Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, funded by the Government of Hungary for 2026/2027, is now open to South African students who wish to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at public universities in Hungary.
Up to 100 scholarships are available for the 2026 academic year, and all eligible students are encouraged to apply. Most programmes are taught entirely in English, although some students may be required to complete a Hungarian language preparation course as part of their study pathway.
This scholarship gives students access to top-quality European education, international experience, and valuable academic exposure that contributes to South Africa’s development goals.
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HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT STIPENDIUM HUNGARICUM BURSARY APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be South African citizens in good health.
- Born after 31 August 2008.
- Must have a minimum average of 60% in their most recent qualification.
- Bachelor’s applicants: Minimum 60% in the NSC (Life Orientation excluded).
- Postgraduate applicants: Minimum 60% in their undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Must demonstrate:
- Interest in studying in Hungary.
- A commitment to contributing to South Africa’s development.
- Must meet the entry requirements of the selected Hungarian programme.
- Must be available to begin studies in September 2026.
- Must not already be studying in Hungary as a self-funded student below their current level of study.
- Successful candidates must undergo a medical examination and submit a medical certificate in Hungary.
Stipend / Bursary Amount and Benefits
The scholarship covers both academic and living support, shared between the Hungarian Government and the South African Government.
Hungarian Government Provides:
- Full tuition fees (no study fees payable).
- Monthly stipend for living costs.
- Accommodation support (on-campus or housing allowance).
- Medical insurance.
South African Government Provides:
- Return airfare to Hungary.
- Monthly stipend (additional to the Hungarian support).
- Once-off settlement allowance upon arrival.
- Annual study support allowance at the start of each academic year.
- Pre-departure orientation in Pretoria.
- SAQA qualification verification where required.
HOW TO APPLY FOR HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT STIPENDIUM HUNGARICUM BURSARY
- Apply online via the official Stipendium Hungaricum portal:
https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/ - Upload all required documents in PDF format (no photos allowed).
Required Documents
Bachelor’s Applicants:
- NSC certificate with Bachelor’s pass (or Matric equivalence certificate).
- Official academic transcripts.
- Two reference letters:
- One from a teacher.
- One from either a teacher or workplace supervisor.
- Proof of academic performance in relevant subjects (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering).
Master’s Applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (NQF Level 8 or equivalent).
- Academic transcripts.
- SAQA verification for international qualifications.
- Two reference letters.
Doctoral Applicants:
- Master’s degree certificate (NQF Level 9 or equivalent).
- Transcripts of all previous university studies.
- Research plan (minimum 2 pages).
- Letter of recommendation from an academic supervisor.
- Supervisor acceptance letter, if required by the doctoral school.
- Two additional academic reference letters.
Note for PhD Applicants:
Visit the Hungarian Doctoral Council website: https://www.doktori.hu/doktori-kepzes/temakiirasok/ to find available doctoral supervisors and research fields.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS
Applications open: 14 November 2025
Applications close: 15 January 2026
Only applicants who apply through the official portal and meet eligibility requirements will be considered for nomination by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Due to limited slots, the selection process is competitive. Successful candidates will be notified via email, sign a DHET contract, and attend a Pre-Departure Orientation in August 2026.
