Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship: A hidden doorway to Europe

Graphics: TBS

On 25 December 2021, while many were wrapped up in holiday cheer and family gatherings, Sakib Khan Akash sat in front of his laptop, restlessly scrolling through university websites. His plans had been focused on Canada and the United States, but the pandemic threw unexpected roadblocks in his path.  

"I had everything lined up," he recalled. "But when Covid hit, I faced issues with my bank statement."  

Disheartened yet unwilling to give up, Sakib kept searching. That's when a newsletter from the University of Debrecen caught his eye—mentioning the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Until that moment, Hungary had never even crossed his mind.

That late discovery turned into a life-changing opportunity. Within weeks, he gathered documents, filled out forms, and sat for the entrance exam. 

Today, Sakib stands among Bangladeshi students who earned a place in the prestigious, highly competitive Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme.

What is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?

The Stipendium Hungaricum is a government-funded scholarship run by Hungary's Tempus Public Foundation. Every year, it awards around 5,000 students across 120 partner countries. In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Education acts as a medium. Typically, Bangladesh receives about 140 slots, though this can vary annually.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees. That includes the entire duration, whether it's four semesters for a Master's, eight for a Bachelor's, or twelve for medicine. Students also receive a monthly stipend of about €220. It's divided into €100 for living expenses and €120 for food. Plus, you get health insurance worth around €10,000.

Sakib Khan Akash, Stipendium Hungaricum Scholar

"These slots are divided across levels," Sakib explained. "About 70 to 80 are for Master's, 40 to 50 for Bachelor's, and the rest for PhDs. Twenty seats are reserved for nuclear specialists."

The numbers show just how competitive it is. "When I applied, there were around 10,000 applicants. The following year, it jumped to 15,000, and last year it was close to 20,000. Out of those, only 107 finally made it," he said.

The application process

The application cycle usually begins in December. In Bangladesh, the circular is published on the Ministry of Education's website, www.sed.gov.bd, around mid-December. Applications close on 15 January.

"There are two stages," Sakib said. "You have to submit your documents offline at the Secretariat in Dhaka. I submitted mine on the ground floor, though I can't recall the room number. Then there's the online part, through the Tempus Public Foundation's portal, Dream Apply."

The Bangladesh government initially nominated 250–270 candidates. From these, Hungary makes the final call, sorting out about 120–140 successful scholars.

Sakib was among those shortlisted. "After the primary nomination, you can choose two universities. Each university has its own entrance process. Some require a written exam, others a viva, some both. The details are clearly listed on Dream Apply."

What you need to apply

The first hurdle is paperwork. Applicants must submit attested photocopies of academic certificates, extracurricular activity proofs, and a police clearance certificate. "The documents have to be attested by a First Class Gazetted Officer," Sakib said. "It can take 10 to 15 days, so you should start early."

For those with foreign degrees, there's an additional step: certificates must be equated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Crucially, language scores matter. "An IELTS score of at least 6.5 is highly recommended," he stressed. "You can apply without it, but honestly, it makes your chances very slim. The shortlisting committee puts IELTS as a top priority.

But it's not the only factor either. They also look at SSC and HSC grades, your motivation letter, your CV, subject selection, and extracurricular activities."

Unlike many other international scholarships, there are no application fees. "The only costs are for document attestation and the police clearance," he said.

One common question he gets from aspiring students is how much weight GPA carries in the process. His answer is pragmatic. "GPA is important when you are applying for a primary nomination; the government looks at it carefully. But when it comes to the Hungarian universities, research and practical experience also play a big role, especially for Master's and PhDs."

"If you are applying for a Master's in Business, for example, your CGPA matters. But if you already have research work, internships, or strong extracurriculars, that strengthens your profile. The trick is balancing both," he noted.

The entrance exam hurdle

Clearing the entrance exam is where many fall short. "Not everyone who gets nominated secures the scholarship. A large number fail the entrance," Sakib mentioned. "That's why you need to prepare for both written and viva formats, depending on your subject and chosen university."

For those who do make it, the rewards are considerable. "The scholarship covers full tuition fees," he said. "That includes the entire duration, whether it's four semesters for a Master's, eight for a Bachelor's, or twelve for medicine."

Students also receive a monthly stipend of about €220. "It's divided into €100 for living expenses and €120 for food. Plus, you get health insurance worth around €10,000."

Accommodation is arranged through dormitories, which can make the stipend stretch further. "In my university, those in dorms didn't have to pay fees. But if you're in Budapest, it's tough. The stipend alone isn't enough there. In smaller cities, especially with a dorm, it's manageable."

Post-graduation, the scholarship provides a nine-month job-seeking visa. "If you find a job in your field, you can apply for a work permit," Sakib noted. "However, with new immigration laws, it's a bit complicated now."

Challenges along the way

Life in Hungary, while full of opportunities, comes with a fair share of challenges. "Budapest is expensive, and part-time jobs outside the capital are not easy to get. Some students commute to Budapest for work, which helps cover costs," he said. 

Yet the support network is valuable. With alumni from over 120 countries, the programme creates strong connections. "That's one of its biggest strengths—the global alumni network," he added.

For Sakib, stumbling on the scholarship was an unexpected twist. "It was already 25 December when I found out," he said. "The deadline was just weeks away. I quickly gathered my documents, took advice from a colleague, Amani Hasnat, who was already at the University of Debrecen, and applied. It was hectic but worth it." 

Sakib eventually enrolled at the University of Pécs, known for its strengths in business, medicine, and the arts. "What drew me in was its reputation and the details I found on the portal. Without that last-minute push, I would have missed it."

Advice for future applicants

"Start early. Don't wait until December like I did. September is a good time to prepare your documents. Attestation alone can eat up two weeks."

He also urged not to underestimate the motivation letter. "It's not just a formality. It tells your story. Be clear about why you chose your subject, how it connects to your career, and what you'll bring back to Bangladesh."

Finally, he emphasised resilience. "The odds are tough—20,000 applicants for just over 100 spots last year. But if you plan ahead, balance your grades with activities and experience, and prepare well for the entrance exam."

The Stipendium Hungaricum is not just a scholarship, but a strategy for Hungary to build ties across continents. For Bangladeshi students, it represents both an opportunity and a challenge—a way to access world-class education, but also a competition that demands careful planning.