Frequently asked questions (Stipendium Hungaricum)
We know that arriving in a new country can be an exciting but challenging experience at first. Click on the questions below to have everything you need to know as a Stipendium Hungaricum student, answered.
Note: this is page contains information for new and current Stipendium Hungaricum students (I.e. nominees who have been made offers). If you have questions about how the scholarship programme works, or how to apply, you may want to visit our admissions frequently asked questions page.
When should I arrive?
- In 2021-22, registration/orientation week runs from 30 August to 3 September.
- Teaching starts on 6 September.
- We recommend that you arrive in Budapest in time for the registration week.
- Late registrations may not be permitted.
What are the transfer options from the airport?
Please note that the scholarship programme doesn’t cover your flight ticket and airport transfer.
There are three options when you arrive at Budapest airport to travel to the city centre.
1. Public transport
Bus 200E stops at the airport every 7-10 minutes. It takes you to Kőbánya-Kispest Metro station. From here you can travel to the city centre by Metro replacement bus (Metro Line 3 is under renovation).
At the airport, you can buy a transfer ticket at one of the vending machines for about 2.50 EUR. You will get two tickets. Validate the ticket with “1” written on it on the bus and then validate the ticket with “2” at the entrance of the Metro. You can use your debit/credit card when you buy the tickets.
2. Taxi
You can take a taxi from the airport. The official taxi company of the airport is Főtaxi. They have a booth in front of the arrival terminal. It is a good and reliable company and the ride to the city centre is about 30 EUR.
3. Airport shuttle
One ride to the city centre is about 16 EUR/person.
Note: some debit/credit cards and foreign currencies are not acceptable on the bus and Metro.
You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates are not the most competitive!
What is the university’s mentorship programme? How can I find out more?
- You have the opportunity to be assigned a mentor at the start of your studies at Corvinus.
- Your mentor is there to help you settle into everyday life in Hungary.
- We will email you about the mentorship programme before you start your studies!
What do I need to do after I arrive?
You will need to do the following shortly after arriving in Hungary:
- Register with your Programme Coordinator
- Register with Corvinus’ Stipendium Hungaricum Office
- Apply for a residence permit
- Open a Hungarian bank account
- Request a tax number
- Get your student ID.
How do I register with my Study Coordinator?
- You only need to register with your Programme Coordinator at the beginning of your first semester, first year.
- You will receive an email from your Programme Coordinator towards the end of August.
- The email will provide further details and instructions.
How do I register with Corvinus’ Stipendium Hungaricum Office?
- You need to register with our Stipendium Hungaricum Office at the beginning of each semester (throughout the duration of your studies).
- You will receive an email from the Office before each registration period: at the end of August (for Semester 1); by the middle of January (for Semester 2).
- You will need to sign a scholarship agreement on your first visit to the Office (at the start of your studies).
- Please note: transferring scholarship students require any previously signed scholarship agreement(s).
How do I apply for a residence permit?
As a Non-EU/EEA passport holder, there are two ways to enter Hungary:
- With a D-visa
- As a Schengen Area tourist.
How do I open a Hungarian bank account?
You will need a Hungarian HUF bank account to receive and make payments (e.g. for your scholarship).
Here are some of the best-known banks in Hungary, with branches within 10-15 minutes of the university:
- CIB Bank: 1094 Budapest, Ferenc körút 15.
- Erste Bank: 1082 Budapest, Baross utca 1-3.
- K&H Bank: 1053 Budapest, Kálvin tér 3.
- OTP Bank: 1085 Budapest, Kálvin tér 12-13.
Once you have a bank account number, make sure you send it to your Programme Coordinator. This is essential so that you can receive scholarship payments!
How can I apply for a tax ID?
- You will need a tax ID number to receive scholarship payments!
- Address: 1097 Budapest, Vaskapu u. 33-35.
- You will receive your tax ID card in the post several months later. However, you will receive a tax ID number immediately after your appointment.
- Once you have a tax ID number, make sure you send it to your Study Coordinator!
How can I apply for the permanent student ID?
- You should visit the Document Registering Office (“Okmányiroda”).
- Please bring your passport.
- You will have your photo taken and sign an application.
- Address: 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 2-3.
- You will receive a “NEK-code” that you must register in “NEPTUN”.
- NEPTUN is the student record management system used by universities in Hungary. You will have a unique academic record in NEPTUN, which will be maintained during your time studying at Corvinus.
Steps of registration your Student ID
1. Go to NEPTUN –> Administration –> Student Card Request –> Click on “Add New”
2. Register your NEK-code. This will be on the right side of the NEK document you receive. Enter the numbers and letters only.
3. Choose: First Application
4. Confirm your permanent address and save. You can request a temporary student card from your Study Coordinator whilst you wait for the permanent card (which takes around 2-4 months).
Note: the temporary student card is valid for a maximum of 60 days. You should request another if it expires before your permanent card is ready. When you receive your permanent card, get it validated by your Programme Coordinator. It must be validated each semester.
What do I need to do to receive my monthly living costs scholarship?
- Activate your student status in NEPTUN (our student record management system). Do this by 10 September latest (to receive payments in October).
- Sign the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship agreement at the start of your first semester only!
- Register in person during your enrolment/registration week – bring your passport (and residence permit if you have). Do this at the start of each semester for the duration of your studies!
- Apply for a tax ID and make sure your tax ID number is registered by your Programme Coordinator. Do this by 25 September latest (to receive payments in October).
- Open a HUF account and make sure your HUF account is registered by your Programme Coordinator. Do this by 25 September latest (to receive payments in October).
Make sure 1-5 are complete to receive scholarship(s) for living costs (and accommodation contribution, if applicable)!
Semester 1 payments will made in October, earliest. You will receive any backdated payments (e.g. for September) when you get your first payment.
Semester 2 payments will be made in March, earliest. You will receive any backdated payments (e.g. for January) when you get your first payment. You must register before the 10th day of the preceding month, otherwise, your scholarship payments will be delayed. For example, if you register on 9 September, you will receive your payments in October. However, if you register on 11 September, you will receive your payments in November. After the first payment – each payment is made on the 15th day of each month.
How can I secure university accommodation?
- In line with government regulation and due to the covid-19 pandemic, university dormitories are currently closed.
- We will update students about availability for September 2021.
How much will I receive and what are the living costs in Budapest?
Living costs are giving as guidance only and are subject to lifestyle, expenditure and exchange rates! The monthly scholarship amounts are shown below. Please note: only students who are not living in university accommodation will receive accommodation support.
| Type of student | Living costs per month | Accommodation per month |
| BA/BSc, MA/MSc | 43 700 HUF | 40 000 HUF |
| PhD year 1 and 2 | 140 000 HUF | 40 000 HUF |
| PhD year 3 and 4 | 180 000 HUF | 40 000 HUF |
The amounts above are not typically enough to cover your full living costs in Budapest.
A modest estimate of student living costs in Budapest is as follows:
- Rent 85 000 – 150 000 HUF
- Utility bills 25 000 – 30 000 HUF
- Additional 100 000 – 150 000 HUF
- In total, this is around 210 000 – 280 000 HUF (c. €580 – 780).