Eligibility Requirements
Before you start your application, let's make sure you actually qualify. The eligibility criteria have several layers — your citizenship, sending partner status, degree level, and language proficiency all matter.
♥ Interactive Eligibility Checker
Answer these questions to check if you qualify for Stipendium Hungaricum.
Step 1: Citizenship
Are you a citizen of one of the 100+ Stipendium Hungaricum partner countries?
Partner countries include most of Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and some European nations. Check the full list below.
Step 2: Degree Level
What level of study are you applying for?
Step 3: Sending Partner
Does your country have an active sending partner (government ministry or agency) for Stipendium Hungaricum?
Your sending partner is usually the Ministry of Education or a national scholarship agency. See the sending partners page for details.
Step 4: Language Proficiency
Can you provide proof of English (or Hungarian) proficiency? This could be IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificate, or previous English-medium education.
You Likely Qualify!
Based on your answers, you appear to meet the basic eligibility criteria for Stipendium Hungaricum. Your next steps:
- 1. Contact your sending partner for country-specific requirements
- 2. Check available programmes on the DreamApply portal
- 3. Prepare your documents
- 4. Read the application guide
You May Not Qualify
Stipendium Hungaricum is only available to citizens of partner countries. Hungarian citizens and EU/EEA citizens studying in Hungary under other arrangements are not eligible.
Without an active sending partner, you cannot apply. Your country's government must have a bilateral agreement with Hungary. Check the sending partners page to verify.
Consider these alternative scholarships instead.
Partially Eligible
You meet citizenship and sending partner requirements, but you may need to obtain language proof before applying. Many programmes accept previous English-medium education as proof. Check specific programme requirements on DreamApply.
100+ Partner Countries
Stipendium Hungaricum has bilateral agreements with over 100 countries. Select a region to see the partner countries.
Asia & Pacific
Africa
Middle East
Americas
Europe & Central Asia
Note: EU/EEA citizens and Hungarian citizens are NOT eligible. This programme is specifically for non-EU/EEA partner countries plus select Balkan and Eastern European states.
The Age Limit Confusion
Here's what's confusing: Tempus Public Foundation (the Hungarian side) does NOT set a central age limit. However, many sending partners impose their own age restrictions.
Common Sending Partner Age Limits
- • Bachelor's: typically under 23-25
- • Master's: typically under 30-35
- • PhD: typically under 35-40
- • Some countries have no age limit at all
What To Do
- • Check your sending partner's specific requirements
- • Don't assume the Hungarian side has age limits
- • If your sending partner doesn't mention age, you're likely fine
- • PhD candidates have the most relaxed age policies
Degree Requirements Per Level
BA Bachelor's Applicants
- • Secondary school leaving certificate (high school diploma or equivalent)
- • Must be officially recognized for university admission in your home country
- • Some programmes require specific subjects (e.g., science programmes may need mathematics and physics)
- • English proficiency: usually B2 level (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL iBT 66-80)
MA Master's Applicants
- • Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant field
- • Degree must be recognized in your home country
- • Final-year students can apply with expected graduation proof
- • English proficiency: usually B2+ level (IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90)
PhD Doctoral Applicants
- • Master's degree (minimum 300 ECTS total or equivalent)
- • Research proposal required (typically 2-5 pages)
- • Many programmes require finding a supervisor beforehand
- • English proficiency: usually B2-C1 level (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+)
- • Publications and research experience are strong advantages
Language Requirements
Most programmes are taught in English, though some are available in Hungarian, German, or French. Language proficiency requirements vary by university and programme.
Accepted English Proficiency Proof
Standardized Tests
- • IELTS Academic: 5.5-6.5 (varies by programme)
- • TOEFL iBT: 66-90 (varies by programme)
- • Cambridge: B2 First (FCE) or higher
- • Duolingo English Test: accepted by some universities
Alternative Proof
- • Previous degree taught entirely in English
- • English as official language in your country
- • University-issued language certificate
- • Some universities conduct their own language assessment
Important: Language requirements differ between universities AND between your sending partner. Always check BOTH sides. Some sending partners require a higher IELTS score than the university itself does.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- ✗ Hungarian citizens — regardless of where they live
- ✗ EU/EEA citizens — with some exceptions for Balkan states that have bilateral agreements
- ✗ Current SH scholars applying for the same level — you cannot hold two SH scholarships simultaneously
- ✗ Students already enrolled at the chosen Hungarian university in the same programme
- ✗ Applicants without sending partner nomination — even if you apply on DreamApply, without your country's nomination you'll be rejected
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, here's where to go next: