📌 Quick answer: The Stipendium Hungaricum is a fully funded Hungarian government scholarship for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study in Hungary, and Nigeria is a partner country. As at 8 November 2026, the 2027/2028 call has not yet been published; the last call opened on 17 November 2025 and closed on 15 January 2026 at 2pm Central European Time. Nigerian applicants must apply online and be nominated by the Department of Scholarship Awards (DSA) of the Federal Ministry of Education, formerly the Federal Scholarship Board, which nominates on a first-come, first-served basis. The scholarship pays tuition, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (about €110) for bachelor’s and master’s students, free dormitory or HUF 40,000 a month for housing, and medical insurance.
Every year, Stipendium Hungaricum is one of the fully funded scholarships Nigerian students search for most, because it covers degrees from bachelor’s to PhD and does not charge an application fee. Many applicants, however, miss out for a reason that has nothing to do with grades: they apply to the Hungarian side but never secure their nomination in Nigeria.
This guide explains how the scholarship works for Nigerians, using the official programme website run by Hungary’s Tempus Public Foundation and the information page published by the Embassy of Hungary in Abuja.
What the Scholarship Covers
| Benefit | Bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, non-degree | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free | Free |
| Monthly stipend (12 months a year) | HUF 43,700 (about €110) | HUF 140,000 (about €350) in the first four semesters; HUF 180,000 (about €450) in the last four |
| Accommodation | Free dormitory place or HUF 40,000 a month | Free dormitory place or HUF 40,000 a month |
| Medical insurance | Supplementary cover up to HUF 65,000 a year | Supplementary cover up to HUF 65,000 a year |
Important: Nigeria no longer adds money on top
Until recently, Nigerian scholars received extra allowances and travel support from Nigeria under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA). The Hungarian Embassy in Abuja says that BEA contributions ended from the 2025/2026 academic year, and the scholarship is now covered only by the Hungarian Government. In practice, that means you should plan to live on the Hungarian stipend plus the housing support, and budget for your own flight, visa costs and the first weeks before the stipend starts.
The programme’s own website warns that the HUF 40,000 housing contribution may not fully cover private rent, so a dormitory place is usually the safer option.
Who Can Apply From Nigeria
- Nigerian citizens applying through the Nigerian Sending Partner.
- Age: for the 2026/2027 cycle, applicants had to be at least 18 by 31 August of the year studies began (applicants born after 31 August 2008 were not eligible), with limited exceptions for some programmes. Expect the 2027/2028 rule to move forward by a year.
- Academic entry requirements, including which WAEC or NECO subjects and grades are accepted, are set by each Hungarian university. The Embassy says neither it nor the DSA can confirm them, so check the programme page of the university you choose.
How the Application Works: Two Steps
- Apply online on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal before the deadline, choosing your programme(s) at Hungarian universities and uploading your documents.
- Get nominated by the Department of Scholarship Awards (DSA) in Abuja. Only nominated applicants go on to the universities’ selection, which can include entrance exams or interviews.
The Embassy’s guidance is direct: “nominations are made on a first-come, first-served basis from among the eligible applicants.” It strongly advises applying early, and notes that the DSA may set an earlier local deadline and ask for documents by email or in hard copy.
The Embassy does not receive applications, make nominations or accept direct submissions, and Nigerian applicants do not need an Embassy recommendation.
Nigeria’s Sending Partner: contact details
| Office | Department of Scholarship Awards, Federal Ministry of Education (formerly the Federal Scholarship Board) |
| Address | 245 Samuel Ademulegun Street, Central Business District, Abuja |
| fsb@education.gov.ng |
When Will the 2027/2028 Call Open?
Tempus Public Foundation had not published the 2027/2028 call as at 8 November 2026, and the Embassy’s page confirms there is currently no open application. The last two calls followed the same pattern:
| Cycle | Call published | Deadline | Studies start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/2027 | 17 November 2025 | 15 January 2026, 2pm CET | September 2026 |
| 2027/2028 (expected) | Not yet published | Not yet published | September 2027 |
Because Nigerian nominations are first come, first served, the weeks right after the call opens matter. Use the time before then to get your documents ready.
Documents to Prepare Now
The exact list is in the Call for Applications and the Application Guide for each cycle, and some programmes ask for more. Applicants are typically asked for:
- A valid international passport (renew it now if it expires within the next two years)
- Academic records: WAEC/NECO results for bachelor’s applicants; degree certificate and transcript for master’s; master’s degree and transcript for PhD
- A motivation letter explaining why you chose the programme and Hungary
- A language certificate or other proof of English, as required by the programme
- A medical certificate on the programme’s form
- For PhD: a research plan and letters of recommendation, and often a letter of support from a prospective supervisor
Scan everything clearly as PDFs, and make sure the names on your passport, certificates and NIN match. Name mismatches are one of the most common reasons Nigerian applications are delayed.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Choose programmes you actually qualify for. Read each university’s entry requirements for international applicants before you pick.
- Write a specific motivation letter. Name the programme, the modules or research group that interest you, and how the degree fits your plans in Nigeria.
- Contact the DSA early to confirm any local deadline and how it wants documents submitted.
- Prepare for entrance exams or interviews, usually held online between February and April.
- Ignore agents who charge to “secure” nomination. The application and nomination are free, and the Embassy says it does not handle applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stipendium Hungaricum open for Nigerians in 2027?
Nigeria is a partner country, but the 2027/2028 call had not been published as at 8 November 2026. The previous call opened in mid-November and closed on 15 January.
Who nominates Nigerian applicants?
The Department of Scholarship Awards of the Federal Ministry of Education, formerly the Federal Scholarship Board, on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much is the Stipendium Hungaricum stipend?
HUF 43,700 a month for bachelor’s and master’s students, and HUF 140,000 rising to HUF 180,000 a month for PhD students, plus free dormitory or HUF 40,000 a month for housing.
Does Nigeria still pay extra allowances to Stipendium Hungaricum scholars?
No. The Hungarian Embassy says Nigeria’s BEA contributions ended from the 2025/2026 academic year.
Do I apply through the Hungarian Embassy in Abuja?
No. You apply online on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal and seek nomination from the DSA. The Embassy does not accept applications.
Is there an application fee?
No. Be wary of anyone asking for money to process your application or nomination.
Sources
- Embassy of Hungary in Abuja – “General information and FAQ of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program”, abuja.mfa.gov.hu, checked 8 November 2026
- Tempus Public Foundation – “Application is on for the 2026/2027 Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship”, stipendiumhungaricum.hu, 17 November 2025
- Tempus Public Foundation – Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship elements (stipend, accommodation and insurance), stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · NaijaSabi Education Desk. We will update this guide when the 2027/2028 call is published.
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