When political conflict, war, or persecution disrupts education, many young people lose not just their universities but also their dreams. Recognizing this global reality, the Government of Hungary introduced a powerful response — the Students at Risk Subprogramme under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Scheme.
This initiative is specifically tailored for students whose studies have been interrupted due to crises such as war, displacement, or humanitarian emergencies. Managed by the Tempus Public Foundation and supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, this subprogramme offers a rare chance for such students to restart or continue their higher education in a stable and fully funded environment in Hungary.
What Does the Students at Risk Subprogramme Offer?
Through this special track, selected students receive full academic and financial support to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral studies at Hungarian universities. The package mirrors that of the flagship Stipendium Hungaricum, with additional protection-focused benefits.
Scholarship Benefits Include:
- Tuition-Free Education: 100% tuition waiver at one of Hungary’s state or state-recognized universities.
- Monthly Living Stipend:
- Non-degree, Bachelor’s, and Master’s students receive HUF 43,700/month.
- Doctoral students receive HUF 140,000–180,000/month, depending on study phase.
- Accommodation Support: Either free dormitory placement or a monthly contribution of HUF 40,000.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage as per Hungarian national health services.
- Visa and Residence Assistance: Institutions guide scholarship holders through residence permit and arrival processes.
In short — this program is not merely financial aid; it’s an academic lifeline.
Who Can Apply?
This subprogramme specifically supports students at risk, meaning those whose education or research has been halted because of war, natural disaster, or political persecution.
Typical Eligibility Scenarios:
- Students from Ukraine or those displaced by the war who cannot safely continue their studies in their home institutions.
- Applicants from other non-space-faring or crisis-affected countries may also qualify if they can prove that their education was interrupted due to similar reasons.
- Applicants must not hold Hungarian citizenship (including dual nationality).
- Must meet university admission requirements, including educational background and language proficiency (usually English or Hungarian).
Applicants are evaluated not only on academic merit but also on humanitarian grounds, giving priority to those who genuinely need a safe academic environment.
Fields of Study and Host Universities
The Students at Risk Subprogramme is available across a wide range of Hungarian universities, such as:
- University of Debrecen
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
- University of Szeged
- University of Pécs
- University of Miskolc
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Eligible degree programs span Science, Engineering, Humanities, Business, Social Sciences, and Medicine, among others — subject to each university’s offering for the given academic year.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guidance
Applications are submitted through the official Stipendium Hungaricum online portal at https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/news/new/134-call-applications-20262027-academic-year.
Step 1: Review the Official Call for Applications
Download the current year’s call (for example, 2025/2026 or 2026/2027 academic year). Read carefully the section titled Students at Risk Subprogramme to confirm your eligibility and required documents.
Step 2: Choose a Host University and Program
Browse Hungarian universities participating in the programme. Choose up to two study programmes offered in English or Hungarian.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Typical requirements include:
- Valid passport or ID
- Previous degree/diploma and transcripts
- Proof of disrupted studies or risk status (e.g., university certificate, residence documentation, or government statement)
- Motivation letter
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI certificate)
- Medical certificate
- Two reference letters
Step 4: Submit Application Online.
Step 5: University and TPF Evaluation
Shortlisted applicants are contacted for online interviews or document verification. Selection is competitive but aims to balance academic merit with humanitarian priority.
Step 6: Final Selection and Visa Guidance
If selected, you’ll receive a Letter of Award and Letter of Admission. You must then apply for a student residence permit through the nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.
Application Timeline (Example for 2026 Intake)
The application process for the Students at Risk Subprogramme under the Stipendium Hungaricum typically begins in November 2025, giving applicants ample time to prepare their documents and select their desired universities.
The final submission deadline is 15 January 2026 (2 p.m. CET), after which no new applications are accepted. The evaluation period takes place between February and April 2026, during which all applications are reviewed for eligibility, academic merit, and verification of “at-risk” status. Successful candidates can expect the final results to be announced in May 2026, followed by pre-departure and visa arrangements.
The new academic session for selected students will officially commence in September 2026 at Hungarian universities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early, as displaced or at-risk applicants may require longer processing times due to document verification or embassy-level confirmations.