Ultimate Guide on Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Application from Bangladesh (2024 Updated Guide)

What is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship program initiated by the Hungarian Government to promote higher education opportunities for international students. Established in 2013, this scholarship program aims to strengthen Hungary’s international ties, foster cultural exchange, and attract talented individuals from around the world. For Bangladeshi students, it presents a golden opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in top-ranked Hungarian universities without financial burden.

Administered by Tempus Public Foundation, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation or housing allowance, a monthly stipend, and health insurance, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships available. The scholarship program collaborates with over 90 partner countries, including Bangladesh, under bilateral educational agreements.

Hungary is an emerging educational hub with a blend of rich cultural heritage and world-class academic institutions. With affordable living costs and a diverse international student community, it provides an ideal environment for academic excellence and personal growth. Bangladeshi students have increasingly shown interest in this scholarship, considering Hungary’s globally recognized degrees and multicultural experience.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, tips for preparing your application, and more. Whether you’re applying for the first time or seeking to refine your strategy, this guide will help you navigate the entire process seamlessly.

What Does the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Cover

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is renowned for its comprehensive benefits, designed to minimize financial concerns for international students while they focus on their studies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the scholarship includes:

1. Tuition Fee Coverage

• One of the most significant advantages of the scholarship is the 100% tuition fee waiver, ensuring that students can pursue their chosen program without worrying about hefty academic expenses.
• The tuition fee waiver applies to all levels of study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, One-tier Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

2. Monthly Stipend

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to help students with daily living expenses:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Students:
  €120 (approximately HUF 43,700) per month for the entire duration of the program.
• Ph.D. Students:
  €390–500 (approximately HUF 140,000–180,000) per month for up to 4 years, divided into two phases:
  • Phase 1: €390/month during the first two years.
  • Phase 2: €500/month during the remaining two years.

3. Accommodation Support

• Students are provided with free dormitory accommodation in university-managed housing.
• Alternatively, students who prefer private housing arrangements can receive a monthly housing allowance of HUF 40,000 (around €110). This allowance may not fully cover the cost of private accommodation but offers significant support.

4. Health Insurance

• Comprehensive health insurance is included, covering basic medical services as per Hungarian regulations.
• Students also receive up to HUF 100,000 (approximately €275) annually for additional medical expenses, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare.

5. Travel and Visa Costs

While the scholarship doesn’t explicitly cover airfare or visa fees, many applicants find it manageable due to Hungary’s relatively low cost of living and competitive travel costs. Some partner countries or sending organizations may offer additional financial support for these expenses.

Application Deadline

Understanding the timeline of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship application process is crucial to ensure you don’t miss this full-free scholarship opportunity. Now that you’re familiar with the incredible benefits this scholarship offers, let’s explore when and how to begin your application.

You should note that the application process consists of two major steps:

1. Apply on the main Stipendium Hungaricum website.
2. Apply through the Education Ministry’s portal in Bangladesh.

Key Dates for the 2024 Application Cycle

• Application Start Date (Main Circular):
  The main application portal typically opens in mid-November each year. For the 2024-2025 cycle, it opened on November 15, 2024.
• Application Start Date (Education Ministry):
  The Education Ministry’s portal generally opens on the same date as the main circular. However, for the 2024-2025 cycle, the portal opened slightly later, on November 19, 2024.
• Application Deadline (Main Circular):
  The deadline for submitting your application through the main portal is mid-January, likely around January 15, 2025. It’s advisable to check the official Stipendium Hungaricum website to confirm the exact date.
• Application Deadline (Education Ministry):
  The Education Ministry’s portal has the same deadline as the main circular, which is January 15, 2025.

Selection Timeline

After the application deadline, the selection process is divided into several stages:

1. February–March 2025: Evaluation of applications by Tempus Public Foundation and partner organizations.
2. April–May 2025: Conduct of entrance exams or interviews by universities.
3. June–July 2025: Announcement of final results and issuance of admission letters.
4. August–September 2025: Start of the academic year in Hungary.

Why Early Planning Matters

The application window spans only two months, so it’s vital to gather all necessary documents and meet eligibility requirements well in advance. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities, especially considering that the scholarship involves multiple steps, including coordination with local authorities and partner universities. The next section will guide you through the eligibility criteria and how to ensure you meet all the requirements before the deadline.

Required Documents

Before starting your application for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, it’s essential to know which documents you need to prepare. Here’s a detailed list of the required documents for a Bachelor’s Degree application:

1. HSC Certificate and Transcript (Attested)

You must provide attested copies of your HSC certificate and transcript. Attestation can be done in two ways:

• Option 1: Attest these documents from a First-Class Gazetted Officer.
• Option 2: For a more formal process, attest your documents from:
  1. The respective Education Board (e.g., Dhaka Education Board Office).
  2. The Bangladesh Ministry of Education.
  3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For the initial application, attestation by a First-Class Gazetted Officer is sufficient. However, if you’re selected for the next phase, you’ll need to complete the formal attestation process through the board and ministries.

2. SSC Certificate and Transcript (Attested)

Just like your HSC documents, your SSC certificate and transcript must be attested. Follow the same procedure outlined above.

3. O-Level & A-Level Certificates (Attested)

If you completed your education in the O-Level and A-Level system, you must attest these certificates and transcripts from a Gazetted Officer for the initial application phase.

4. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter is a critical part of your application. It highlights your background, aspirations, and suitability for the scholarship. Your letter should effectively answer the question:
“Why are you the right candidate for this scholarship?”

5. Proof of Language Proficiency

While the main application portal does not require a language proficiency test certificate, the Education Ministry’s portal highly recommends submitting one. Applicants with a recognized language proficiency certificate are given priority over those without it.

6. Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) Certificates

Including certificates from extra-curricular activities can significantly enhance your profile. They demonstrate your active participation and leadership skills, which can boost your chances of securing the scholarship.

7. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Although letters of recommendation are not mandatory, submitting at least two LORs can strengthen your application. LORs from teachers, mentors, or employers add credibility to your academic and professional achievements.

8. Medical Certificate

A medical certificate is required for both the main portal and the Education Ministry’s portal.

• For the main website, you may submit your application initially without the certificate, but you’ll need to provide it later if selected.
• For the Education Ministry’s portal, you must submit the medical certificate during the initial phase.

9. Police Clearance Certificate

You’ll need a police clearance certificate, issued no earlier than six months before the application deadline, to confirm your good conduct.

10. NID and Passport

You must provide your National ID (NID) and passport details during the application process. Ensure that all the information in your application matches these documents. Attestation is not mandatory for these documents in the initial phase.

Additional Requirements for Master’s, Doctoral, and Ph.D. Programs

If you’re applying for Master’s, Doctoral, or Ph.D. programs, additional documents may be required. Click here to check the official Stipendium Hungaricum website for program-specific requirements.

Application Process

As mentioned earlier, the application process involves two separate submissions:

1. Stipendium Hungaricum’s official website.
2. Education Ministry’s portal in Bangladesh.

In this section, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the application processes for both platforms to help you navigate this important phase seamlessly.

Stipendium Hungaricum’s official website:

To begin your main application, visit the official website: https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

• Registration/Login:
  • Click on the “Register” button to create an account. If you already have one, simply sign in.
  • Once logged in, you’ll see a consent page. Check all the boxes and click “Continue” to proceed.
• Program Finder:
  • You will be directed to the Program Finder page. Use the search bar to locate your desired university, subject, and program type (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s).
  • When you find your desired program, click on it. This will redirect you to a detailed page about that program and university.
• Application Form:
  • On the program details page, click the “Apply Now” button. This will open the main application form. Complete and submit it before January 15, 2025.
  • The form consists of 11 sections:
    • Priorities: Select up to two universities. You can add another subject from the same university, a similar subject from a different university, or a completely different subject/program.
    • Profile
    • Contacts
    • Education
    • Language
    • Employment
    • Activities
    • Residences
    • Documents
    • Checklist
    • Others
  • Only complete sections that apply to you.

After completing all the sections mentioned above you can finally submit your application and you will see an option to print or download the applicant as PDF. Download and print this as you’ll need to submit the hard copy of this application later to the Education Ministry.

Important Note: You can apply to a maximum of two universities in total. If you need a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to complete each section, click here to see the PDF given on the official website of Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship.

Education Ministry’s Portal

To complete your application via the Education Ministry’s portal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the Portal

Visit the official website: http://202.4.112.150:3030/auth/login.

• If you already have an account, log in.
• If you don’t have an account, click on “Applicant Registration” to create one.

Step 2: Profile Completion

After logging in, you will see the main interface.

• Go to the “Profile Manager” section and complete your profile.
• There are 7 sections to fill:
  • Personal Information
  • Contact Details
  • Academic Details
  • Training Details
  • Work Experience
  • Publications
  • Language Skills
• Fill in the sections applicable to you. You can leave irrelevant sections blank.

Step 3: Apply for the Circular

1. Navigate to the “Dashboard” and click on “Current Circular.”
2. Locate the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme Circular and click “Apply.”
3. Review the details displayed from your Profile Manager. Ensure all fields (especially starred ones) are accurate and complete.
4. Scroll to the bottom, where you’ll find a field labeled “Application ID of Hungary Website.”
   • Retrieve this ID from the “My Account” tab on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website. Copy it and paste it into the designated field.
5. Click the “Apply” button to submit your application to the Education Ministry.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

• Prepare attested photocopies of all required documents (mentioned earlier). Do not submit the original copies.
• Place them in an A4-sized envelope.
• Submit the envelope at the 2nd gate of the Education Ministry before January 15, 2025.

Final Steps

Once your application is submitted:

• Your application will go under review.
• Wait for the Ministry to publish the list of shortlisted candidates. This list will be forwarded to Hungary.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the relevant authorities with further instructions.

Congratulations! If you’ve followed along, you’ve successfully completed your application process. Now, all that’s left is to wait and hope for a positive outcome! Best of luck!

Recommended Profile for Securing the Scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants from Bangladesh vying for limited spots. Each year, only about 140–150 Bangladeshi students successfully secure this opportunity. To be among this select group, you need to present a strong, well-rounded application. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended profile and factors that can enhance your chances:

1. Academic Excellence

• High GPA: Academic results are the foundation of your application. For bachelor’s programs, applicants with a perfect GPA (5.00 in both SSC and HSC, equivalent to a 10/10) are prioritized. Those with lower GPAs are rarely considered.
• Consistency: Strong academic performance across all levels of education reflects discipline and dedication, traits highly valued during selection.

2. Recent HSC Graduates

• Priority is given to applicants who have recently completed their HSC examinations, as they are considered the most aligned with undergraduate studies. Older graduates might face tougher competition.

3. English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Score: A high IELTS score is crucial, with 7.5 or higher considered a safe benchmark. While lower scores may still be accepted, higher scores demonstrate exceptional language skills and improve your competitiveness.
• Note: It’s worth mentioning that an IELTS certificate is not officially required to study in Hungary. However, due to the sheer volume of Bangladeshi applicants, the Education Ministry of Bangladesh uses IELTS scores as a selection criterion to streamline the process and identify top candidates.

4. Strong Supporting Documents

• Motivation Letter: This is your opportunity to explain why you are an ideal candidate for the scholarship. A compelling, well-written motivation letter that clearly outlines your academic and career aspirations can make a significant difference.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): A strong LOR from a teacher, professor, or employer who can vouch for your academic potential, leadership qualities, or character adds credibility to your application.
• Research or Publications (if applicable): For postgraduate applicants, demonstrating research experience or having published academic papers is a significant advantage.

5. Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

• Active involvement in extracurricular activities, such as leadership roles in clubs, volunteer work, or sports, showcases your well-rounded personality and ability to contribute to the university community.
• Awards, certificates, or recognitions for your achievements can further strengthen your profile.

6. References

• Including references from respected individuals in your academic or professional network can give your application additional weight. Ensure that these references know you well and can speak to your strengths.

7. Competitive Edge for Postgraduate Applicants

• For master’s and Ph.D. applicants, having clear research goals and aligning them with the chosen program’s offerings is essential.
• Highlighting prior academic projects, work experience, or specialized training relevant to your field increases your chances of selection.

Why Are These Criteria Used?

While the Stipendium Hungaricum official website and Hungarian authorities do not require many of these criteria, the Bangladeshi Education Ministry has established additional measures to manage the overwhelming number of applicants. For example:

• IELTS is not mandatory to study in Hungary, but the Education Ministry prioritizes applicants with high IELTS scores to distinguish top candidates from thousands of applications.
• Similarly, academic results and extracurricular activities are given significant weight to ensure the final list represents only the best and brightest.

What If You Don’t Meet All the Criteria?

Don’t be discouraged if your profile doesn’t perfectly align with the ideal standards. While meeting these criteria improves your chances, it’s not a guarantee of success, nor does falling short automatically disqualify you. Focus on presenting a complete, error-free application, and ensure every required section is filled with care.

Key Advice:

• Even if you feel your profile is less competitive, submitting a thorough and polished application is crucial—after all, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
• Be authentic in your motivation letter and documentation.

Is It Worth Applying for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the most sought-after opportunities for students worldwide, and for good reason. However, before diving into the application process, it’s important to assess whether it aligns with your goals.

Why You Should Consider Applying

1. Fully Funded Opportunity
   • The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation contributions, and medical insurance. This makes pursuing higher education in Europe financially feasible for many students.
2. Quality Education in Hungary
   • Hungary is home to several reputable universities offering a range of programs in English. Degrees from Hungarian institutions are globally recognized and provide excellent academic and research opportunities.
3. Cultural Exchange and Networking
   • As a recipient, you will live and study alongside students from around the world, enriching your cultural understanding and building a global network.
4. Gateway to Europe
   • Hungary’s location in the heart of Europe makes it ideal for exploring neighboring countries, giving you a broader perspective and international exposure.
5. Career Advancement
   • Graduating with an internationally recognized degree from Hungary can significantly enhance your resume, opening doors to global job opportunities.

Things to Consider Before Applying

1. Eligibility and Competition
   • The application process is competitive, and only the most deserving candidates are selected. Make sure your academic profile and documents meet the requirements.
2. Language and Culture
   • Although many programs are in English, living in Hungary might require learning some basic Hungarian. Additionally, adapting to a new culture may take time.
3. Post-Graduation Plans
   • Consider whether the degree and the experience will align with your long-term career goals. Hungary offers limited post-graduation work opportunities, so plan accordingly.
4. Commitment to Application Process
   • The process involves multiple steps, including thorough document preparation, coordination with the Education Ministry, and meeting strict deadlines.

Verdict: Should You Apply?

If you are academically driven, open to new experiences, and ready to commit to a rigorous but rewarding process, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is an excellent opportunity. It’s particularly ideal for students from Bangladesh looking for affordable, high-quality education abroad.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your aspirations and ability to meet the requirements. Take a moment to evaluate your goals and readiness. If it aligns, don’t hesitate—this scholarship could be life-changing!

FAQs

1. Can students from the HSC 2024 batch apply without an HSC certificate?
Answer: Students from the HSC 2024 batch can apply, but they must collect their HSC certificate early from their respective education board. Without the HSC certificate, you cannot apply as it is a mandatory document.

2. Can I apply with a provisional certificate?
Answer: No, you cannot. The HSC certificate is mandatory.

3. Can I apply without an IELTS score?
Answer: IELTS is not mandatory to study in Hungary, but the Education Ministry prioritizes applicants with high IELTS scores to distinguish top candidates among thousands of applications.

4. If I have attested my documents from my respective board, do I also need to attest them from the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Answer: You can do so, but for the initial application phase, it is sufficient to attest your documents from a First-Class Gazetted Officer.

5. If I have already attested my certificates and transcripts from the board and two ministries, do I need to attest them again by a First-Class Gazetted Officer?
Answer: No, further attestation is unnecessary.

6. Do I need to submit original copies of my documents?
Answer: No, you only need to submit attested photocopies of your documents.

7. Are recommendation letters (LORs) required?
Answer: Check the requirements of your desired university. If they ask for LORs, you must submit them. However, submitting at least two LORs from teachers, mentors, or employers is recommended, as it can strengthen your application and add credibility to your profile.

8. Can I upload photocopies of my documents to the portal?
Answer: It is recommended to upload scanned, attested copies of your documents to the portal.

9. Is attestation of ECA certificates mandatory?
Answer: While it is not mandatory, it is advisable to attest ECA certificates from a First-Class Gazetted Officer to be on the safe side.

10. Do I need to attest my IELTS certificate?
Answer: It is not mandatory, but you may do so if you wish.

11. Do I need to attest my Police Clearance Certificate?
Answer: No, the Police Clearance Certificate is already attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

12. Where can I find the Medical Certificate?
Answer: You can download the Medical Certificate from this link or find it on the official Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship website.

13. Do I need to attest my Medical Certificate?
Answer: Attestation of the Medical Certificate is not mandatory, but you can do it if you wish.

14. Do I need to submit my Medical Certificate along with other documents to the Education Ministry before January 15th?
Answer: Yes, you must submit the Medical Certificate along with your other documents before January 15th.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below, and we will respond promptly. Alternatively, if you encounter any issues during the application process, you can message us on our Facebook page, “Biweekly Abroad“ and we will do our best to assist you. Good luck! 🎉

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