Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (SCYP)

We are happy to inform you that the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People online application system for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open! The deadline for submitting the application is 10th January 2026 (until 23:59 Central European Time).

About the Programme

Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (hereinafter: Scholarship Programme) is a scholarship programme established by the Government of Hungary in the spirit of the policy of solidarity towards persecuted Christian religious minorities. The aim of the Scholarship Programme is to enable Christian young people from crisis regions of the world who are subject to religious persecution, threats, or restrictions on the free exercise of religion in their home countries to pursue higher education in Hungary. An important added value of the scholarship programme is that young people return home after their years of study to contribute to their communities and country.

Since the start of the scholarship programme, 323 people have graduated in Hungary, 8 people earned a PhD degree and more than 160 students are currently studying in 14 higher education institutions.

Application

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the scholarship is announced for the citizens of the following countries:

Chad, Ghana, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Pakistan, Syria, Armenia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niger

Applicants can apply via the dedicated online application form. The Scholarship Programme is based on the cooperation between the State Secretariat for Persecuted Christians and local Christian churches in crisis regions. Candidates must have an official letter of recommendation from their local church confirming that they are an active member of that church. Following the institutional admission tests and selection, the Minister for Culture and Innovation awards the scholarships on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for the programme. Students who are awarded a scholarship sign a student contract directly with their higher education institution. Learn more about the Application here: Apply to the Programme.

You can find all the information you need on this website. If you have a question, please consult the Call for Applications carefully and read the frequently asked questions before contacting our colleagues. In case you need any further information, contact us on the email address below. Please note that personal meetings at the Hungary Helps Agency office are not possible.

Contact us

E-mail: SCYP@hungaryhelps.gov.hu

From student testimonials

format_quoteScholarship for Christian Young People is a help sent from Heaven to the socially and financially challenged. Many dreams will be actualized through SCYP.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteBeing part of this program is a big responsibility for me to help people in my country and to let them know that someone in Hungary cares about them.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteWithout thinking twice, I would highly recommend studying in Hungary, it is the experience of a lifetime. You would not just be living with Hungarians, but also people of nationalities and cultures far and close. My only suggestion would be to learn the Hungarian language; no matter how little, it would go a long way.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteThis is the best scholarship there is. Thank you so much for all the care and the show of genuine love. I am really grateful for what this scholarship represents. It has changed my personal and professional life and has given me great hope for the future. I had lost this hope that was lost in my home country and I am really thankful for this scholarship for changing my life for the better. It is because of this I have decided to assist people in difficult situations and help them to cultivate a strong belief for their future.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteThis scholarship is a blessing in many ways. It prepares you for a better today and a brilliant tomorrow in all facets of life. It restores your dignity, gives you a level playground and an advocate for a safe world. It provides you more than tuition in making contacts and networks, gives you much-needed exposure, literally hold your hand to your completion of the program without forgetting to provide constant reminders and connections to God. It makes change agents for communes all over the world and impacts different communities via the fully baked beneficiaries.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteAs a scholarship holder of the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (SCYP), the program means a great deal to me. It has provided me with invaluable support and opportunities for personal, academic, and spiritual growth. The SCYP has not only assisted me financially but has also fostered a strong sense of community and connection with like-minded individuals who share my Christian values. Being part of this program has allowed me to pursue my educational goals while staying true to my faith, and I am grateful for the enriching experiences and lasting friendships it has brought into my life.

Scholarship Holder

News

10/20/2025

Opening Ceremony 2025

We formally commenced the 2025/2026 academic year of the Scholarship Program for Christian Young People with a special inaugural Mass at Church of St. Anthony of Padua. Full report and photo gallery available!

6/4/2025

Minds in the Spotlight – Our Scholarship Holders at the OTDK

This year’s OTDK once again brought great success for our scholarship holders. It is with genuine honor and joy that we introduce those scholarship holders who participated in this year’s conference.

4/15/2025

A Milestone for the Scholarship Programme: Success at the Vivicittá Run

Huge congratulations to our scholarship holders for completing the 40th Telekom Vivicittá International Running Race with fantastic times!

From student testimonials

format_quoteScholarship for Christian Young People is a help sent from Heaven to the socially and financially challenged. Many dreams will be actualized through SCYP.

Scholarship Holder

format_quoteBeing part of this program is a big responsibility for me to help people in my country and to let them know that someone in Hungary cares about them.

Scholarship Holder