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In view of the current epidemological situation, we recommend that scholarship holders do not leave Hungary and we strongly advise that you stay in your current place of residence. This is the safest option for you and your loved ones at home. If you stay in Hungary, you will receive the benefits provided by the scholarship programme: contribution to your housing and living expenses, health insurance and the additional health services.
 

Based on the Rules and Regulations of the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People and applicable legislation, the following is worth keeping in mind:

• If the scholarship holders leave the territory of Hungary, they can do so only with the permission of the host institution, and if they are absent for more than 30 days, they will lose their right to their living and housing allowance until their return, as these allowances are intended to contribute to their costs of living in Hungary.  However, they do not lose their scholarship status.
• Please be informed that, as per the decision of the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MIT) of 25 June 2020, the travel bans lifted on 15 March 2020 are now released, however, it is important to stress that there is no guarantee of your return. For further information in this regard, please visit https://tka.hu/new/14043/release-of-the-bans-on-travels-to-hungary.
• In addition to the above, scholarship holders will of course still have the opportunity to suspend their studies (passive semester), through the procedure set out under Section 45 (2) of the Act o n National Higher Education 204/2011. However, please bear in mind, that during the passive semester, scholarship holders are not entitled to their allowances provided by the programme. It is worth bearing in mind that, pursuant to paragraph (1) of the same Section, a continuous interruption shall not exceed two semesters unless authorized by their host institution. 

USEFUL LINKS

• You can keep yourself updated visiting http://abouthungary.hu/
• Further practical information from the National Union of Students in Hungary at https://hook.hu/hu/coronavirus/update-on-higher-education

 

FAQ in connection with COVID-19

 

 

Q: How can I keep myself updated?

A: Visit http://abouthungary.hu/
 

Q: Should I leave Hungary?

A: We recommend you not.The rationale behind the advice is that based on our current knowledge on the disease, the spread of the epidemic can best be reduced/slowed down by social distancing and the restriction of travelling, especially long distance and international mobility. The travelling of students to their home country (regardless of the distance) typically involves travelling by public transport, meaning that not only they leave their habitat (therefore increasing the risk of spreading the virus), but they are likely to be in situations where close contact with other people is unavoidable. Furthermore, with the current bans on international travels can risk the returning of the students and continue their studies within the framework of the scholarship programme. However, it is important to stress out that whilst TPF advise against the international travel of the scholarship holders, it is only a recommendation and travelling home will in no way result in any sanctions against the students for deciding to return to their home country.
 

Q: Are the Hungarian borders closed?

A: As per the decision of the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MIT) of 25 June 2020, the travel bans lifted on 15 March 2020 are now released, so scholarship mobilities are open again. For further details in this regard, please visit https://tka.hu/new/14043/release-of-the-bans-on-travels-to-hungary.
 

Q: What do I do in case I got stalled in a foreign country?

A: Please follow the instructions that has been shared with you via the official channels. Try to get in touch with the embassy of your home country.
 

Q: What if I leave Hungary and do not come back in 30 days?

A: If you leave Hungary, you can do so upon informing your host institution. If your absence exceeds 30 days, you will lose your right to your monthly stipend and housing allowance until your return, as these allowances contribute to your living costs in Hungary.
 

Q: Do I have to leave my room or the building of the dorm for another one in case my host University asks me to?

A: Yes, you do. This does not affect your right that the host institution still provides you with accommodation. Always follow the instructions shared by your host institution.

Q: Should I stay away from public places?

A: :Please be informed that new rules took effect recently, following the Hungarian Prime Minister’s announcement of the easing of curfew restrictions imposed in Budapest due to the novel coronavirus. The rules of easing the lockdown that came into effect outside of Budapest and Pest county from May 4 have come into effect from 18 May in the capital as well, but social distancing measures will continue to apply, meaning 1.5 meters distance will remain obligatory and wearing masks in shops and on public transport will still be compulsory. In this regard please visit https://tka.hu/new/13709/easing-of-curfew-restrictions-in-budapest.To ensure safety of yourself and others, please practice social distancing, and make sure to always follow the instructions given by your host institution. Please note that the easing of restrictions gives you a bit more freedom, and allows you to spend more time outdoors, but we ask you to still be careful and keep your social distance.
 

Q: Are the shops closed?

A: All shops and restaurants are reopened, wearing masks in shops and pharmacies is still obligatory.
 

Q: Can I keep continue my studies?

A: Yes, you can. The universities offer online courses now (distance learning), please get in touch with your SCYP coordinator regarding.
 

Q: What is it to know about distance education?

A: The host institutions will inform students about how each subject will be conducted. You may also contact your SCYP coordinator.
 

Q: Can I have a passive semester?

A: Yes, you do have the opportunity to suspend your studies, please contact your host institution regarding. However, it is important to stress out that during your passive semester, you will not be entitled for the benefits of scholarship holders.
 

Q: What if I cannot finish my studies in time?

A: Due to the state of emergency declared by the Government, there might be changes in the implementation of the ongoing academic year. For further details, please follow the official updates given by your host institution.
 

Q: Will I keep my scholarship status in case I do not return to Hungary in 30 days?

A: Yes, you will.
 

Q: How do I receive my allowances now?

A: Please contact your SCYP coordinator regarding.
 

Q: Who do I contact if I need help?

A: Please contact your SCYP coordinator or University mentor.
 

Q: Am I entitled to use the health services of the Hungarian social security system?

A: You are. As a scholarship holder, you are entitled for healthcare services and the services of your additional health insurance, of which you can receive detailed information from your host institution.
 

Q: Do the rules of the Rules and Regulations apply now?

A: Yes, they do. Should there be any changes because of the emergency situation, TPF will inform all scholarship holders immediately.

Last modified: 09-07-2020