Introduction

Imagine studying medicine, engineering, biotechnology, or another science in Europe — fully funded, with tuition paid, living support, accommodation assistance, and medical insurance. That’s the promise of Stipendium Hungaricum, a Hungarian government scholarship program for international students across multiple levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD, “one-tier” programmes). The program is managed by the Temporarily Public Foundation (Tempus Public Foundation) and Hungary’s Ministry of Education, with many partner universities participating.

For 2026, you may see calls that promote medicine and science programmes, possibly no IELTS requirement (or more lenient English proof), and deadlines possibly in February 2026. In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What the Stipendium Hungaricum program currently offers

• The reality of “no IELTS” and English test requirements

• A comparison of your ideal expectations vs current practice

• A step-by-step guide for applying

• Key insights, tips, examples

• A sample statement of purpose structure

• Common mistakes & FAQs

• Conclusion & call to action

Let’s begin by anchoring in what we know from recent official sources.

What Stipendium Hungaricum Actually Offers

Core benefits & coverage

From official sources:

• Tuition-free education: All scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees for the duration of their program.

• Monthly stipend (living support):

  • For non-degree, Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier programmes: HUF 43,700/month (approx. €100-120) for 12 months per year, until program completion.

  • For doctoral / PhD level: A higher stipend — HUF 140,000/month for initial semesters, rising to HUF 180,000 in later phases.

• Accommodation / lodging support:

  • Free dormitory placement or a contribution of HUF 40,000/month (approx. €100) to accommodation costs.

• Medical insurance: Health care under Hungarian legislation plus supplementary medical insurance up to a certain amount (HUF 65,000 per year/person) for all students.

• Other benefits: Many programmes require a medical certificate (screening for infectious diseases etc.).

Thus, the program does offer substantial support, though the living stipend is relatively modest (especially in bigger cities) and accommodation support may not fully cover rental in expensive areas.

Program levels & eligibility

• The scholarship covers Bachelor, Master, one-tier master’s (combined undergraduate + graduate), doctoral (PhD) levels, and sometimes specialist training.

• Many medicine / medical programmes (six-year medical degrees) are included among the participating programmes. For example, University of Debrecen offers a 6-year medicine programme under Stipendium Hungaricum.

• The program is open to international students from many countries (Asia, Africa, Europe outside EU, etc.).

English test / IELTS requirement — the “No IELTS” claim

The question of whether no IELTS is accepted is tricky. Here’s what we find:

• According to the University of Debrecen FAQ, “No, IELTS is not required; any exam type is accepted as long as it is a proctored exam and on the required level. Self-tests are not accepted.”

• According to HEC Pakistan’s FAQ for Stipendium Hungaricum, HEC does not require IELTS from applicants. However, applicants are advised to check whether their preferred Hungarian university requires an English proficiency certificate.

• However, programme pages often list English language / proficiency requirements. For example, the Computer Science Engineering programme under Stipendium Hungaricum expects a B2 English level, possibly via IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.

So in practice, whether IELTS is required depends on:

1. The Hungarian university and programme you choose

2. Whether they accept alternative proofs (medium of instruction certificate, prior studies in English)

3. Whether the scholarship admin or university grants an exemption

Thus, “no IELTS” is possible in some cases, but you must confirm per programme.

Deadlines & timeline

While you asked for a “Deadline Feb 2026,” here’s what we find:

• The application window generally opens in November / December preceding the academic year, with a deadline often in mid-January (for example, 15 January 2025 for 2025/2026).

• Applicants must also satisfy deadlines set by sending partner authorities (their home country’s partner / ministry) which could be earlier or differ.

• The Stipendium Hungaricum “About” page doesn’t explicitly state a “Feb 2026” deadline in the sources I found.

Thus, a February deadline is not firmly established by official sources in the data I located — best to watch the 2025/2026 call release.

Comparison: Ideal vs Real Stipendium Hungaricum

Here’s a comparative table showing your ideal expectations vs what Stipendium Hungaricum typically offers:

From this, you see that Stipendium Hungaricum is impressively broad and supportive, though in practice the stipend and housing support have limits — they may not cover all living costs in major cities.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply (Beginner Version)

Here’s a practical, chronological roadmap:

Step 1: Research eligible programmes & sending partner

• Use the official Stipendium Hungaricum Apply portal to browse partner universities and programmes.

• Find out which programmes in medicine / science / tech your country’s sending partner supports. Each country has a list of eligible programmes.

• Compare universities by reputation, language of instruction (English, Hungarian), specializations, and living costs.

Step 2: Check eligibility & prepare your credentials

• For Bachelor-level or one-tier master / medicine, ensure you have completed high school / secondary education with strong grades.

• For Master / PhD / research programmes, you need a completed undergraduate degree, transcripts, possibly prior research or publications.

• Prepare passport, ID, photos

• Prepare English proficiency evidence (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge) if required — or prepare alternative proof if the university allows exemption (e.g. prior degree in English).

• Prepare a medical certificate (required by many calls).

Step 3: Register & fill the online application

• Use apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu portal for your application.

• Select your desired programmes (usually two choices)

• Fill in personal data, academic background, motivation / study plan, references, etc.

• Upload required documents (scanned copies, translated as needed).

Step 4: Submission & coordination with sending partner

• Submit the application before the official application deadline (often 15 January) via the portal.

• Simultaneously, many sending partner institutions (ministries, education bodies) require nominations or endorsements. Check your country’s sending partner procedure and deadlines.

Step 5: Selection & entrance exams (if applicable)

• Universities may require entrance exams / interviews for selective programmes (especially medicine). For example, medicine programmes often include written + oral exams.

• Selection criteria include academic records, language proficiency, motivation, sometimes standardised test scores or merit.

Step 6: Nomination & final selection

• The sending partner nominates candidates to Tempus / the Hungarian side.

• Final selection is made centrally, matching quotas and partner agreements.

• If selected, you receive an award letter / scholarship confirmation.

Step 7: Registration & arrival logistics

• Accept your scholarship offer and complete enrollment with your host university.

• Arrange visa, travel, housing, dormitory or accommodation.

• Upon arrival, register with your university and orientation.

Step 8: Maintain performance & comply with scholarship terms

• Continue to meet academic, attendance, conduct, and progress requirements.

• Report or renew scholarship status if required.

• Understand that some costs (books, extra materials, local transport) may need to be covered by you.

Key Insights & Tips for Success

• Medicine programmes are highly competitive: medical courses under Stipendium Hungaricum often attract many applicants and have limited slots. For example, the University of Debrecen medicine programme is part of the scheme, but only top candidates will succeed.

• Stipend is modest: The monthly stipend (HUF 43,700) is a contribution, not full living support. If you live in more expensive cities like Budapest, expect to top up from your personal funds.

• Dormitory priority: The scholarship includes dormitory placement, but because spaces are limited, many students end up in private rentals or receive accommodation subsidy.

• Medical certificate is mandatory: You must submit a health certificate by deadlines; failure may disqualify you.

• Alternative language proof or waiver: If you can show your past education was in English, some universities may waive IELTS requirement (as in Debrecen).

• Select programmes wisely: Some partner universities do not support certain fields or levels in your home country’s sending partner list. Always cross-check.

• Submit complete & accurate application: Missing or poorly scanned documents, or late uploads, may disqualify you. The system does not accept incomplete files.

Sample Statement of Purpose / Study Plan Structure

Use this outline to build a strong narrative:

1. Introduction / Motivation

   • A compelling story or observation in health / science in your region

   • Why you want to study medicine / science in Hungary

2. Educational & Professional Background

   • Academic achievements, prior research, relevant coursework

   • Internships, projects, lab work, volunteer or public health initiatives

3. Why Hungary & Why Stipendium Hungaricum

   • The advantages: low cost, diverse environment, strong science / medical faculties

   • Why Hungary’s medical or science training appeals to you

4. Your Study / Research Plan

   • Proposed specialization or topic (e.g., biomedical engineering, molecular biology, public health)

   • Methodology, intended labs, professors or research teams you aim to work with

   • Timeline, milestones, expected outputs, impacts in your country

5. English competency & waiver justification

   • If you lack IELTS, cite your English-medium instruction, performance, or other proofs

   • State readiness to fulfill any extra requirement

6. Contribution & Future Vision

   • How you will apply knowledge in your home country (medicine, public health, research)

   • How you will give back (capacity building, mentoring, health programmes)

7. Closing & Commitment

   • Reaffirm your passion, readiness, gratitude

Personalize with specific regional context and show awareness of challenges.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them