The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 is a fully funded international scholarship opportunity for students from selected developing countries who wish to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) degree in agriculture-related fields in Hungary. Jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Hungary, the programme aims to build human capacity in agriculture, food systems, and rural development by supporting talented young professionals.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the scholarship offers selected candidates the chance to study at leading Hungarian universities, gain internationally recognized qualifications, and acquire advanced knowledge that can be applied to agricultural development in their home countries.
Overview of the Scholarship
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme was established under an agreement signed between FAO and Hungary in 2007. Since then, it has supported students from eligible countries to pursue postgraduate studies in priority areas aligned with FAO’s mandate, including food security, sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental management.
The programme is highly competitive and targets motivated candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to agricultural development upon completion of their studies.
Application Period: 21 January – 28 February 2026
Study Start Date: September 2026
Mode of Information Sessions: Virtual events (21 January – 28 February 2026)
Available Master’s Degree Courses (2026–2027)
All courses under the FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme are taught entirely in English. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the following MSc programmes are available:
1. Master in Agricultural Biotechnology
University: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)
Campus: Szent István Campus, Gödöllő
This programme focuses on modern biotechnological approaches in agriculture, including genetic improvement, molecular biology, and sustainable crop production.
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2. Master in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering
University: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)
Campus: Kaposvár Campus, Kaposvár
The course emphasizes animal nutrition, feed quality control, food safety standards, and sustainable livestock production systems.
3. Master in Plant Protection
University: University of Debrecen
Faculty: Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management
Location: Debrecen
This programme covers integrated pest management, plant pathology, crop protection technologies, and environmental sustainability.
⚠️ Note: Courses will be offered provided the minimum required number of students is reached.
Scholarship Benefits
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship is fully funded and covers all major costs related to the student’s studies in Hungary. The scholarship includes:
- Full application and tuition fees for the entire study period
- Basic books and study materials
- Dormitory accommodation
- Monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses
- Comprehensive health insurance
All scholarship costs are financed by the Hungarian Government, in accordance with the agreement between FAO and Hungary.
🔔 Important: The scholarship covers student expenses only. Financial support is not provided for family members under this programme.
Eligible Countries and Territories
Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the following eligible countries or territories:
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 understood in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Application and Selection Process
The selection process for scholarships beginning in September 2026 takes place in two main phases.
Phase 1: FAO Pre-Screening
- Applicants submit complete application dossiers to FAO
- FAO reviews and pre-screens applications based on eligibility and selection criteria
- Only complete applications will be considered; incomplete or unnamed files will be rejected
- FAO forwards eligible applications to the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary, which then sends them to the selected universities
Phase 2: University Selection
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to take a written or oral English language examination
- Each participating university conducts its own independent selection process
- Final selection decisions are made solely by the universities, without FAO’s involvement
- Successful candidates are notified by both the university and the Hungarian Ministry
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Citizenship and residency in an eligible country
- Excellent academic performance
- English language proficiency (for English-taught programmes)
- Strong motivation and relevance of studies to home-country development
- Good health condition
- Age preference: candidates under 30 years are prioritized
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via email during the official application period.
Deadline: 28 February 2026
Applicants are strongly advised to carefully review the official guidelines, required documents, and application instructions provided by FAO.
Official application details and instructions:
https://www.fao.org/europe/events/detail/fao-hungarian-government-scholarship-programme-2026-2027/en
The FAO–Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for young professionals from developing countries to gain advanced education in agriculture and related fields. By combining high-quality academic training with full financial support, the programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in their home countries.
For eligible candidates passionate about agriculture and international development, this scholarship represents a powerful pathway to academic growth, professional advancement, and global impact.