HEC Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship program started in Hungary in 2013. It's run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by the Tempus Public Foundation. This program is based on agreements between Hungary and other countries, including Pakistan. Each year, many international students take advantage of it, with a good number of scholarships going to students from Pakistan in various fields.

This scholarship covers a variety of academic programs at all levels, from Bachelor's to PhD, at several universities in Hungary. Most courses are taught in English, but there are some that may be offered in Hungarian after a language prep year.

Programs Offered

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship has a wide range of programs for students at all levels. Pakistani students can apply for:

• Bachelor's Degree Programs: for students who have completed 12 years of schooling.
• One-Tier Master's Degree Programs: these are integrated master's programs that usually last 5-6 years, also for those with 12 years of education.
• Master's Degree Programs: for students who have completed 16 years of schooling.
• PhD Degree Programs: for those who have completed 17 or 18 years of education.
• Non-degree programs: like preparatory courses.

Benefits

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is mostly a fully-funded program that provides great financial support to students. Here are the main benefits it offers:

• Tuition-Free Education: Exemption from paying tuition fees for the duration of the study program.
• Monthly stipend:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, One-Tier Master's, and non-degree programs require a monthly commitment of HUF 43,700 (about EUR 110) to cover living expenses.
  • For Doctoral (PhD) programs, the monthly fee is HUF 140,000 (about EUR 350) for the first four semesters and HUF 180,000 (approximately EUR 450) for the second four semesters.
• Accommodation donation: Either a free dormitory room or a monthly donation of HUF 40,000 (roughly EUR 100) toward housing costs. It's worth noting that this is a contribution, and students may have to spend additional rental charges, particularly in larger cities.
• Medical Insurance: Health insurance coverage is provided for the whole duration of the scholarship. This usually comprises a national health insurance card or extra medical insurance of HUF 65,000 per year per person.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Pakistani or AJ&K citizen.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's/One-Tier Master's: HSSC/Intermediate (12 years).
  • Master’s: 16-year Bachelor's.
  • PhD: 17/18-year Master's/MS/MPhil.

• If you’re waiting on results, you can still apply, but you need to send in your final documents by August 1st.

• Age:
  • For undergraduate programs, you should be at least 18 years old (born before August 31 of the application year).
  • For Master’s and PhD, there’s no maximum age limit.
• Test Score: Need a valid HAT or USAT score (at least 50% marks). HAT is valid for 2 years, while USAT is valid for 1 year.
• Health: You’ll need a medical certificate stating you’re in good health and free from certain diseases, issued within a specific period (like after November 1st for applications closing in January).
• Document Attestation: Don’t need to get documents attested for online submission, but if you are selected, you will need to get them verified by IBCC/HEC. Also, make sure your O & A level equivalence is from IBCC.
• Bond Agreement: If selected, you'll have to sign a bond with HEC, agreeing to return to Pakistan after your studies and work in the same field you chose.
• Language: Each program might have different English language requirements, so check with the specific university or program. If you've done previous degrees in English, they might take that into account.

How to Apply

Dual Application: You need to apply on both the Hungarian (Tempus Public Foundation) and HEC Pakistan online portals. It’s necessary to do both.

Key Steps:

• Research: Check out the programs on Study Finder that match the fields approved by HEC.
• Documents: Get everything ready, including forms, a motivation letter, attested academic records, medical documents, passport, and your HAT/USAT score.
• Hungarian Portal: Fill out and send your application online.
• HEC Portal: Fill out and send your application online.
• HAT/USAT: Make sure you have a valid score (>50%).
• Nomination: HEC will choose candidates; those chosen need to submit their medical certificates.
• Visa: Once accepted, apply for a student visa.

FAQs

1. Is there an age limit for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

For Bachelor's programs, you need to be at least 18. For Master's and PhD programs, there’s usually no upper age limit.

2. Do I need to have an IELTS/TOEFL score?

Not for the scholarship itself, but many Hungarian universities want proof of English skills, like IELTS or TOEFL. Check your program's requirements. Sometimes, a degree done in English will work too.

3. Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition, a monthly stipend, some accommodation help, and medical insurance. Just be ready for some living expenses, especially in bigger cities.

4. Can I apply if I'm in my final year or waiting for results?

Yes, you can apply while waiting for results. But make sure to submit your final degree and transcripts by the deadline, usually August 1st.

5. Is a HAT or USAT score mandatory for Pakistani applicants?

Yes, all Pakistani applicants must submit a valid HAT or USAT score with at least 50% marks. If you don’t include this, your application won’t be considered.

6. Do I need to get my documents attested before applying? 

Not right away for the online application. But if HEC provisionally selects you, you'll need to have your documents attested by IBCC and HEC later.

7. Can I change my study program after getting the scholarship?

No, once you’re awarded the scholarship, you typically can’t change your study area due to the bond agreement with HEC.

8. What happens after I’m nominated by HEC?

After HEC picks you, you’ll need to upload more documents, like a medical certificate, to the Tempus Public Foundation portal. The final decision is made by the Hungarian side after reviewing everything and possibly doing interviews or tests.

9. What’s the deadline for the scholarship application?

For the Hungarian online application, it’s usually January 15th, while the HEC Pakistan portal might have a slightly longer deadline, like January 20th. Make sure to check the official HEC and Stipendium Hungaricum websites for exact dates for next year.