Disciplines such as economics, engineering, information technology, healthcare, and social sciences were the leading areas of interest among applicants, according to official statistics.

Interest in the scholarship has surged dramatically in recent years. Applications exceeded 57,000 in 2023, representing a 60% rise compared to the 2020-2021 academic year, before reaching approximately 80,000 the following year, and then escalating to a new high this cycle.

Around 51% of applicants in the last academic year hailed from Asia, closely followed by 45% from Africa. More than 11,000 Stipendium Hungaricum beneficiaries are currently studying in Hungary.

Institutions and experts cite Hungary's comparatively low living expenses as a key attraction. The University of Debrecen emphasizes that costs of living in Hungary are notably lower than in numerous other European nations.

Statistics referenced by Euronews in 2024 placed Hungary among the top 10 European countries with the lowest personal living expenses.

Hungary has also been enhancing its academic reputation. As per Times Higher Education, 12 Hungarian universities are now featured in global rankings, with Semmelweis University positioned in the 251-300 range.

The Stipendium Hungaricum initiative is managed by Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and operates via bilateral educational agreements with partner countries. It encompasses undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across approximately 900 offerings from 30 Hungarian universities.

Scholarship winners receive complete tuition exemption, health insurance, and free on-campus housing or a monthly accommodation allowance of 40,000 HUF ($125) for off-campus living.

Monthly living allowances are set at 43,700 HUF for master's scholars. Doctoral candidates are allocated 140,000 HUF monthly for their first four semesters, increasing to 180,000 HUF for the subsequent four semesters.

According to University World News and the study-abroad platform Meta Apply, close to 42,000 international students are presently enrolled in Hungary. The government aims to attract 100,000 foreign students over the next five years.