In the following days, 480 foreign students from 25 countries will arrive to Hungary for the academic year of 2014/2015 in order to begin their studies in 16 academic institutions. The programme, which was founded by the Hungarian Government in 2013, is coordinated by the Balassi Institute and it is encompassing a university preparatory training in Hungarian language for foreign students as well.

The aim of the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme is to let students coming from countries of the ‘Eastern Opening’ finish their full-time bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in Hungary and after graduation, facilitate economic and cultural development in their countries.

However, the programme will also contribute to the achievement of the government’s foreign policy and foreign trade objectives, the growth of international awareness and the recognition of Hungarian higher education as well as the formation of a positive image of the country.

The scholarship can be applied through an agreement which was concluded by the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities and ministries of education of the respective countries.

Until August 2014, such agreements have been signed with 28 countries: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Georgia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kurdistan Regional Government (Iraq), Laos, Lebanon, Macedonia, Morocco, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Nigeria, Palestine, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Vietnam and Yemen – out of these, students from 25 countries may begin their studies in Hungary this autumn.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)