Life in Hungary

During Your Scholarship: Rules & Requirements

Winning the scholarship is just the beginning. Keeping it means meeting academic standards, attending classes and following specific rules. Violations can lead to a stipend reduction or complete termination.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 2 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

Academic Requirements

Credit requirements

At least 18 credits per semester on average over your last two non-suspended semesters (36 credits in total). Aim for the usual 30 a semester.
Falling below this is grounds for termination: the rules tell your university to end the scholarship and inform Tempus. Don’t count on a warning first. The rule doesn’t apply to doctoral, preparatory or foundation courses.
PhD students: progress is evaluated by the doctoral school, including the complex exam after the first four semesters, which you must pass to continue to the second phase.
BA/MA scholars must complete the Hungarian language course.

Warning signs to watch

Failing several subjects in one semester.
A two-semester credit total heading below 36.
Not enrolling for required courses.
Falling behind on the mandatory Hungarian course.

Absence Rules

Private stays abroad over 10 working days

The rules count time spent outside Hungary. A continuous private stay abroad should not exceed 10 working days per semester. Anything longer, up to 30 days in a semester, needs your host university’s permission. Your stipend continues.

Private stays abroad over 30 days

These are allowed only with university approval and only for childbirth, an accident, illness or another unexpected reason beyond your control. Your student status is then suspended, and the stipend and housing allowance stop from the following month. Not living habitually in Hungary is a ground for termination.

Leaving Hungary during the semester

Short trips are fine within the limits above. Study-related trips (conferences, internships) of up to 30 days need university approval and keep your stipend; longer study stays abroad are allowed once a semester but without the stipend for that period.

Part-Time Work Rules

SH scholars are permitted to work part-time under these conditions:

Allowed

Up to 30 hours/week during the semester. Full-time for up to 90 days a year outside term. University research/teaching assistant positions. No separate work permit needed (your residence permit covers it).

Not allowed

Exceeding 30 hours/week during the semester. Work that conflicts with class attendance. Using work as an excuse for poor academic performance.

Scholarship Termination Risks

Your scholarship can be terminated for any of these reasons:

Missing the 18-credit average over your last two semesters.
Not living habitually in Hungary (breaking the stay-abroad rules).
Expulsion after disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
Providing false information in your application.
Not completing the mandatory Hungarian language course (leads to a stipend reduction or loss first).
Skipping the compulsory medical screenings, or being found unfit at the medical examination.
Dropping out without formal notification.