Hungary’s Big Offer: Free Tuition and Stipend for International Students

If studying in Europe has always felt like ‘just a dream’ because of the costs, we come with some good news. Hungary has launched its Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, and it’s pretty generous: no tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and even health insurance.

What’s offered? 

• No tuition fees: You can apply for bachelor’s, master’s or even PhD courses at 30+ Hungarian universities.
• Monthly stipend: Around ₹22,000, which is not A LOT but definitely helps with living costs. 
• Health cover: Included in the package. So, one less thing to worry about!
• Plenty of options: Universities like Eötvös Loránd and Budapest University of Technology are part of the scheme.
• Who can apply? Students from partner countries (India included), age 18+, with the right academic background. 

Why This Matters for Students

• Costs are lower in Hungary: Compared to cities like London or Paris, Budapest or Szeged are way more affordable. Rent and food don’t eat up your budget as fast.
• Courses in English: A lot of programmes are taught in English. So you don’t need to know Hungarian to get started. 
• Europe on your doorstep: Cheap trains and flights mean you can explore nearby countries while studying. 
• Less financial pressure: Tuition is the biggest expense abroad, and this scholarship takes that off the table. 

But Here’s the Catch

• The stipend helps. But don’t expect it to cover everything. You will still need savings for rent, food or fun nights out.
• Seats are limited. The programme is popular worldwide. So you will be competing with thousands of applicants.
• Knowing some Hungarian is handy. Even if classes are in English, daily life from groceries to paperwork is easier if you know the basics. 

How It Compares with Other Countries 

• Germany: Tuition is free too. But you are on your own for living expenses.
• Norway: Free education. But the cost of living is really high.
• Sweden/Finland: Some scholarships but not all cover both tuition and daily costs. 
• Hungary: A balanced deal. Tuition covered plus a monthly stipend. 

Why Indian Students Should Care

Studying in the UK or US can cost upwards of ₹20–30 lakhs per year. It usually means loans. Hungary’s programme cuts that stress. Even though the ₹22,000 stipend won’t pay for everything, in Hungary it can go surprisingly far. Covering groceries, transport and a part of rent.

Final Take 

Hungary is not the first European country to offer free education. But adding a stipend and health insurance makes this scholarship stand out. If you are planning to study abroad and costs are the only thing holding you back, this could be your way in. Just remember, apply early, budget smart and make your application strong.