The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity offered through a partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Hungary. It enables students from eligible countries to pursue Master of Science (MSc) degrees in agricultural and related sciences at Hungarian universities.
Overview
This scholarship is designed to support young professionals from developing countries and selected regions to gain advanced academic and practical knowledge in fields that contribute to global food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. The programme is fully funded by the Hungarian Government under an agreement with FAO, and all major student costs are covered for the duration of the Master’s programme.
Host Country and Universities
- Country: Hungary
- Courses are taught in English and offered at institutions such as the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Szent István and Kaposvár campuses) and the University of Debrecen.
Available Master’s Programmes (Example – 2026–27)
- MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology – Szent István Campus, Gödöllő
- MSc in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering – Kaposvár
- MSc in Plant Protection – University of Debrecen
Scholarship Coverage
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship programme covers the following:
- Application and full tuition fees for the entire study period
- Basic books and academic notes
- Dormitory accommodation
- Subsistence allowance for living costs
- Health insurance during study period
All student expenses are financed by the Hungarian Government, and family members are not included in the scholarship package.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this fully funded opportunity, applicants typically must:
- Be nationals and residents of an eligible country (many countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe are included).
- Have excellent academic performance.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English, as courses are taught in English.
- Show strong motivation for their field of study.
- Be in good health.
- Candidates under 30 years old are often preferred.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are submitted by email within a specified window (for example, from 21 January to 28 February 2026 for the 2026–27 intake). Completed application dossiers are pre-screened by FAO and forwarded to the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, which then sends them to the selected universities. Universities may require written or oral English examinations as part of their own selection process.
Why This Scholarship Is Valuable
This programme not only provides a tuition-free Master’s education in Europe, but also supports students financially so they can focus on advanced study in agricultural and environmental sciences, potentially contributing to sustainable development and food security in their home countries.
