The Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded initiative launched by the Government of Hungary to support individuals of Hungarian ancestry living across the world. The program opens doors for Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-Tier Master’s, Doctoral, and Non-Degree studies at leading Hungarian universities. For students and professionals who wish to reconnect with their heritage, advance academically, and gain international exposure, this scholarship serves as a life-changing opportunity. With tuition-free education, monthly stipends, medical insurance, accommodation support, and travel funding, the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship is one of the most generous academic awards in Europe. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, offering candidates a chance to pursue nearly 1300 full-time programs across 33 distinguished higher education institutions.

About the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship

The scholarship is supported by the Hungarian Government and managed by the Tempus Public Foundation, aiming to strengthen connections between Hungary and diaspora communities worldwide. The program not only focuses on academic excellence but also promotes cultural preservation by encouraging applicants to demonstrate and maintain their Hungarian identity.

Key Strengths

• Study opportunities in English or Hungarian
• Full-time and non-degree programs available
• Nearly 150 doctoral programs
• Strong cultural, academic, and professional exposure
• Access to top Hungarian universities such as Eötvös Loránd University, University of Szeged, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and Central European University (if applicable programs exist)

Overview of Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026
Offered By	Government of Hungary
Host Institutions	33 Hungarian Universities
Study Levels	Bachelor, Master, One-Tier Master, Doctoral & Non-Degree
Eligible Citizens	Applicants with Hungarian Roots (outside EU, Serbia, and Zakarpatska Oblast)
Financial Coverage	Full tuition, stipend, housing support, medical insurance, travel allowance
Deadline	2 February 2026 – 14:00 (CET)
Available Programs	~1300 study programs in English & Hungarian

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the program
• Medical insurance coverage up to HUF 65,000
• Monthly stipend:
  • HUF 43,700 for non-degree, bachelor, master & one-tier master programs
  • HUF 140,000 (first 4 semesters) and HUF 180,000 (final 4 semesters) for doctoral studies
• Accommodation support:
  • Free dormitory placement or
  • HUF 40,000/month contribution
• Travel benefits:
  • One-time travel allowance of HUF 330,000
  • Hungary Pass option for travel within Hungary
  • Access to modern facilities, academic mentoring, and cultural integration activities
  • Opportunity to apply for two programs at the same or different universities

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Eligibility

• Applicant must have Hungarian roots and demonstrate it clearly in the Diaspora Motivation Letter
• Applicant must live outside Hungary and declare an address outside the country
• Applicant must have lived outside Hungary for at least 5 years before applying
• Applicant must submit a Diaspora Recommendation Letter issued by a Hungarian diaspora organization, diplomatic mission, or honorary consul
• Applicant must have completed secondary school outside Hungary
• Applicant must be born on or before 31 August 2008

Academic Eligibility

• Bachelor: completed high school qualification
• Master: relevant bachelor’s degree
• Doctorate: master’s degree, research plan, supervisor acceptance Letter
• Proof of English or Hungarian language proficiency
• Valid transcripts & certificates

Citizenship Restrictions

Applicants cannot apply if they are citizens of:
• European Union member states
• Republic of Serbia
• Zakarpatska Oblast region of Ukraine

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

• Visit the official application portal
• Create an online application account
• Fill in the Online Application Form
• Upload the required documents:
• Diaspora Motivation Letter
• Diaspora Recommendation Letter
• Educational certificates & transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency
• Identification documents
• Statement for Application
• Medical certificate
• Research plan & supervisor statement (doctoral level)
• Submit up to two study program choices
• Finalize and submit the complete application before 2 February 2026 (14:00 CET)
• Wait for evaluation, institutional admission, and final selection decision (June 2026)
• Apply for visa (July–August 2026) and prepare for travel
• Arrive in Hungary before 30 September 2026

Comparison of Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship vs Other Hungarian Scholarships

Feature	Diaspora Scholarship	Stipendium Hungaricum	Bilateral State Scholarships
Target Group	Hungarian descendants abroad	International students	Students under bilateral agreements
Tuition Coverage	100%	100%	Partial/full depending on contract
Monthly Stipend	Yes	Yes	Varies
Accommodation Support	Yes	Yes	Limited
Travel Allowance	Yes	No	Sometimes
Programs Available	1300+	1200+	Limited
Cultural Requirement	Must prove Hungarian roots	Not required	Country-specific

FAQs About Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026

1. Who can apply for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026?
   Anyone with Hungarian roots living outside EU, Serbia, and Zakarpatska Oblast who meets the eligibility criteria.
2. Do I need to speak Hungarian to apply?
   No, many programs are available in English. However, proof of language proficiency is required.
3. Is the scholarship fully funded?
   Yes, it covers tuition, stipend, accommodation support, travel allowance, and medical insurance.
4. Can I apply if I only recently discovered my Hungarian ancestry?
   Yes, as long as you can demonstrate identity and submit a valid Diaspora Recommendation Letter.
5. Can I apply for two programs?
   Yes, applicants may select up to two programs.
6. What is the application deadline?
   2 February 2026 at 14:00 CET.
7. Are doctoral students eligible for higher stipends?
   Yes, doctoral stipends range between HUF 140,000–180,000 depending on program phase.
8. Can I apply if I live in an EU country?
   No, EU citizens are not eligible.
9. What documents are mandatory?
   Motivation letter, recommendation letter, transcripts, ID documents, medical certificate, language proof.
10. When will results be announced?
    June 2026.

Important Notes

• Submit all documents in the required format (PDF preferred)
• Early submission is recommended due to high competition
• Motivation Letter & Recommendation Letter hold significant evaluation weight
• Always double-check translations and official seals
• Do not miss the visa process timeline

If you have Hungarian roots and dream of pursuing higher education with full financial support, the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity. Prepare your documents early, craft a strong motivation letter, and apply before the deadline to increase your chances. APPLY NOW. Follow the complete scholarship details on the official website.

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