The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Hungarian government, has rolled out an exciting opportunity for Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program for the academic year 2024-25. This initiative is designed to foster international education and cultural exchange by enabling students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees at Hungary’s top universities.
The scholarship program is segmented into four categories based on educational levels: Bachelor’s degree programs for students who have completed 12 years of education, one-tier Master’s degree programs, traditional Master’s degree programs for those who have completed 16 years of education, and PhD degree programs for candidates with 17-18 years of education.
To be eligible, applicants must adhere to a set of criteria which includes the submission of attested certificates, transcripts, and degrees from relevant authorities such as HEC and IBCC. Additionally, they are required to provide scores from tests like HAT or USAT and submit a medical certificate confirming they are free from AIDS, hepatitis, and other contagious diseases. It is also important that they meet the specific criteria set by the Hungarian universities they wish to attend. Notably, even students in their final year of study or those awaiting results are encouraged to apply.
For the application process, candidates must apply through both the Stipendium Hungaricum and HEC portals. However, it is important to note that at the time of the announcement, these portals were reported to be temporarily unavailable, prompting applicants to regularly check for updates.
The required documents for the application include an online form, a motivation letter, proof of language proficiency, school certificates, transcripts, translations in the language of the selected degree or Hungarian, a medical certificate, a passport copy, and an acceptance statement for application in the Tempus Public Hungary online system.
Selected scholars will be entitled to a tuition-free education. For PhD students, the scholarship includes a monthly stipend of HUF 140,000 for the first phase (four semesters) and HUF 180,000 for the second phase (four semesters). Students enrolled in other programs will receive a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 until the completion of their degree.
In addition to the stipend, all scholarship recipients will benefit from a free dormitory place or a contribution of HUF 40,000/month towards accommodation costs, as well as medical insurance up to HUF 65,000 a year. It is important to note that these provisions are contributions towards living expenses and may not cover all costs, so students should be prepared to supplement with their own financial resources.
Prospective applicants must be mindful of the deadline for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, which is set for January 15, 2024, at 4 PM Pakistan Time. For further details, candidates can visit the HEC’s Stipendum Hungaricum section on its website or contact the provided phone numbers.
This scholarship program represents a significant step towards enhancing educational ties between Hungary and Pakistan, offering students a chance to gain international exposure and contribute to the global knowledge economy.
