The Hungarian Government, through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, is offering up to 100 scholarships to South African students to pursue studies at participating public universities in Hungary. 

All courses available to South African students are taught in English. However, some Bachelor’s and Master’s students may be required to complete a Hungarian language course as part of their programme.

Degree level

The scholarship is available for the following study levels:

  • Doctoral (PhD) studies
  • Master’s degree
  • One-Tier Master’s degree (an integrated programme leading directly to a Master’s qualification)
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Postgraduate specialist training courses – providing the opportunity to obtain a specialized qualification after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
  • Short-term mobility/exchange programmes (1 or 2 semesters) for registered Master’s or Doctoral students

 Who can apply for the scholarship?

Applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens in good health;
  • Have been born after 31 August 2008;
  • Have a strong academic record:
    • Bachelor’s applicants: Minimum average of 60% in the NSC (excluding Life Orientation);
    • Postgraduate applicants: Minimum average of 60% in their previous degree;
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in studying in Hungary and a commitment to South Africa’s development;
  • Be available and eligible to commence studies in September 2026;
  • Meet the entry requirements for their chosen programme in Hungary;
  • Not already be enrolled as a self-funded student in Hungary at a level below their current studies (e.g. a self-funded Master’s student cannot apply for Bachelor’s studies).

Please note: Successful applicants must present a medical certificate during the compulsory medical examination in Hungary.

Application Period

Applications open on 14 November 2025 and close on 15 January 2026.

This applies to both full-degree and partial/exchange programmes.

Fields of Study

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants may apply for various fields of study.
    However, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) will prioritise nominations based on identified national priority fields.

  • Doctoral applicants may apply for any field of study.
    Available programmes and institutions can be viewed on the online portal: https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/.

NB: Applicants who wish to study professional degrees, i.e. health sciences and engineering degrees must consult the professional body in South Africa on the appropriateness and recognition of the university they are applying to.

What the scholarship offers

The Hungarian Government offers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend
  • University accommodation or a contribution towards private accommodation
  • Medical insurance

The South African Government offers:

  • Return airfare to Hungary
  • A monthly stipend
  • A once-off settlement allowance
  • An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year
  • Pre-departure orientation
  • SAQA verification of qualification

Application process

Applicants must:

Required Documents

Bachelor’s Applicants (Full degree and Partial/Exchange)

  • Copy of NSC certificate with Bachelor’s pass (or equivalence certificate from the Matriculation Board).
    • Minimum average of 60%, excluding Life Orientation.
    • Marks in prerequisite subjects (e.g. Maths and Physics for Engineering; English for Social Sciences) will be assessed separately.
  • Official transcripts of previous studies.
  • Two reference letters (on official letterhead, signed, and including contact details):
    • One from a school teacher;
    • The second from either a teacher or work supervisor.
      Letters must attest to the applicant’s reliability, integrity, academic excellence, and suitability for international study.

Master’s Applicants (Full degree and Partial/Exchange)

  • Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate (minimum NQF Level 8 or equivalent).
    • Minimum average of 60%.
    • SAQA verification required for any degree obtained outside South Africa.
  • Official transcripts of all previous university studies.

Doctoral (PhD) Applicants (Full degree and Partial/Exchange)

  • Copy of Master’s degree certificate (minimum NQF Level 9 or equivalent).
    • Minimum average of 60% for Master’s degree.
    • SAQA verification required for degrees obtained outside South Africa.
  • Transcripts of all previous university studies.
  • Research plan (minimum 2 pages, Times New Roman, 12pt) written in the language of the study programme.
    • Must outline objectives, methodology, and resources used.
    • Subject to plagiarism check by universities.
  • Letter of Recommendation from an academic supervisor (with a scientific degree) familiar with the applicant’s professional work.
    • Written in English or Hungarian.
  • Supervisor acceptance letter (if required by the doctoral school).
  • Two reference letters (on official letterhead, signed, and including contact details).

Additional Information for PhD Applicants

Selection and Nomination

Only applications submitted through the official Stipendium Hungaricum portal will be considered by the DHET for nomination.
Due to limited spaces, nominations are highly competitive.
Applicants who are not nominated will be notified by email.

Successful candidates must:

  • Sign a DHET contract; and
  • Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation scheduled for August 2026 in Pretoria.

Queries

South African applicants only: Queries about the nomination can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Please note: queries regarding application status will only be addressed after 28 February 2026.

Queries about specific study programmes should be addressed to the relevant institutions.

For more information about what the scholarship covers, Hungarian institutions and studying in Hungary please visit the website: http://studyinhungary.hu/

Documents and link

Note

Please note this scholarship is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided regarding the scholarship, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training other than stated above.

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