Study in Europe with Full Funding — Apply for Stipendium Hungaricum PhD Scholarship 2026/27!

Are you planning to pursue your dream with a fully funded PhD degree abroad? The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme in Hungary is one of the most prestigious international scholarships for doctoral studies in Europe. Funded by the Hungarian Government, this programme supports talented students from partner countries to pursue world-class research at top Hungarian universities across all disciplines.

The call for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open exclusively for doctoral applicants. Although competitive but it offers a rare opportunity for international researchers to earn a European doctoral degree with full financial support.

Why Choose the Stipendium Hungaricum PhD Scholarship?

This programme supports outstanding PhD candidates by offering:

• Tuition-free education (no fees at all)
• Monthly stipend for 8 semesters:
• HUF 140,000 (~EUR 355) per month during the first 4 semesters (training + research phase)
• HUF 180,000 (~EUR 460) per month during the second 4 semesters (research + dissertation phase)
• Free dormitory accommodation or HUF 40,000 (~EUR 100) monthly housing supportMedical insurance including supplementary coverage up to HUF 65,000/year

Note: Stipend contributions help cover living expenses, but students may need additional funds depending on the city and individual lifestyle.

Available Study Areas & Institutions

• 23 Hungarian universities are offering 170+ doctoral programmes under this scholarship.
• Programmes are taught mainly in English, and some are available in Hungarian.
• All applicants must select programmes through the online portal: apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu

Duration & Structure

Hungarian doctoral programmes span 8 semesters (4 years) in every university and include:

1. Phase 1 (Semesters 1–4): Coursework + Research
2. Complex Exam at the end of Phase 1 (after 2 years ) is mandatory
3. Phase 2 (Semesters 5–8): Full research + Dissertation writing

Who Can Apply?

Before you apply, check your eligibility from your sending country and the host country.

To qualify:
-You must be a citizen of an eligible partner country (over 80 countries listed)

– You must have a Master’s degree (or be in final semester)
– You must meet university entry and language requirements (IELTS preferred)
– For some programmes, you must obtain a supervisor’s acceptance letter before submission

You cannot apply if:

• You hold Hungarian citizenship or dual nationality
• You are already a scholarship holder at the same study level
• You were previously awarded SH and did not start your studies

Do I Need a Supervisor?

Some PhD schools require an official supervisor acceptance statement.
If required, it must be uploaded no later than 15 March 2026.
If not ready by 15 January, upload a signed declaration first.

To find potential supervisors: visit and find here www.doktori.hu (Research topics + supervisors database). The database is full of every information. You can search by university or research topics.

Required Documents (PhD Applicants)

• All documents must be uploaded by 15 January 2026 (2 p.m. CET) except noted. Required files include:
• Online application form
• Motivation Letter (min. 1 page)
• Research Plan (min. 2 pages)
• 1 Academic Recommendation Letter
• Master’s Degree Certificate (or final semester declaration)
• Transcript of Records
• Language Proof
• Supervisor Statement (if required)
• Passport/ID Copy
• Acceptance of Privacy & Application Statement (online)

Application Timeline

Visa & Travel

Scholarship holders must apply for a student visa immediately upon results. Visa costs are waived for scholarship students. It is importnat to know that travel expenses are not covered under this scholarship.

Tips for a Strong Application

Studying in Hungary offers more than a doctoral degree. It opens the door not only for higher study but also gain access to a vibrant research environment, international collaborations, and a rich cultural experience in the heart of Europe (Budapest). To get the highger chances…

-Contact potential supervisors early based on your research interests.
-Develop a clear, innovative research plan that has both country priority.
-Highlight research experience in your motivation letter and convince why you are fit for the research.
-Apply for two programmes to increase chances.

You can also read the How to Write an Outstanding Research Proposal for PhD and How to Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose for PhD Scholarship?

For details and official guidelines follow these links.

• Visit the application portal: apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
• Check partner countries: stipendiumhungaricum.hu/partners