The Stipendium Hungaricum Student Scholarship Programme also contributes to the development of the host institution by increasing the capabilities of our universities and colleges to attract foreign students through assuring payment of course costs, and also contributes to increasing our international competitiveness.

The scholarship is made up of two parts: the costs of the course and a monthly sum paid to the student. Scholarships provided by the Hungarian party do not affect state-subsidised places at host institutions.

Foreign students who have completed their studies in Hungary represent a significant pool of contacts towards the development of our foreign trade relations, supporting our market aspirations, the image of Hungary and the international-level awareness of Hungarian knowledge and intellect. Foreign students who have completed their studies here further the country's reputation through their professional contacts, and thus help increase awareness of Hungarian achievements throughout the world. This is why the Hungarian Government has set up the Stipendium Hungaricum, which is a new type of scholarship within the field of international relations in education.

Based on bilateral agreements on education, the best foreign students are determined by the foreign partner with the involvement of local Hungarian foreign representations. The chosen students may gain a place at the institute of higher education in question after meeting the entry requirements set forth by the institution.

The scholarship may be awarded for attending self-funded courses provided by Hungarian institutes of higher education in Hungarian or in a foreign language, up to the maximum annual number of students determined in the related bilateral agreements on education. The scholarship may be awarded for both Hungarian and English language courses, taking into account the available capacities of Hungarian institutions and the requirements set forth by the sending country. The precise criteria shall be included in separate inter-governmental agreements on education.

Based on Government Decree 147/2002 (VI.29) on the Hungarian Scholarship Forum and the Hungarian Scholarship Board Office, the Hungarian Scholarship Board Office shall be responsible for the duties related to providing scholarships on the basis of inter-governmental contracts and agreements. Applications must be submitted to the Hungarian Scholarship Board Office. The Minister of Human Resources shall award scholarships based on the professional recommendations of the Hungarian Scholarship Board.

In the interests of the earliest possible launch of the programme, preliminary negotiations have already begun with our foreign partners parallel to the development of the scholarship programme and the elaboration of the Government decree on the establishment of the scholarship. The education agreements that will make it possible for students and research exchanges to begin at the beginning of next term shall be concluded during the autumn.

In accordance with our policy of opening towards the East, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states, China, Japan and several other Central Asian countries have been invited to participate in the scheme. Negotiations are also underway with our Near Eastern and Latin American partners with regard to possible participation in the new scholarship programme.

(State Secretariat for Higher Education)