Stipendium Hungaricum 2027: Deadline, Requirements and HEC Steps

The Stipendium Hungaricum call for 2027-28 has not been announced yet, but if it follows last year's pattern it will open in November 2026 and close in mid-January 2027. Pakistani students apply twice: once on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal in Hungary and once on the HEC scholarship portal. Missing either one means your application is not considered.

This guide sets out what we know from the official 2026-27 call, what the scholarship actually pays, and what to prepare now so you are ready on the day the call opens.

What we know about the 2027-28 round

As of 17 October 2026, neither Stipendium Hungaricum nor HEC has published the 2027-28 call. The dates below are last year's. Treat them as a guide, not a promise, and check both pages each week from November.

Notice that last year the HEC portal closed at 4 pm Pakistan time, while the Hungarian portal closed at 2 pm Central European Time, which was 6 pm in Pakistan. Plan for the earlier of the two and don't leave either portal to the last day.

Pakistan has one of the largest quotas. In 2026-27 HEC offered 400 seats: 200 for bachelor's, 100 for master's, 30 for PhD and 70 for one-tier master's programmes such as medicine (20 seats), dentistry (10 seats) and other subjects (40 seats). Medicine is by far the most competitive line, so have a strong second choice.

Our page for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship via HEC will be updated as soon as the new call is confirmed, and you can follow it on the deadline calendar.

What the scholarship pays

Stipendium Hungaricum is fully funded for tuition, but the living allowance is modest. The official 2026-27 call lists these amounts. The rupee figures use about PKR 0.85 per forint and are approximate.

For bachelor's and master's students, these amounts will not cover the full cost of living, especially in Budapest. HEC's own FAQ says the accommodation and health provisions are only a contribution, and the student pays the rest. Families should plan for some monthly support from home. Our cost calculator and the Study in Hungary guide help you put a number on it.

Two more points families often miss:

• Air tickets. In recent rounds HEC has reimbursed the ticket to Hungary and the return ticket after graduation, up to Rs. 200,000 each way. Confirm the current limit in the new advertisement.
• Hungarian language classes. Bachelor's and master's students must take free Hungarian classes. Skipping them stops the stipend, and failing the exam reduces it to HUF 30,000 a month.

Who can apply from Pakistan

These rules come from the 2026-27 call and HEC's eligibility page and FAQ. Check the new advertisement for any changes.

• Citizenship. Pakistani or AJ&K citizen. HEC does not accept dual nationals, and Hungarian citizens cannot apply.
• Age. You must be at least 18 by the start of studies. There is no upper age limit.
• Education. Intermediate (HSSC) or equivalent for a bachelor's or one-tier master's, a 16-year bachelor's for a master's, and an MS or MPhil for a PhD. Final-year students and those awaiting results may apply and upload the final documents later.
• Test score. HEC has required at least 50% in the USAT for bachelor's applicants and the HAT for master's and PhD applicants. If you have not taken the test, book it now, because you cannot add a score after the deadline.
• English. Each Hungarian university sets its own level. Many accept IELTS or TOEFL, and some test you at the interview.
• Field of study. You must pick a programme in a field HEC has approved for that year. Professional degrees such as medicine, engineering and law must also be checked with the relevant council in Pakistan, such as PMDC or PEC, so the degree is recognised when you return.

O and A level students also need IBCC equivalence. Read our IBCC equivalence guide if you have not done it yet.

How to apply, step by step

1. Choose two programmes. Use the Study Finder on the Stipendium Hungaricum website. You can list only two, in order of preference, and you cannot change them after the deadline. Check each programme's entry requirements and English level.
2. Take the HAT or USAT. Aim for well above 50%, since many applicants clear the minimum.
3. Prepare your documents. The Hungarian portal asks for a motivation letter of at least one page, your highest certificate and transcript, a language certificate, a passport scan and a recent photo. PhD applicants also need a research plan of at least two pages and a recommendation letter, and some doctoral schools ask for a supervisor's statement. Our document checklist and motivation letter guide help here.
4. Apply on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal at apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu, selecting Pakistan as your sending country.
5. Apply on the HEC scholarship portal with the same choices. HEC says applying on both portals is mandatory.
6. Wait for nomination. HEC sends its list to Hungary in February. After nomination you get your degrees attested by HEC and IBCC; our HEC attestation guide explains how.
7. Sit the university entrance exam or interview. These are usually online between March and May. Prepare as you would for any interview with our interview preparation guide.
8. Accept the award and apply for the visa. Results come in June. Awardees also need a medical certificate on the official template, shown on arrival in Hungary.

If selected, you sign a bond with HEC agreeing not to change your subject and to return to Pakistan after your degree for the period HEC sets.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying on only one portal. It is the most common reason a good application is never considered.
• Choosing two very competitive programmes. If both choices are medicine, one rejection at the interview can end your chances for the year.
• Waiting for the call to start. The test, translations and the motivation letter take weeks. Start now.
• Paying an agent to "secure" a seat. You apply yourself on the two official portals, and no agent can influence selection. Our guide to avoiding scholarship scams lists the warning signs.

Your next step

This week, pick your two programmes in the Study Finder and book your HAT or USAT. Then run your profile through our eligibility checker. When the 2027-28 call opens, confirm every date and rule on the official Stipendium Hungaricum and HEC pages before you submit.