Stipendium Hungaricum is a fully funded scholarship from the Hungarian government for international students — including Pakistanis. Here is what it covers, what you need, and how to apply through HEC.
What the scholarship covers
- Tuition fee: fully covered by the Hungarian government
- Accommodation: university dormitory or a monthly housing allowance
- Monthly stipend: a living allowance from the Hungarian government
- Health insurance: basic medical coverage in Hungary
You are responsible for your own flight to Hungary and personal expenses beyond the stipend. The stipend covers basic living costs but not extra travel or luxury spending.
Program levels available
- Bachelor's degree (3 to 4 years)
- Master's degree (1 to 2 years)
- PhD (3 to 4 years)
- Non-degree research (semester-based, for researchers)
Programs are available in English across most fields: engineering, IT, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, business and arts. You can search available programs by field and language on the Stipendium Hungaricum website.
How Pakistani students apply
Pakistani students apply in two places. Both must be completed before the deadline:
- Stipendium Hungaricum portal (stipendiumhungaricum.hu): Create an account, fill the application form, select your programs, and upload your documents.
- HEC portal (scholarship.hec.gov.pk): Submit your nomination through HEC under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme. HEC is the official nominating body for Pakistan.
Each year, HEC opens a separate announcement for Stipendium Hungaricum with the specific deadline and requirements. Watch hec.gov.pk → HEC Announcements → Scholarships for the 2027 batch announcement, expected around November–December 2026.
Documents usually required
- Academic transcripts (all degree levels)
- Degree certificates or provisional certificates
- CNIC and passport (valid passport required for travel)
- English proficiency certificate or MOI letter (Medium of Instruction)
- Motivation letter (similar to a statement of purpose)
- 2 reference letters
- Research proposal (for PhD and research programs)
- USAT or HAT result (if required by HEC for the current year — check the announcement)
Documents must usually be attested. The HEC announcement will specify attestation requirements.
English proficiency and MOI
Many students ask about English proficiency. If your degree was in English, you can get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university. This letter confirms that your degree was taught in English. Most Pakistani universities provide this on request. It is usually accepted in place of IELTS or TOEFL for this scholarship.
Key tips
- Apply to at least 2 programs and universities on the Stipendium portal. More applications mean more chances.
- Write a specific motivation letter. Mention Hungary and why you chose that university and field. Generic letters get ignored.
- Get your documents ready early — transcripts, degree, MOI letter and references take time to arrange.
- HEC deadlines are fixed and not extended. Do not wait until the last day.
Other HEC overseas scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum is one of many overseas scholarship programmes HEC manages. See our full list of HEC overseas scholarship programmes and our guide on HEC scholarships that need HAT or USAT.
Common questions
What is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?
Stipendium Hungaricum is a scholarship offered by the Hungarian government for international students to study at Hungarian universities. It covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend and health insurance.
Does Stipendium Hungaricum require a USAT or HAT score?
HEC Pakistan uses USAT and HAT scores as part of its nomination process for some scholarship programmes. Check the current HEC announcement for Stipendium Hungaricum to see which test score is required for Pakistani applicants.
How do Pakistani students apply for Stipendium Hungaricum?
Pakistani students apply in two steps: first through the Stipendium Hungaricum online portal, then through HEC Pakistan. Both must be completed before the deadline. HEC handles the Pakistani nominations.
What programs are available under Stipendium Hungaricum?
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD and non-degree (research) programs at Hungarian universities. The list of available programs is on the Stipendium Hungaricum website.
What is the language of instruction in Hungarian universities?
Many programs are offered in English. Some programs are in Hungarian. Check the specific program's language on the Stipendium Hungaricum program search.