must complete a mandatory "Hungarian as a Foreign Language" course in their first year. For programmes taught in Hungarian, a one-year preparatory language course is included.
  • Nomination: Lebanese applicants must be nominated by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). Direct applications without MEHE nomination are not accepted.
  • Other:
    • Applicants may select up to 2 study programme choices

References: Call for Applications 2026/2027 | Stipendium Hungaricum — About

Application window​

The most recent cycle was for 2026/2027 (deadline passed). The next cycle (2027/2028) is expected to follow the same timeline:

StageTypical dateReference
Call for applications publishedOctoberStipendium Hungaricum — Apply
Application system opensMid-NovemberApplication Portal
Application deadline15 January, 14:00 CETCall for Applications 2026/2027
MEHE nomination lists submittedEnd of FebruaryStipendium Hungaricum — Timeline
University entrance exams / interviewsMarch – MayStipendium Hungaricum — Timeline
Results and award lettersJune – JulyStipendium Hungaricum — Timeline
Arrival and enrollmentBy 30 SeptemberStipendium Hungaricum — Timeline

Required documents:

  • Online application via apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
  • Motivation letter (minimum 1 page)
  • Academic transcripts with certified English translations
  • Diploma / certificate copies with translations
  • Language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
  • Valid passport copy

References: Application Timeline | Call for Applications 2026/2027

Supported universities​

Over 30 Hungarian higher education institutions participate, offering approximately 900 programmes primarily in English. The full, up-to-date list is at apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/institutions.

Notable participating universities include:

  • Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
  • Corvinus University of Budapest
  • Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
  • Semmelweis University (medicine)
  • University of Debrecen
  • University of Pécs
  • University of Szeged
  • Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)
  • Óbuda University
  • Pázmány Péter Catholic University
  • Széchenyi István University
  • University of Miskolc
  • Budapest Metropolitan University
  • Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music

Eligible fields: All fields of study are open to Lebanese applicants, including engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, arts, agriculture, and more.

References: Stipendium Hungaricum — Institutions | Stipendium Hungaricum — Study Finder

Benefits​

The scholarship covers the full duration of the programme, 12 months per year:

BenefitCoverageReference
Tuition100% waiver — full exemption from tuition feesStipendium Hungaricum — About
Monthly stipend (Bachelor's / Master's / One-Tier)HUF 43,700/month (~EUR 110)Stipendium Hungaricum — About
Monthly stipend (Doctoral — Phase 1, semesters 1-4)HUF 140,000/month (~EUR 355)Stipendium Hungaricum — About
Monthly stipend (Doctoral — Phase 2, semesters 5-8)HUF 180,000/month (~EUR 460)Stipendium Hungaricum — About
AccommodationFree dormitory placement, or HUF 40,000/month (~EUR 100) housing contributionUniversity of Pécs — SH
Health insuranceHungarian public healthcare + supplementary private insurance up to HUF 65,000/yearStipendium Hungaricum — About
Visa feeExemption from student visa application feesStipendium Hungaricum — About
Language courseMandatory "Hungarian as a Foreign Language" course includedStipendium Hungaricum — About

Note: The stipend is officially described as "a contribution to living expenses" and does not fully cover all costs of living in Hungary, especially in Budapest. Students should expect to supplement with personal funds. Travel costs to/from Hungary are not covered by the programme — check with MEHE whether the sending partner provides travel support.

References: Stipendium Hungaricum — About | Semmelweis University — SH

Contacts of recipients​

NameYearUniversityContact
Abdelhamid Khaled2022ELTE+36208088466

Official programme contacts: