Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
Invitation to Apply: FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2026–2027
For the academic year 2026–27, a selection of Master of Science degree programs conducted in English are available under the FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship initiative. These advanced courses focus on key agricultural sciences and are provided by prestigious Hungarian institutions:
- Master in Agricultural Biotechnology at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent István Campus, located in Gödöllő.
- Master in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering offered by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, in Kaposvár.
- Master in Plant Protection available at the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, situated in Debrecen.
Scholarship Framework and Benefits
These programs will commence provided that the minimum enrollment threshold is fulfilled. Recipients of the scholarship will receive comprehensive financial support covering:
- Application and tuition fees for the entire duration of the study period, inclusive of essential textbooks and study notes;
- Accommodation in dormitories;
- Living expenses;
- Health insurance coverage.
All these components are funded by the Hungarian Government, in accordance with the agreement established between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Hungary in 2007. It is important to emphasize that the scholarship finances only the expenses directly related to the student; support for family members is not provided under this program.
Eligible Countries for Application
Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the following countries or territories to qualify for this scholarship opportunity:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo1, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of Cabo Verde, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.
1References to Kosovo are made with regard to the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Application and Selection Procedure
The selection process outlined here applies to scholarships commencing in September 2026. The selection unfolds in two distinct stages:
- Phase 1: FAO will conduct an initial screening of candidates and forward eligible applications to the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry will then distribute these applications to the universities designated by the applicants. It is mandatory that candidates submit complete application files; incomplete or anonymous submissions will be disqualified from consideration.
- Phase 2: Candidates who advance past the initial screening may be required to undergo a written or oral English language examination as part of the university’s admissions criteria. Each participating university will manage its own further selection procedures and will communicate directly with successful applicants.
It should be noted that the final selection of students is the exclusive responsibility of the universities and does not involve FAO’s participation. The Hungarian Ministry will notify all selected candidates accordingly.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on the following qualifications:
- Possession of citizenship and residency in one of the eligible countries;
- Outstanding academic record;
- Proficiency in English, as all courses are taught in English;
- Demonstrated motivation and commitment;
- Good physical health;
- Age preference for candidates under 30 years old.
Important: Applications must be submitted via email between 21 January and 28 February 2026.
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