The University of Pécs offers a fully funded scholarship through the Stipendium Hungaricum program, a prestigious Hungarian government initiative designed to support outstanding international students. This scholarship enables recipients to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s (including one-tier), and Doctoral studies at Pécs without the burden of tuition.
Benefits
The scholarship delivers a comprehensive financial package covering all major needs:
- Tuition Fees: Recipients are fully exempted from paying tuition, allowing them to focus on academics without financial pressure.
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- For Bachelor’s, one-tier Master’s, and non-degree students: approximately HUF 43,700 per month.
- For Doctoral students: around HUF 140,000 per month.
- Accommodation: Either guaranteed placement in a university dormitory or a monthly housing allowance of HUF 40,000 throughout the scholarship duration.
- Health Insurance: Scholars benefit from Hungary’s national health coverage plus supplementary medical insurance to cover additional costs.
- Other Support: Through Hungarian health law, scholarship holders are entitled to essential health services, enabling them to access the national healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship at the University of Pécs, candidates must:
- Be citizens of countries that are part of the Stipendium Hungaricum sending partner network.
- Hold the required academic qualifications:
- For undergraduate and one-tier Master’s degrees, a secondary school certificate equivalent to the Hungarian standard.
- For Master’s programs, a relevant Bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
- For Doctoral programs, a Master’s degree or its equivalent.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction either English or Hungarian depending on the chosen course.
- Provide a medical certificate attesting to good health.
- Not have previously held the same scholarship at the same level of study.
Some programs might additionally require a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a research proposal (especially for PhD applicants), or other department-specific criteria.
Required Documents
The application process requires the following:
- A completed online application through the official portal.
- Academic transcripts and certificates, translated into English or Hungarian if necessary.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- A valid passport copy or national ID.
- A medical certificate confirming good health.
- A motivation letter that explains why you wish to study at the University of Pécs under this scholarship.
- For PhD candidates: a detailed research/study plan.
- In certain cases (especially for Doctoral students), letters of recommendation and a supervisor’s statement may be required.
Application Process
- Register on the Stipendium Hungaricum application platform, where you can select up to two study programs in order of preference.
- Contact your home country’s nominating authority (sending partner), as your application must be approved or nominated by them.
- Upload all required documents in the online portal before the application deadline (usually January).
- Wait for nomination: once approved by your sending country, your application is forwarded to the University of Pécs.
- Undergo evaluation, which may include entrance exams between March and May.
- Receive the scholarship decision: offers are typically finalized by early summer.
- Prepare for enrollment: after acceptance, you’ll need to arrange visa, housing, and other logistics for moving to Hungary.
Performance and Extension
Scholars are generally required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. For undergraduate and Master’s students, extensions may be granted for up to two additional semesters, subject to institutional approval. In such cases, some benefits (like the monthly stipend or housing allowance) may not continue, depending on scholarship regulations.
Why Choose University of Pécs?
Studying at the University of Pécs through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship offers several advantages:
- Access to a world-class education in a culturally rich and historic university town.
- A community of international students supported by generous financial aid, including living costs and accommodation.
- Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and study in a wide variety of disciplines.
- The chance to experience life in Hungary, a country with a strong academic tradition and a welcoming environment for foreign students.
