Many HEC scholarships use your HAT or USAT score to pick students. The Commonwealth Scholarship needs HAT 60, the Stipendium Hungaricum needs 50% in HAT or USAT, and HEC Overseas Scholarships use your best HAT score. A good score opens fully funded study abroad.
Scholarships and the score you need
| Scholarship | Study | Test and score |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Scholarship (UK) | Master's, PhD | HAT, 60 out of 100 |
| Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | HAT or USAT, at least 50% |
| HEC Overseas Scholarships | MS, MPhil, PhD | HAT, best score is used |
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28
This is open right now. The last date is 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM, and the 25 October 2026 HAT is the last test that counts for this batch. You must apply on both the Commonwealth portal and the HEC portal. Full details are in our Commonwealth Scholarship post.
Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
HEC's page for this scholarship asks for at least 50% in HAT or USAT. It says HAT is valid for 2 years and USAT for 1 year. This is one of the few scholarships where a USAT score helps for a bachelor's degree abroad. The 2026-27 call has closed, so watch the HEC website for the next one.
HEC Overseas Scholarships
For HEC's overseas MS and PhD scholarships, HEC says the HAT score stays valid for 2 years and the best score will be considered. So taking the HAT again to improve your score can really help.
My advice
If you are thinking about any scholarship in the next 2 years, take the HAT now and aim for 60 or more. One good score covers admission and most scholarships at once. USAT students who dream of studying abroad should aim for well above 50% and keep the 1 year validity in mind.
Read the HAT passing marks guide and the USAT passing marks guide.
Common questions
Which scholarships need a USAT score?
HEC's Stipendium Hungaricum programme for Hungary asks for at least 50% in HAT or USAT, depending on your level.
What HAT score is needed for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
At least 60 out of 100 in HAT-I, II, III or IV.
How long is my HAT or USAT score valid for scholarships?
HEC says HAT is valid for 2 years and USAT for 1 year.
Can I apply for a scholarship before my HAT result comes?
For the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28, yes. HEC adds results from the 25 October 2026 HAT to your application by itself.