The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is run by the Hungarian government and managed by the Tempus Public Foundation. It funds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study at Hungarian universities for students from partner countries, including Nigeria. Hungary has a growing number of English-taught courses and relatively low living costs compared with many Western European countries.
This guide covers the benefits, the two-step application process for Nigerians, the expected timeline and how to prepare. At the time of writing, the call for the 2027/2028 academic year is not yet published.
Current Status of the Call
The Hungarian Embassy in Abuja states that the call for applications for the 2027/2028 academic year has not yet been published, so there is no open application. The last official round closed on 15 January 2026 at 2 p.m. Central European Time. Third-party guides list 15 January 2027 as the expected date, but this is an estimate until the official announcement appears. Always confirm on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website and with the Federal Scholarship Board.
What the Scholarship Covers
Details come from the most recent published terms and can change in the next round:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fees are waived |
| Monthly stipend, bachelor’s and master’s | HUF 43,700 |
| Monthly stipend, doctoral | HUF 140,000 in the first phase and HUF 180,000 in the second |
| Accommodation | A dormitory place or HUF 40,000 a month towards housing |
| Medical insurance | Provided under the programme |
The stipend is modest in euro terms, so students should plan a budget with the current exchange rate. Many students find that Hungarian cities such as Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs have lower rents than Budapest.
How the Nigerian Application Works
The process has two parts that run in parallel:
- The online application: The applicant creates an account in the official Stipendium Hungaricum application system and submits a complete application by the published deadline.
- The nomination: For the application to proceed, the applicant must be nominated by Nigeria’s designated sending partner, the Federal Scholarship Board. The embassy does not accept applications or make nominations.
The Federal Scholarship Board may set its own earlier deadline and its own forms, so applicants should contact it as soon as the call appears. An application without nomination is not considered.
Eligibility
The exact rules appear in the call each year. Typical conditions are:
- Nigerian citizenship.
- A previous qualification suitable for the chosen level: a secondary school certificate for bachelor’s study, a bachelor’s degree for master’s study and a master’s degree for doctoral study.
- Good academic results.
- A language certificate for English or Hungarian, depending on the programme.
- No previous scholarship at the same level in Hungary.
How To Apply, Step by Step
- Watch the official Stipendium Hungaricum website and the Hungarian Embassy in Abuja for the 2027/2028 call.
- Contact the Federal Scholarship Board for its forms, deadline and document list.
- Browse the list of eligible programmes and universities in the application system. Choose up to the maximum number of programmes the call allows.
- Prepare documents: certificates, transcripts, a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a language certificate, a passport copy and a medical certificate if requested.
- Complete the online application and upload the documents in the right format.
- Print or save the application as required and submit the required papers to the Federal Scholarship Board.
- Wait for the selection results, which are announced in spring or early summer.
Choosing Programmes
Hungarian universities offer English-taught courses in medicine, dentistry, engineering, business, computer science, agriculture, arts and many other fields. Ranking the choices carefully matters, because the first choice receives the most weight in the selection. Read the entry requirements for each course, since some require entrance exams or portfolios.
The Motivation Letter
A short, clear motivation letter should state why the applicant chose the subject, why Hungary and the university, and what the applicant plans to do after graduating. It should refer to specific courses or research groups and link the study to a goal in Nigeria. A letter that could apply to any country will not stand out.
Life and Study in Hungary
Hungary is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Public transport is good and student life is active. Winters are cold, so students prepare appropriate clothing. After arrival, students register with the immigration authority for a residence permit, set up health insurance and open a bank account. Learning basic Hungarian helps with daily life.
Mistakes That Lower the Chance
- Applying online without contacting the Federal Scholarship Board for nomination.
- Missing the Board’s deadline, which can be earlier than the online deadline.
- Choosing programmes without checking entry requirements.
- Using an unofficial agent who asks for payment.
- Submitting documents without translations or certification.
Scholarship Scams
The Stipendium Hungaricum programme does not charge a fee to apply and the Hungarian Embassy does not sell places. Anyone offering a guaranteed place for money is a scammer. Use only official government and Tempus Public Foundation websites.
Hungarian Cities for Students
| City | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Budapest | The capital, with the widest choice of universities and jobs, but the highest rents |
| Debrecen | A large university city in the east with strong medical and engineering faculties |
| Szeged | A sunny southern university city with a lively student community |
| Pécs | A historic city with a well-known university and lower living costs |
| Miskolc and Győr | Industrial cities with strong engineering programmes |
Smaller cities often have lower rent and a friendlier pace, and many students prefer them to Budapest. Compare the university, the course and the city, not only the capital.
Planning a Monthly Budget
The stipend is modest, so students plan carefully. List fixed costs first: housing, transport pass, phone and internet. Then estimate food and study materials. Cooking at home and using student discounts reduce costs a lot. Because the stipend is paid in forints, the value in naira changes with exchange rates. Keep an emergency fund for the first month and for unexpected costs such as winter clothing.
After Graduation
Graduates of Hungarian universities may be able to stay in Hungary or other European countries for work, depending on the rules at the time. The Stipendium Hungaricum programme usually expects scholars to return to their home country for a period after graduating, so read the scholarship contract before making plans to stay. A Hungarian degree is recognised across the European Union and can help in job searches in many countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply without the Federal Scholarship Board?
No. Nomination by the Board is required for the application to proceed in the selection process.
Are courses taught in English?
Many courses are taught in English. The programme list shows the language for each course.
Can a student work in Hungary?
Students on residence permits can usually work part-time, with limits. Check the current rules for scholarship holders.
Does the programme cover flights?
The published benefits listed for recent rounds do not include airfare, so students plan for travel costs. Check the next call for any change.
Final Thoughts
Stipendium Hungaricum is a practical option for Nigerian students who want an affordable, funded degree in Europe. The key is to follow the two-step process, contact the Federal Scholarship Board early and prepare documents before the call opens. Confirm all dates and amounts on official pages, and never pay anyone for a place.