The scholarship programme 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.
Programme
University Research Scholarship Programme (EKÖP)
Source of funding for the programme
National Research, Development and Innovation Fund (Research Sub-fund)
Total budget
In 2026, the total budget for the programme is HUF 5 billion.
Submission of applications (institutions)
Applications can be submitted from 8:00 CET on 6 April 2026 until 24:00 CET on 30 April 2026 via the Electronic Portal for Application, Information and Communication (EPTK).
Submission of proposals (scholarship grantees)
As specified in the call 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 programme, eligible beneficiaries
EKÖP scholarship call 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.
Institutions participating in the EKÖP programme and available funding per project.
Institutions and frameworks established as recommended by the Research Council of Hungary.
| EKÖP 2026 | |
| Institution | Available funding |
| University of Veterinary Medicine | HUF 62,448,228 |
| Corvinus University of Budapest | HUF 207,996,809 |
| Budapest University of Economics | HUF 28,202,978 |
| Budapest Metropolitan University | HUF 70,506,534 |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics | HUF 455,663,250 |
| University of Debrecen | HUF 538,428,295 |
| Eötvös Loránd University | HUF 697,186,841 |
| Eszterházy Károly Catholic University | HUF 72,568,878 |
| Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary | HUF 76,319,086 |
| Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | HUF 277,068,436 |
| Hungarian University of Sports Science | HUF 15,094,328 |
| University of Miskolc | HUF 202,589,886 |
| National University of Public Service | HUF 126,240,412 |
| John von Neumann University | HUF 32,068,488 |
| University of Nyíregyháza | HUF 37,804,797 |
| Óbuda University | HUF 136,986,418 |
| University of Pannonia | HUF 154,032,672 |
| Pázmány Péter Catholic University | HUF 115,431,813 |
| University of Pécs | HUF 415,313,143 |
| Semmelweis University | HUF 402,180,960 |
| University of Sopron | HUF 84,452,087 |
| Széchenyi István University | HUF 211,217,085 |
| University of Szeged | HUF 444,677,310 |
| University of Dunaújváros | HUF 12,031,250 |
| Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music | HUF 28,080,000 |
| Hungarian University of Fine Arts | HUF 20,033,834 |
| Moholy-Nagy University of the Arts | HUF 46,464,000 |
| University of Theatre and Film Arts | HUF 20,400,000 |
| University of Tokaj-Hegyalja | HUF 8,512,182 |
| Total | HUF 5,000,000,000 |
Available funding per project (scholarship grantees)
The scholarship amount is HUF 125,000-250,000 /month/person. 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 2026 or 1 February 2027 Scholarships are awarded for a period of 5 to 12 months.
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.
Implementation of the Programme, evaluation of proposals and decision on awarding scholarships
As specified in the call for proposals of the institutions participating in the programme; the call documentation is in each case available on the institution’s website.
Legal background
EKÖP Programme is run in accordance with Government Decree 24/2013 (II.5.) on Excellence in National Higher Education.
Contact:
Institutions participating in the programme are invited to send their 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.