The scholarship programmes aim to support the training of the next generations of Hungarian researchers and creative artists, helping them to start and stay on a research and artistic career, and to support the work of outstanding young researchers and artists.
Programmes
University Research Scholarship Programme (EKÖP)
University Research Scholarship Programme - Cooperative Doctoral Programme (EKÖP-KDP)
Programme ID
2024-2.1.1-EKÖP
2024-2.1.2-EKÖP-KDP
Source of funding for the programmes
National Research, Development and Innovation Fund
Total budget
In 2024, the total budget for the programmes is HUF 10 billion. Maximum amount of available funding under EKÖP and EKÖP-KDP is 50% of the total budget, each.
Submission of applications (institutions)
Applications can be submitted from 8:00 CET on 10 June 2024 until 24:00 CET on 24 June 2024 via the Electronic Portal for Application, Information and Communication (EPTK).
Submission of proposals (scholarship grantees)
As specified in the calls for proposals of the institutions participating in the programmes; the call documentation is in each case available on the institution’s website.
Objective of the programmes, eligible beneficiaries
EKÖP scholarship calls promote student and researcher excellence by supporting undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, as well as young researchers and academics who are engaged in effective research and creative activities at the host higher education institution. EKÖP fosters creativity, scientific research and innovation, regardless of the scientific and artistic fields.
The EKÖP Cooperative Doctoral Programme aims to further increase the number of employees working in the RDI segment, primarily in the broader STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, agriculture, medicine, health and arts) and business and management sciences, who seek to enrich their professional knowledge with the latest scientific research and are committed to the social and economic exploitation of their knowledge.
Institutions participating in the EKÖP programmes and the available funding per project
Institutions identified on the basis of the recommendations of the EKÖP Council.
Available funding per project for scholarship grantees
The scholarship amount is HUF 125,000-250,000 /month/person under the EKÖP Programme and HUF 400,000/month/person under the EKÖP-KDP Programme. Moreover, the higher education institution’s call for proposals may also specify other benefits offered to research participants.
Period of scholarship
The start date of the scholarship period: 1 September 2024 or 1 February 2025 Scholarships are awarded for a period of 5 to 12 months in the EKÖP Programme and for 24 to 48 months in the EKÖP-KDP Programme.
Who is eligible for an EKÖP scholarship
Th EKÖP Programme is open to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, as well as to academics and researchers who have obtained their doctorate degree no more than 5 years ago. The EKÖP-KDP Programme is open to doctoral students.
Implementation of the Programmes, evaluation of proposals and decision on awarding scholarships
As specified in the calls for proposals of the institutions participating in the programmes; the call documentation is in each case available on the institution’s website.
Legal background
EKÖP Programmes are run in accordance with Government Decree 24/2013 (II.5.) on Excellence in National Higher Education.
Contact:
Institutions participating in the programmes are invited to send the enquiries to nkfialap@nkfih.gov.hu and ekop@nkfih.gov.hu. Scholarship grantees are encouraged to contact the relevant higher education institution for more information on how to apply.