THE STIPENDIUM HUNGARICUM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 2021-2022
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) invites applications from Pakistani/AJ&K nationals for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program me (2021-22) launched by the Hungarian Government for Bachelor’s,One-Tier Master’s,Master’s and PhD studies. The programme is managed by HEC, Pakistan in collaboration with Tempus Public Foundation, Hungary.
( Detailed instructions are available on HEC webpage: www.hec.gov.pk/site/ARL )
Application Requirements
Detailed instructions must be read thoroughly before applying for the scholarship (please visit above-mentioned link and go through all the information/FAQs before opening the application portal of H EC or Hungary).
It is MANDATORY for applicants to submit Online Applications at the Hungarian and HEC websites (separately). Failure to submit online application on BOTH websites mentioned at serial 3 & 4 (below) will result in rejection of application. Hard copies of applications and other documents are not required at the initial stage. However, applicants are required to keep record of all the submitted documents along with printed copies of BOTH the submitted application forms.
Apply online at the Hungarian website:https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Apply online at HEC website: https://eportal.hec.gov.pk/arl.While submitting application online at HEC website, do attach scanned copy of deposit slip of Rs.500/- (non-refundable)in HEC Online Account No. 17427900133401 in HBL, Sector H-9, Islamabad. All payments are to be made to HEC through HBL online facility available across HBL branches in Pakistan.
HEC may conduct written test/interviews of initially shortlisted candidates. In case written test is conducted, applicant must obtain 50% marks for further consideration.
Applications other than online portal will NOT be accepted. The recommendation of nominating agency i.e. HEC will be final and binding.
Only SUBMITTED mode applications will be entertained. Please make sure that your application is submitted before the deadline.
Fulfilling eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
The applicants are advised to submit their queries/issues by calling helpline or submitting a request at https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk/
Deadline for submission of online applications on HEC application portal is January 15, 2021 (1500 hrs PST).
HEC APTITUDE TEST (HAT)
Education Testing Council (ETC) Pakistan may conduct HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) in January-2021 (tentatively). For more information, visit ETC website at https://etc.hec..pk
IMPORTANT NOTE
it is sole responsibility of the students, applying for any professional degree (Medical, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine etc.), to confirm its accreditation from the respective Councils i.e. Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC),etc.
Project Management Unit Academic & Research Linkages under Bilateral Agreement
HRD Division, Higher Education Commission `4″-‘ Sector H-9, Islamabad = 6 ,
HEC Helpline:- UAN: 051- 111-119-432 & 0334-1119432 E
ii) Website: https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk/ *
The Competent Authority reserves the right to modify/accept/reject/withdraw any or all of the conditions.
HUNGARY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS UNDER ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LINKAGES
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) invites applications from Pakistani/AJ&K nationals for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme (2021-22), launched by the Hungarian Government for Bachelor’s, One-Tier Master’s, Master’s and PhD studies.
SCHOLARSHIP TYPES
Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships are available for Pakistani students fulfilling basic eligibility criteria in specified disciplines and other requirements of Hungarian universities under following programs:
- Bachelor’s Degree (after 12 years education)
- One-Tier Master’s Degree (after 12 years education)
- Master’s Degree (after 16 years education)
- PhD Degree (after 17/18 years education)
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS AND HOST INSTITUTIONS
Applicants are advised to apply only against specific degree programs and in specified study fields/major subjects defined by HEC.Click here to Download Specified Disciplines List
To check host institutions visit this website http://studyinhungary.hu/study-in-hungary/menu/universities.html
FINANCIAL COVERAGE & BENEFITS
- Tuition-free education: exemption from the payment of tuition fee
- Monthly stipend:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Scholarships: monthly HUF 43,700/- contribution to the living expenses, for 12 months a year, until the completion of studies. Note: In the first year of their studies, non-doctoral students are required to attend the course of “Hungarian as foreign language” offered by the host university, and to pass an exam at the end of the second semester (except scholarship holders studying in Hungarian language). Scholarship holders who do not attend the course will not be able to receive the monthly stipend. The monthly stipend for students who take the course but fail to pass the exam will be reduced to 30,000 HUF/month.
- Doctoral level: according to the current Hungarian legislation, monthly HUF 140,000/- for the first phase of education (4 semesters) and HUF 180,000/- for the second phase (4 semesters) – for 12 months a year, until completion of studies.
- Accommodation: Dormitory place or a contribution of HUF 40,000/month to accommodation costs for the whole duration of the scholarship period.
- Medical insurance: Health care services according to the relevant Hungarian legislation (Act No. 80 of 1997, national health insurance card) and supplementary medical insurance.
Please bear in mind that these provisions are only a contribution to the living expenses of the Scholarship Holders. It means that it does not fully cover all the costs of living and the students need to add their own financial resources in order to cover all living expenses in Hungary. All applicants are highly advised to check the expected living expenses both in Hungary and in the city that they wish to live in before applying; please do check cost of living calculator below:
http://www.studyinhungary.hu/living-in-hungary/menu/your-costs-of-living.html
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicant must be a citizen of Pakistan/AJ&K.
- Must be between the age of 18-22 years for Undergraduate programs, for which they are applying for admission and the age limit should not exceed from 35 years for postgraduate Master’s (18 years) and PhD programs on January 15, 2021. In case of PhD programs, for full time employees of public sector Universities, Colleges and R&D organizations the maximum age shall be extended up to 40 years (on last day of deadline) subject to provision of No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- The applicant must have completed HSSC/Intermediate or equivalent for application in Bachelor’s (Undergraduate Program) and One-Tier Master’s degree.
- The applicant must have completed 16 years Bachelors/or equivalent Degree for application in Master’s (Postgraduate Program).
- The applicant must have completed 18 years Degree/or equivalent for application in PhD Program.
- The applicant must fill all the fields of the Hungary application form and HEC application form and no column or field should be left unfilled.
- Certificates/Transcript/Degrees to be attached must be attested by the attesting authorities such as IBCC and HEC. Equivalence of O & A level from IBCC is mandatory.
- It is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (Medical, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine etc.) to first get confirmed its accreditation from the respective Councils i.e. Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) etc.
- IELTS/TOEFL scores as required, where applicable.
- All applicants must submit medical certificate of satisfactory health condition (issued not earlier than 15 November 2020, a written certificate from a physician to prove that the applicant does not have the following illnesses: AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C or any other epidemic conditions)
- In case of final selection, applicants will have to submit a bond on legal paper to HEC that he/she will not change discipline after final award of scholarship, and immediately after completion of his/her degree, he/she will return back to Pakistan to serve the country for a period as prescribed by the HEC. In case of failure to do so, HEC reserves the right to recover from candidate or his/her guarantor, a penalty amount as prescribed/decided by the HEC.
- Applicants must fulfill all other requirements set by host Hungarian university/Tempus Public Foundation/Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
- In case of final selection, candidate has to submit a bond agreement.
NON-ELIGIBILITY (INELIGIBILITY)
Applications will not be considered in the following cases:
- Hungarian citizens (including those with dual citizenships)
- Applications misrepresenting any information, even if the misrepresentation is pointed out after the scholarship is awarded
HOW TO APPLY
- Applicants are MANDATORILY required to submit only online applications at the Hungarian and HEC website. Incase applicant fails to submit online application forms on BOTH websites mentioned at Step (1) & Step (2), their application will not be considered for further processing.
- Hard copies of applications and other documents are not required at the initial stage. However, applicants are required to keep record of all the submitted documents along with printed copies of BOTH application forms (submitted online at HEC & Tempus Public Foundation).
- At a later stage of the selection process, applicants will be required to submit hard copies (including online application forms submitted at HEC portal with deposit slip & Tempus Public Foundation portal) along with attested photo copies of all the original documents. Original medical certificate and police clearance certificate also need to be submitted.
Step (1) Tempus Public Foundation Online Application:
- All applications shall be submitted through the online application system of Tempus Public Foundation Hungary. After registration, the applicants are able to access the application surface and upload the required documents. Please note that no applications will be accepted without the online submission and after the deadline. After applying online, get its printed copies for record. To apply online please visit: https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Step (2) HEC Online Application:
- Apply online at HEC website: https://eportal.hec.gov.pk/arl. After registering and filling in your profile, please select “Academic & Research Linkages” under “Scholarship and Grant” menu in left hand side panel of the online portal. While submitting an application online at HEC website, do attach scan copy of deposit slip of Rs. 500/-(non-refundable) on account of HEC online Account No. 17427900133401 in HBL, Shalimar Recording Company Branch, Sector H-9, Islamabad. All payments are to be made to HEC through HBL online facility. This facility is available in all branches of Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan.
- All of the following documents are compulsory and need to be submitted onlineuntil January 15, 2021.
| Application Documents | Detailed Requirements |
| Online Application Form | – applicants must fill out both HEC and Hungarian application forms available on the websites- applicants must fill out and save all requested information on the online application form in English language- a recent photo of the applicant (taken not earlier than 2 months before the submission of the application) must also be uploaded |
| Motivation Letter | – minimum 1 page, typed with Times New Roman 12 point font size letters- written in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian |
| Proof of language proficiency andtheir translations in the languageof the selected studyprogramme or inHungarian | – scanned copy of the original proof of language proficiency, with a minimum level determined by the Host Institution AND their translations- in case the student has completed his/her previous level of studies in the language of the selected study programme, a proof can be uploaded about the fact that the language of education was the same as the language of the study programme that the applicants is now applying for- translations only have to be attached if the copy of the original document is not in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian |
| School certificates and their translations in the language of the selected study programme or inHungarian | – bachelor level full time programmes: scanned copy of the original secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent AND their translations- master level full time programmes: scanned copy of the original bachelor degree certificate or equivalent AND their translations- doctoral level: scanned copy of the original master degree certificate or equivalent AND their translations- translations only have to be attached if the copy of the original document is not in the language of the selected study programme or in English |
| Transcript ofRecords and its translation in the language of the selected studyprogramme or inHungarian | – copy of the original transcript of records regarding all academic semesters or school years completed during previous studies (in the highest level of education that the student have participated in) AND their translations- translations only have to be attached if the copy of the original document is not in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian |
| Medical certificate | – scanned copy of a medical certificate of satisfactory health condition issued not earlier than 21 November 2020- please note that there is no form provided by Tempus Public Foundation for this certificate, it can be any certificates that the particular hospital uses or the particular physician issues- certificates has to be issued and signed by a physician to prove that the applicant does not have the following illnesses: AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C or any other epidemic conditions |
| Copy of passport | – scanned copy of that page of the passport which contains the personal data of the applicant |
| Acceptance of Statement for Application in Tempus Public Foundation Hungary online system | – all applicants need to accept the “Statement for Application”- the statement can only be accepted in the online system, therefore scanned and signed copies should not be uploaded- the statement appears in the online application system after registration – all applicants need to click on accepting it in order to be able to submit their applications |
Note: All documents that cannot be obtained in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian have to be translated and the translations have to be submitted as well as the copy of the original document.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants applying for doctoral level (PhD) need to upload the following documents. All of the following documents are compulsory and need to be submitted online until January 15, 2021 at 1500 hrs (Pakistan Standard Time).
| Application Documents | Detailed requirements |
| Research Plan | – minimum 2 pages, typed with Times New Roman 12 point font size letters, written in the language of the selected study programme |
| Letters ofRecommendation and Statement of the Supervisor | – two signed Letters of Recommendation from the applicant’s former or current academic tutors or supervisors- the two letters cannot be issued by the same person- written in the language of the selected study programme or in Hungarian- a statement by the supervisor at the proposed Host Institution declaring that the supervisor undertakes to supervise the student’s work within the doctoral programme |
- All students applying for PhD studies must have consent of acceptance by supervisor at the proposed host university. A statement of acceptance issued by the supervisor must be attached to the online application.
- HEC may conduct test/interviews of initially shortlisted candidates.
- Incomplete applications or applications received after due date will NOT be accepted. The recommendation of nominating agency i.e. HEC will be final and binding.
- Only SUBMITTED mode applications will be entertained.
- Result-awaiting candidates and previous HEC nominees of this scholarship may apply afresh subject to eligibility criteria, but result of former must reach before the closing date.
- Candidates must note that once he/she is nominated by HEC or finally selected by Tempus Public Foundation Hungary, any request for change of subject/discipline/study programme made by him/her shall not be entertained in any case (HEC will not issue any NOC for change of discipline). If a candidate withdraws himself/herself from the scholarship after the final award, he/she shall be liable to disciplinary action including ban of a certain period from applying to any foreign funded/HEC/Government of Pakistan scholarship programmes.
- All applicants should note that all nominations from Pakistan will be routed through HEC.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE COMPLETE APPLICATION: January 15, 2021 at 1500 hrs (Pakistan Standard Time)
IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE APPLYING:
- It is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (Medical, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine etc.) to first get confirmed its accreditation from the respective Councils i.e. Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| Sr. No. | Question | Answer |
| 01 | How can I submit the application-processing fee? | Original deposit slip of Rs. 500/- (non-refundable), must be deposited/transferred to HEC online Account No. 17427900133401 (HBL, Shalimar Recording Company Branch, Sector H-9, Islamabad). All payments are to be made to HEC through HBL online facility. This facility is available in all branches of Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan. |
| 02 | What is the eligibility criteria forStipendium Hungaricum Programme? | Applicant must be a citizen of Pakistan/AJ&K.Must be between the age of 18-22 years for Undergraduate programs, for which they are applying for admission and the age limit should not exceed from 35 years for postgraduate Master’s (17/18 years) and PhD programs on January 15, 2021. In case of PhD programs, for full time employees of public sector Universities, Colleges and R&D organizations the maximum age must be 40 years on January 15, 2021.The applicant must have completed HSSC/Intermediate or equivalent for application in Bachelors (Undergraduate) Program.The applicant must have completed 16 years Bachelors Degree or equivalent for application in Masters (Postgraduate) Program.The applicant must have completed 17/18 years Masters Degree or equivalent for application in PhD Program.The applicant must fill all fields of BOTH Hungarian Application Form and HEC application form and no column or field should be left unfilled.Certificates/Transcript/Degrees to be attached must be attested by the attesting authorities such as IBCC and HEC. Equivalence of O & A levels from IBCC is mandatory.It is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (Medical, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine etc.) to first get confirmed its accreditation from the respective Councils i.e. Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) etc.IELTS/TOEFL scores as required, where applicable.All applicants must submit medical certificate of satisfactory health condition (as per Hungarian deadline), a written certificate from a physician to prove that the applicant does not have the following illnesses: AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, C or any other epidemic conditions)In case of final selection, applicants will have to submit a bond on legal paper to HEC that he/she will not change discipline after final award of scholarship, and immediately after completion of his/her degree, he/she will return back to Pakistan to serve the country for a period as prescribed by HEC. In case of failure to do so, HEC reserves the right to recover from candidate or his/her guarantor, a penalty amount as prescribed/decided by HEC.Applicants must fulfill all other requirements set by host Hungarian university/Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.In case of final selection, candidate has to submit a bond agreement with HEC. |
| 03 | I have applied on HEC portal. Do I need to apply on Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) Hungary portal? | It is MANDATORY that a candidate applies on both portals;https://eportal.hec.gov.pk/arlhttps://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu |
| 04 | What are the deadlines for both portals? | Deadlines for both portals is the same i.e. January 15, 2021 |
| 05 | What is the criteria for final selection? | Candidates are selected by keeping in view the following factors;Academic BackgroundWritten test score-at least 50%Approved federal quotaInterview by Hungarian Authorities |
| 06 | Are the universities and their programs accredited from Pakistani accredited bodies such as Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) etc.? | It is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (Medical, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Veterinary Medicine etc.) to first get confirmed its accreditation from the respective Councils i.e. Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) etc. |
| 07 | I do not have my final result yet. Can I apply? | Final result of applicants must be submitted online on HEC portal before closing date i.e. January 15, 2021. |
| 08 | What is age limit for Masters/PhD? | Maximum age limit for PhD applicants is 40 years only for full time employees of public sector Universities, Colleges and R&D organizations. For the rest of applicants of Masters/PhD, age limit is 35 years. |
| 09 | Is IELTS necessary for applying in Hungaricum scholarship? | Candidates applying for Undergraduate programs need to provide English Proficiency Certificate. Candidates applying for Masters/PhD need to check the requirement of Hungarian university that they are opting as to whether the university needs IELTS or not. |
| 10 | How many universities may I apply for this scholarship? | Every candidate may apply for two universities. |
| 11 | Is there any IELTS requirement by HEC? | There isn’t any requirement from HEC. However, applicants are advised in their own interest to check/fulfill requirements of their preferred universities. |
| 12 | Which subjects I can apply for? | A candidate can apply for those subjects only which are offered by both HEC & Hungarian (Tempus Public Foundation) portals. |
| 13 | If my age is below 18, am I eligible for Hungarian Scholarship? | Applicants must be between the age of 18-22 years for Undergraduate programs and 35 years for Masters/PhD programs. |
| 14 | If I don’t have passport, medical & police certificates, am I still eligible? | Yes. Applicants must provide passport, medical & police certificates after provisional selection by HEC. Initially, they must upload CNICs instead of passports on Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) portal but provide required documents before TPF deadline for completion of “Missing Documents”. |
| 15 | Can an afghan national apply for this scholarship? | No, only Pakistani / AJ&K national can apply for this scholarship. |
| 16 | Do we need equivalence of O level and A level? | Yes. Equivalence for O and A level is required for this scholarship. |
| 17 | What education is required if the applicant wants to apply for 04 years Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) program? | The applicant must have completed HSSC/Intermediate or equivalent for application in Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) program. |
| 18 | What education is required if the applicant wants to apply for Master’s program (Postgraduate program)? | The applicant must have completed 16 years Bachelors Degree or equivalent for application in Master’s (Postgraduate Program). |
| 19 | What education is required if the applicant wants to apply for One-Tier Master’s program? | The applicant must have completed HSSC/Intermediate or equivalent for application in One-Tier Master’s program. |
| 20 | What education is required if the applicant wants to apply for Ph.D. program? | The applicant must have completed 17/18 years Degree/or equivalent for application in PhD program. All students applying for PhD studies must have consent of acceptance by supervisor at the proposed host university. A statement of acceptance issued by the supervisor must be attached to the online application. |
| 21 | What are the documents required for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship? | The documents required for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Bachelors and Masters) are given below:1. Online application form2. Motivation Letter3. Proof of language proficiency and translations in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian4. School certificates and their translations in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian5. Transcript of records and translation in the language of the selected study program or in Hungarian6. Medical certificate7. Copy of passport8. Statement for ApplicationFor applicants applying for PhD studies, in addition to the above required documents, they would also need to provide the following:9. Research plan10. Letters of Recommendation and Statement of the Supervisor |
| 22 | What is the mandatory requirement while applying for Ph.D. programs? | All students applying for PhD studies must have consent of acceptance by supervisor at the proposed host university. A statement of acceptance issued by the supervisor must be attached to the online application. |
| 23 | Is GAT-General test conducted by NTS applicable for these scholarships? | No. GAT-General Test conducted by NTS is not applicable for these scholarships. |
| 24 | Which test is applicable for award of these scholarships? | Only HAT organized by Education Testing Council (ETC) is acceptable test for the award of these scholarships. Education Testing Council (ETC) arranges HAT test for eligible applicants for different scholarship schemes of HEC. ETC may arrange HAT test in January, 2021. |
| 25 | Are there any MS/M.Phil scholarships? | Yes, there are exclusive MS/M.Phil scholarships offered. |
| 26 | Can I edit or modify my submitted application for the scholarships program? | Applicants are advised to check all details of this scholarship scheme before filing/submitting online application form. Requests for amendment will not be entertained after submission of online application. |
| 27 | Is international GRE-General /Subject score acceptable? | No. International GRE-General/Subject is not acceptable for the award of this scholarship. However, the foreign host university may require the same for admission purpose. |
| 28 | Can public/private sector employees apply without informing their parent department? | Applicant has to apply through proper channel, however, advance copy of the application can be forwarded to HEC. |
| 29 | How can I fill out the online application form? | Applicants are required to submit online applications via HEC e-portal (eportal.hec.gov.pk)For users who have got their degree attested from HEC or already created common profile at HEC e-portal, please use your existing User ID (CNIC Number) and password to apply. Applicants who have not created common profile are required to create common profile first through online application process and then need to apply for scholarships after following the required procedure.Hard copy of application form and pre-requisite documents are not required at the initial stage. Moreover, please make sure to keep original bank deposit slip in your record. |
| 30 | Why Engineering disciplines are not available on HEC portal for Bachelors/Undergraduate studies? | Due to large intake of Engineering programs in previous 05 batches, this year all other Bachelors/Undergraduate programs are available except for Engineering related disciplines.However, for Masters & PhD studies, applicants can apply in Engineering programs. |
| 31 | I am already availing financial assistance/scholarship from university/institution. Am I eligible for this scholarship? | No, the students already availing financial assistance/scholarship from universities/institutions are not eligible to apply. |
