CEEPUS Scholarship Program 2025-2026 in Hungary (Fully Funded)

• A complete overview of the CEEPUS Scholarship in Hungary,
• Eligibility criteria and application requirements,
• A step-by-step application strategy,
• How to stand out with a compelling application,
• Practical tips for life in Hungary,
• Success stories and alumni insights.

What Is the CEEPUS Scholarship Program?

• Short-term student mobility (1 to 3 months),
• Faculty exchange for teaching or research mobility,
• Joint Master’s CEEPUS programs offering full degree mobility.

• Strengthen academic cooperation regionally,
• Encourage interdisciplinary and cross-border study,
• Facilitate deep cultural immersion for participants.

Why Choose the CEEPUS Scholarship Program 2025–2026 in Hungary?

Fully Funded, Low Bureaucracy, High Value

• Monthly stipend for subsistence in Hungary,
• Tuition fee waivers or coverage by the host institution,
• Health and accident insurance,
• Registration and administration fees.

Location Advantage

• Cultural richness: Explore Budapest’s architecture, cuisine, festivals, and nightlife.
• Central in Europe: Easy transit to neighboring capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, and Kraków.
• International academic community: Work alongside regional peers, enabling the exchange of ideas and collaborative networks.

Professional and Personal Growth

• Strengthen intercultural competence, language skills, and academic networks.
• Immerse yourself in Hungarian culture while gaining deeper regional awareness.
• Faculty gain international teaching exposure; students can build research partnerships.

Eligibility & Who Can Apply

Student Applicants

• Enrolled at a CEEPUS-participating university in a home country.
• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, or Doctoral studies.
• Minimum academic performance (GPA typically 2.5–3.0 / 4.0 or equivalent).
• Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, Hungarian, or another local language, depending on host).
• Must apply within deadlines set by home and host institutions.

Faculty Applicants

• Employed at a CEEPUS-affiliated university in your home country.
• Must teach or conduct research at a Hungarian partner university for 1–3 months.
• Usually requires an invitation or endorsement letter from the host institution.

Institutional Eligibility

• Both home and host institutions must be part of a CEEPUS Network (e.g., “CEEPUS Network HU‑01”).
• Networks are discipline-specific (e.g., physics, literature, social sciences).
• You must apply using one of these approved Networks.

Funding Coverage — What The Program Pays For

• A master’s student from Poland attends a 2‑month exchange at the University of Pécs from March–April 2026. Living stipend covers their shared student flat, public transit, and meals. Tuition is waived. Total personal costs are minimal, allowing them to focus fully on academics and cultural engagement.

Application Components — What You Need to Prepare

Documents Checklist:

1. CEEPUS application form (download from the National CEEPUS Office).
2. Curriculum Vitae / Résumé (1–2 pages, with academic and extracurricular highlights).
3. Motivation Letter (explaining your academic goals, intended program in Hungary, and why CEEPUS is a fit).
4. Transcript of Records.
5. Language certificate (e.g., B2 English, or a letter of confirmation for language competence).
6. Letter of academic or institutional support (from home university).
7. Host institution’s letter of acceptance or invitation (if required).
8. Recommendation letter (typically 1 academic reference).

Preparation Tips:

• Start 8–10 weeks before the deadline: confirm your Network options, application deadline, and required documents.
• Tailor your motivation letter—mention specific courses, professors, or research opportunities at your host university.
• If you need a host invitation, reach out 4–5 weeks earlier to Hungarian professors or departments.

Step‑by‑Step Application Strategy

1. Identify your CEEPUS Network — talk to your CEEPUS office or review the national network list.
2. Choose a Hungarian University with strong offerings in your field:
3. • E.g., University of Debrecen for science, Corvinus University for economics, University of Szeged for humanities.
4. Reach out to host faculty or departments, asking about availability and interest to host a CEEPUS exchange.
5. Gather application documents: ensure they meet formatting and language requirements.
6. Submit to your National CEEPUS Office well before the deadline.
7. Follow up if the process includes interviews or committee assessments.
8. Upon selection, work with the host university for accommodation and arrival logistics.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

For Students:

• Highlight interdisciplinary achievements, leadership roles, community engagement, and study ambitions.
• Show alignment with host university strengths: If applying to the University of Pécs, mention interest in their “Humanities and Sciences Summer School” or specific labs/workshops.
• Demonstrate language preparation—even when classes are in English, showing willingness to learn Hungarian reflects engagement.

For Faculty:

• Present synergies between your research and the department—e.g., collaborating on a joint paper, organizing a guest lecture, or co‑supervising a student.
• Illustrate capacity-building goals—how the exchange will impact curriculum or departmental development back home.

Visual Tip:

• Academic specializations,
• Key projects,
• Why the host university’s courses or faculty matter to your development.

Living in Hungary — What to Expect

Cost of Living & Accommodation:

• Hungary is one of the most affordable countries in Central Europe.
• Monthly living costs (including rent, food, transport) range between €500 €700, depending on the city and lifestyle.
• University dormitories or shared apartments near campus are common options and often arranged via host universities.

Cultural & Social Life:

• Budapest offers a lively cultural scene—historic thermal baths, ruin bars, museums, festivals, and a thriving expat community.
• Smaller university cities (like Szeged or Eger) offer a close-knit, traveler-friendly environment and frequent regional events.

Transportation & Travel:

• Excellent rail and bus networks make it easy to explore nearby capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, or Zagreb on weekends.
• Intra-city public transport is efficient and affordable (student/monthly passes are inexpensive).

Academic Life:

• CEEPUS fellows attend regular classes, workshops, and department seminars.
• You are encouraged to schedule cultural activities with peers—walking tours, gallery visits, and day trips strengthen connections.

Practical Example:

Alumni Insights & Testimonials

• “I built collaborative research ideas over—I never thought I’d co‑author a paper with Hungarian peers!”
• “CEEPUS opened my eyes to shared regional challenges and helped me build a network that supports my doctoral research.”
• Faculty often describe significant benefits—expanding curriculum offerings and forging curricula enhancements back home.

Timeline Example for 2025–2026 Application

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• Finding a host invitation quickly: Start early, be clear about your field, and be courteous and concise when writing to potential hosts.
• Language barrier: Even if instruction is in English, try learning basic Hungarian via online lessons or language apps—host universities often appreciate the gesture.
• Budgeting: While fully funded, plan realistically: cheaper dorms, student cafeterias (“étkezde”), and using Hungarian public transport smartly.
• Document mismatches: Carefully check that your application meets formatting (PDF, specified pages, signature line, etc.)—small errors can delay review.

Summary: Your Path to a CEEPUS Exchange in Hungary

• Understand the program — short-term, fully funded academic mobility in Central Europe.
• Check your eligibility through your home university’s CEEPUS office and Networks.
• Secure a host institution — align your academic or research goals with Hungarian partner universities.
• Prepare a standout application — tailor your motivation letter, CV, and secure institutional support.
• Apply early — aim to submit well before the deadline.
• Plan for Hungary living — affordable costs, vibrant culture, easy travel.
• Engage with alumni and share your experience — this strengthens your experience and builds your academic brand.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Contact your home university’s CEEPUS coordinator—identify Networks and deadlines.
2. Research relevant Hungarian universities for your field.
3. Draft your motivation letter highlighting program fit and personal growth outcomes.
4. Approach potential host faculty with a short introduction and proposed area of study or teaching interest.
5. Complete all required application components and submit early.
6. Once selected, prepare for your stay—apply for accommodation, read about Hungarian culture, and begin learning the basics of the language.
7. During your exchange, make the most of academic and cultural opportunities. Once home, share what you’ve gained through talks, workshops, or student forums.

Useful Links & Official Resources

• CEEPUS Official Portal: ceepus.com— allows you to explore Networks, countries, and application guidance.
• CEEPUS Network Lists and Rules: Accessible through the portal or your National CEEPUS Office.
• Your National CEEPUS Office page—check for country‑specific rules and deadlines.
• Host University Websites—look under “International Office” or “CEEPUS” sections for partner university information.

Final Thoughts