DHET Hungarian Government International Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum) 2026 Eligibility & How To Apply

You must act quickly once the Stipendium Hungaricum call for 2026 opens. 

This scholarship gives full funding for study in Hungary at public universities. 

It is highly competitive with limited slots (about 100 scholarships), so having your documents ready early will give you an advantage.

About the Programme

“Stipendium Hungaricum” is a joint initiative between the Hungarian Government and South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

It allows South African students to pursue full degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s, Doctoral) or shorter exchange/semester programmes at Hungarian public universities.

Fields of Study Funded

1. All fields are considered, but priority tends to go to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
2. For medical studies, only specific universities (e.g. University of Debrecen, University of Pécs) may be considered.
3. Doctoral applicants may apply in any field.

What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)

The Hungarian Government offers to cover:

• Tuition fees at the Hungarian institution.
• Monthly stipend.
• University accommodation or contribution toward housing.
• Medical insurance.

Additionally, subject to availability and DHET funding, South Africa may provide:

• Return airfare to Hungary.
• A once-off settlement allowance.
• Pre-departure orientation.
• SAQA verification of foreign qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria

You must fulfil all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be in good physical and mental health.
3. Have a strong academic record:
   • For Bachelor’s applicants: minimum 60-65% NSC average (excluding Life Orientation).
   • For Master’s / postgraduate: minimum 60% in prior degree work.
4. Be available to begin studies in Hungary in the relevant September intake.
5. Meet the entry criteria for the chosen programme in Hungary.

Required Documents

You must prepare to submit all of the following alongside your application:

1. Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor-level pass OR an equivalent certificate if you used a different school-leaving qualification.
2. Official academic transcripts for all prior university study (if applying for Master’s or PhD).
3. Proof of acceptance or eligibility for the selected programme. (E.g. you must meet the programme’s entry requirements.)
4. Two reference letters: at least one from a teacher/lecturer; another from a lecturer or work supervisor; attesting to your academic ability, character, and suitability.
5. If applying for a PhD: research proposal; possibly a letter of acceptance or cooperation from a Hungarian supervisor.

How to Apply

1. Use the Stipendium Hungaricum portal to apply online for the scholarship and to indicate your preferred programme and institution in Hungary.
2. Also, complete and submit the DHET application (the national nomination process). South Africans must upload additional documents through DHET’s portal.
3. Ensure your application meets all criteria and that documents are clear, properly certified, and submitted by the deadline. Applications not meeting requirements are disqualified.

Closing Date

In past cycles, the deadline has typically been mid-January (for example, 15 January) of the year of entry.

When the call for 2026 is announced, the exact date will appear on the DHET International Scholarships website. 

Contact Details

• Email for DHET International Scholarships: internationalscholarships@dhet.gov.za
• Tel: 012 312 5287 (DHET International Scholarships office)
• Other resources: the Stipendium Hungaricum website for programme lists and host institutions.