Study in Europe | FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026

February 14, 2026 10:29 am

Study in Europe | FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship 2026

Students seeking a tuition-free master’s degree in Europe now have a premier opportunity to secure fully funded studies in Hungary. The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year has officially opened its application window. This highly competitive European award offers international students from eligible countries a complete financial package to pursue specialized English-taught MSc degrees in agriculture and life sciences at top Hungarian universities.

Comprehensive Scholarship Coverage

Successful applicants receive a fully funded study experience that removes virtually all financial barriers. The Hungarian Government finances the following through its agreement with FAO:

Full coverage of application and tuition fees for the entire master’s program duration.
Provision of basic textbooks and academic notes required for coursework.
Free dormitory accommodation throughout the study period.
A monthly subsistence allowance to manage daily living costs.
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the scholarship tenure.

Therefore, selected scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial stress while studying in one of Europe’s most affordable and student-friendly destinations.

Available MSc Programmes and Host Universities

For the 2026–2027 intake, three distinct English-taught master’s programmes are available at leading Hungarian institutions:

MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent István Campus, Gödöllő.
MSc in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, Kaposvár.
MSc in Plant Protection: University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Debrecen.

These programmes combine rigorous theoretical training with applied research and practical field experience, aligning closely with global priorities in food security and sustainable agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

This scholarship targets academically outstanding students from eligible developing and transition countries. Candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

Hold citizenship and current residency in an eligible country from the official list.
Demonstrate excellent academic achievements in prior university studies.
Provide a valid English language proficiency certification for English-taught instruction.
Submit a compelling motivation statement aligned with agricultural development goals.
Be in good physical health.
Candidates under 30 years of age receive preference during selection.

Eligible Countries and Territories

The programme welcomes applicants from approximately 50 nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The complete eligible country list includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of Cabo Verde, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.

Two-Stage Selection Process

The application and selection process follows a structured two-phase approach :

FAO Pre-screening: Candidates submit complete application dossiers via email to REU-Scholarship@fao.org. FAO reviews submissions for eligibility and completeness, then forwards qualified applications to Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture.
University Evaluation: The Ministry distributes applications to the respective universities. Shortlisted candidates may undergo written or oral English examinations. Final selection rests solely with the universities, which notify successful applicants directly.

How to Apply

Access the official announcement and prepare your application here:

Click Here to Apply

Critical Application Deadline

The application window opened on 21 January 2026 and closes definitively on 28 February 2026. All required documents must be submitted via email as a complete dossier within this period. Incomplete submissions or files lacking applicant names will not be processed under any circumstances.

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, this programme has supported approximately 400 young professionals who have returned home as agricultural ambassadors and sector leaders. Begin preparing your documents today to join this distinguished network of scholars.