Hungary has emerged as an increasingly popular and attractive destination for Pakistani students. Offering world-class education in a safe and historic European setting, its main appeal lies in the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a fully-funded program that makes studying in Europe highly accessible.
This guide provides a step-by-step process for Pakistani students on how to secure admission and scholarships to study in Hungary.
The Golden Ticket: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
For the vast majority of Pakistani students, the pathway to studying in Hungary is through the Stipendium Hungaricum (“Hungarian Scholarship”). This program is offered in partnership with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and is designed to attract top international talent.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Tuition-Free Education: Your complete tuition fee is covered for the duration of your program.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular allowance to cover living expenses. As of the last cycle, this was approximately HUF 43,700 (~PKR 33,000) per month for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and HUF 140,000 (~PKR 105,000) for PhD students.
- Accommodation: You are provided with a free place in a university dormitory or a monthly contribution of HUF 40,000 (~PKR 30,000) towards private accommodation costs.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage for healthcare services.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Pakistani Students
The application process is competitive and requires careful adherence to a strict timeline and a dual-portal application system.
Step 1: Understand the Timeline (For the September 2025 Intake)
The application window is very specific and starts well in advance of the academic year.
- Call for Applications Opens: Early November 2024.
- Application Deadline: Mid-January 2025 (typically January 15th).
- HEC Aptitude Test (if applicable): February/March 2025.
- University Entrance Exams: March-May 2025.
- Final Results: June/July 2025.
Step 2: The Crucial Two-Portal Application
Pakistani applicants must submit their applications on both of the following portals before the deadline:
- Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) Portal: The official Hungarian government application system for the Stipendium Hungaricum. Here you will select your desired universities (up to two choices) and programs.
- HEC Pakistan Portal: You must also complete the separate application form on the HEC website.
Failure to apply on both portals will result in disqualification.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gathering and preparing these documents is the most critical part of the process.
- Online Application Forms: Completed on both the TPF and HEC portals.
- Letter of Motivation: A well-written, one-page essay explaining why you have chosen your specific program and why you want to study in Hungary.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: An IELTS/TOEFL score is usually sufficient for programs taught in English.
- Academic Documents:
- Your degrees and transcripts (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants; Master’s for PhD applicants).
- These documents must be attested first by the HEC and then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Medical Certificate: A certificate issued by a registered doctor confirming you are in good health.
- Copy of Passport: Ensure your passport is valid.
- For PhD Applicants: You will also need a detailed Research Plan and a Statement of Acceptance from a supervisor at your chosen Hungarian university.
Step 4: The Selection Process
After the application deadline, the process proceeds as follows:
- HEC Nomination: The HEC shortlists candidates, sometimes based on an aptitude test.
- University Entrance Exams: The nominated candidates are then invited by their chosen Hungarian universities to take an entrance exam, which is usually conducted online (e.g., via Skype).
- Final Selection: Based on the exam results, the universities make the final admission decision and the Tempus Public Foundation grants the scholarship award.
The Hungarian Student Visa Process from Pakistan
Once you receive your final Letter of Admission and the scholarship award letter, you must apply for a long-term “D” type student visa.
- Appointment: Book a visa appointment online at the Embassy of Hungary in Islamabad.
- Key Documents:
- Visa application form, passport, and photos.
- Final Admission Letter from the Hungarian university.
- Your scholarship award letter (this serves as your proof of financial means and accommodation).
- Attested educational documents.
- For Self-Financing Students: If you are not a scholarship holder, you must show proof of tuition fee payment and a bank statement with sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for one year.
Studying in Hungary as a Self-Financing Student
If you choose not to apply for the scholarship, you can apply directly to Hungarian universities through their individual websites. The process typically involves:
- Selecting a university and program.
- Submitting an online application with the required documents.
- Paying the application and tuition fees.
- Passing the university’s entrance exam.
- Applying for the student visa with your admission letter and proof of financial means.
Hungary offers a rich cultural experience and a gateway to Europe, making it an excellent choice for Pakistani students seeking high-quality international education.
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