The deputy head of the Tempus Public Foundation (TPF), Marton Belik, who was in Albania on a visit  (8-9 February) explained to Albanian Daily News in an exclusive interview that that institution is a non-profit organization established by the Hungarian Government, with the task of managing international cooperation programmes and special projects in the field of education, training and EU-related issues.

Mr. Belik spoke of the history and the activity of the foundation since its creation and its targets, how it is organized and operates in Hungary and the ways of cooperation with foreign countries. 

"TPF manages about 20 different programmes including the programmes of the European Union and the Hungarian government," said the Head of the foundation.

Asked by ADN, he explained how Albanian students can reach out and apply for a scholarship, what requirements should applicants meet, or what things that they should bear in mind etc.

Mr. Belik even provides details how to apply from Albania in the following interview:

- What type of organization is the Tempus Public Foundation? Is it a private or state-owned foundation?

-Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) is a non-profit organization established by the Hungarian Government, with the task of managing international cooperation programmes and special projects in the field of education, training and EU-related issues. It is a background organisation of the ministry responsible for education.

TPF aims at supporting initiatives aiming at the modernization and quality improvement of education, training and human resources development, encouraging international cooperation and mobility including the encouragement of Hungarian higher education institutions to attract top foreign students. Its activities include the management and promotion of scholarship and cooperation programmes, functioning as a knowledge centre and providing training courses.

- When was the Foundation established? How many students internationally have you sponsored to study in Hungary so far?

-The Foundation was established in 1996. As it manages programmes including not only the field of higher education but secondary education, professional trainings and adult education as well, the mobility statistics vary by programme. Within the Stipendium Hungaricum programme, about 3500 new international students receive the scholarship each academic year.

- How many programs does the Tempus Publication Foundation manage and offer to international students? More specifically, how many scholarship programs are available to Albanian students?

-TPF manages about 20 different programmes including the programmes of the European Union and the Hungarian government. In the field of higher education, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship programme (for full degree and partial studies), the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme (partial studies for students) and the Hungarian State Scholarship Programme  (summer universities, research) and CEEPUS programmeare currently available for Albanian students to study in Hungary. However, Albanian higher education students might benefit from other international programmes as well, aiming at institutional cooperation between Hungarian and foreign universities.

- How does the Tempus Public Foundation decide to which areas of study/major that you will provide scholarship? How many universities are participating in your scholarship programs?

-It depends on the specific scholarship programmes. Both in the case of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme and the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme, the available study fields are determined by bilateral cooperation agreements. Regarding the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, it is the cooperation agreements signed between the ministries responsible for education in Hungary and Albania, and regarding the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme, it is the Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreements signed between the Hungarian higher education institutions participating in the programme and their Albanian partner higher education institutions. CEEPUS programme also fosters institutional co-operation such as Erasmus + programme, universities of Albania and/or Hungary may apply for funding for co-operation, mobilities.

In the current 2016-2017 academic year, 27 Hungarian institutions participate in the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme and 22 Hungarian institutions take part in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme. This number may vary in the following academic year as the institutional participation in both programmes is based on institutional applications.

- How much is the financial aid in average that each student can get? Does it depend on the specific study program one would apply? In addition, what is the average cost for living and studying in Hungary?

- It depends on the specific scholarship programmes, not the study fields. According to current legislations, the Stipendium Hungaricum programme provides: tuition-free education; monthly stipend: HUF 40 460 (cca EUR 130) a month for non-degree, bachelor, master and one-tier master level students, and HUF 140 000 (cca EUR 445) a month for doctoral level studies;  accommodation: dormitory place or a monthly contribution of HUF 30 000 (cca EUR 100) – from 2017/2018 academic year HUF 40 000 (cca  EUR 125) to accommodation costs; and medical insurance.

In case of the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme, this academic year the Albanian incoming students studying in Hungary are provided a monthly scholarship: EUR 750 / month, and a contribution to travel costs depending on distance: 275 EUR for 500 – 1999 KM

The costs of living in Hungary are relatively low with a very favourable cost-to-value ratio a safe and friendly living environment. Prices vary by city, with the capital being more expensive of course. Students are encouraged to visit our Study in Hungary website (http://studyinhungary.hu) that aims to provide useful practical information about living in Hungary with topics such as living costs, climate, culture and many more. On this website, students can calculate their living costs with sections of accommodation, food, recreation, transportation, by choosing the Hungarian city and a currency.

Scholarship amount of CEEPUS Programme varies on host country. Scholarship holders (students) will receive HUF 100.000 (cca. EUR 315) a month, for short term excursions HUF 25.000 (cca. 80 euros) incoming teachers will receive HUF 125.000 (cca. 380 euros).

-How can Albanian students reach out to you and apply for a scholarship? In order to be a highly qualified and competitive candidate, what requirements should applicants meet, or what are things that they should bear in mind, e.g. apply as early as possible? Based on your experience, what is the approval rate over entire applications you receive?

-Regarding the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme the requirements are set in the inter-institutional agreements between the Hungarian higher education institutions and their partner universities. In this programme, students do not apply through Tempus Public Foundation. It is the Hungarian universities that apply to TPF stating the number of students (as well as teachers and staff members) they wish to welcome (or send) from (or to) their particular partner universities. Therefore, the first point of contact for interested students would be their own Albanian universities, including information on requirements and so on.

In case of the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, however, the students are encouraged to contact us directly on one of the ways mentioned on our website: www.stipendiumhungaricum.hu. The study and language requirements depend on the host universities and exact study programmes. These details can be reached on our website. The general requirements currently include that the applicant should not be a Hungarian citizen or a former Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder re-applying for studies in the same cycle of education (e.g. bachelor, master, doctoral).

We advise Stipendium Hungaricum applicants to not to forget to submit their application to Tempus Public Foundation until the given deadlines. We also encourage them to make sure they read and understand all parts of the Call for Application, visit the website of both TPF and their chosen host institutions for details, provide precise contact details in their applications, submit all the required application documents, and upload files in our online application system with correct file formats and files that can be opened. Applicants are also highly advised to apply for 3 different study programmes (instead of only one or two) in order of preference and are highly encouraged to contact TPF if they need any help with the application process.

CEEPUS applicants shall contact the institutional CEEPUS coordinator in order to discuss their opportunities. It is also possible to become a freemover student, in that case please contact the National CEEPUS Office.  The Albanian NCO is Iliriana Topulli ([email protected], MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS, Department of Integration and Projects Head of Unit for European Integration and International Cooperation).  For further information can be found at: https://www.ceepus.info.