Your necessities for everyday life
Before you arrive in Hungary, please make sure that you have all the original copies of the documents required by the higher education institution for enrolment.
If you have any questions about the required documents and related details, please contact your host university.
Once your scholarship application is successfully completed, your university coordinator will send you a comprehensive information pack by email or via the DreamApply system. The information you will receive will vary slightly from university to university, but you are likely to find the following information:
- the contact details of your coordinator and the international office of the university,
- transfer options from the airport,
- description of the dormitory application procedure and other accommodation options,
- instructions on the residence permit application,
- description of the mentoring system,
- description of the university’s electronic administration system,
- TAJ card (Hungarian social security/national health insurance card) application process and additional health insurance options,
- student ID application process,
- tax card application process,
- and enrolment information.
Once you arrive in Hungary, you will have to complete a number of administrative tasks, but don’t worry, your university coordinators and mentors will be there to support and guide you if you feel a little lost at first.
Administrative tasks to complete
signing your Scholarship Agreement
Your scholarship status comes into effect when you sign your Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Agreement, without which you cannot receive your scholarship payments. At most universities, you can sign your scholarship agreement at the orientation meeting, or you may be asked to visit the university’s International Office after you arrive.
applying for a student ID
Once you are officially enrolled at your university, you will be entitled to a student card that will give you access to student discounts, and you can use public transport at reduced rates. Please follow your host institution’s instructions on the steps required to obtain your student card.
opening a bank account
You will need to open a bank account in Hungary to which your university will transfer your monthly grant. Most banks will require you to present your passport, a valid residence permit, and your address card to open a bank account. Please contact your mentor or university coordinator for more information on this.
applying for a tax card
You need to request a tax card at the National Tax and Customs Administration („Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal”). The application process is free of charge. You are required to present your passport, residence permit, Hungarian address card, and the completed application form.
applying for a TAJ card (Hungarian social security/national health insurance card)
You must apply for a TAJ card, which entitles you to the benefits of the public healthcare system in Hungary. Please note that bilateral agreements in force between Hungary and the partner countries may influence the administrative process and the issuing of TAJ cards. Please note that the Tempus Public Foundation does not have the authority to expedite the administration of TAJ cards. You may also be eligible for additional private health insurance, which will provide you with health services in English. Please contact your University Coordinator for further information.
applying for a residence permit
You must apply for a residence permit at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (“Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság”)
You will need to present your passport and entry visa, the completed application form, an ID photo, a document confirming your student status, and the accommodation reporting form. Please contact your host institution for further information on the residence permit application procedure, and additionally, for specific requirements, consult the information available on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
These are the most important administrative tasks you must complete on arrival.
Please note that university practices may vary, so we recommend that you keep in close contact with your mentor and coordinator, who can advise you on such tasks. Please contact your host institution after your arrival, attend the orientation meeting, and follow the advice and instructions of your host institution.