HEC Announces Special USAT & HAT Tests for Stipendium Hungaricum 2026

HEC Announces Special USAT and HAT Tests for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially announced that special USAT and HAT test sessions will be conducted exclusively for students applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme 2026.
This decision aims to facilitate candidates who either have not yet appeared in the required tests or want to improve their existing test scores to strengthen their scholarship applications.

According to the notification issued by HEC, all applicants must submit valid USAT or HAT scores as part of their application for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Since hundreds of students apply for this prestigious international scholarship every year, HEC is organizing a dedicated test session to ensure equal opportunities for all eligible candidates across Pakistan.

Registrations Open on December 8, 2025

HEC has announced that online registration for the special USAT and HAT tests will begin on December 8, 2025. Students can apply through the official Education Testing Council (ETC) portal available at:

etc.hec.gov.pk

As per HEC guidelines, students must create an account on the ETC portal, fill out the required details, upload necessary documents, and generate a fee challan to complete their registration.

The last date to register for the test is January 15, 2026, and HEC has strongly advised candidates not to wait until the final days for submission, as the portal usually experiences heavy traffic close to the deadline.

Test Date Announced: February 1, 2026

The special USAT/HAT session for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026 will be conducted on February 1, 2026, at designated test centers across the country.
HEC will notify candidates about their roll number slips, test centers, and instructions through the ETC portal and via SMS/email.

This dedicated testing opportunity is particularly important for students who:

• Did not appear in any USAT or HAT test in 2025

• Want to improve their previous scores

• Missed the earlier deadlines

• Are applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies under the scholarship

The special session ensures that no eligible student is left behind due to a lack of valid test scores.

Importance of USAT and HAT for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The USAT (Undergraduate Studies Admission Test) is mandatory for applicants seeking admission in undergraduate degree programs under the scholarship.
Similarly, the HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) is required for students applying for master’s and PhD programs.

These tests help standardize the evaluation process and ensure transparency in the selection of deserving candidates. Scores earned in these tests play a major role in determining merit for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship.

With thousands of students competing every year, having strong test scores significantly increases the chances of being shortlisted by HEC and later by Hungarian universities.

About the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the most sought-after international scholarship opportunities available to Pakistani students. Offered by the Government of Hungary in collaboration with HEC, the program provides fully funded scholarships for:

• Undergraduate (BS) programs

• One-tier master’s programs

• Master’s (MS/MPhil) programs

• Doctoral (PhD) studies

The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation support, monthly stipends, and medical insurance, allowing Pakistani students to pursue high-quality education in Hungarian universities without financial stress.

Over the years, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship has enabled thousands of Pakistani students to study abroad in world-class institutions, gain international exposure, and enhance their academic and professional profiles.

HEC Urges Early Registration to Avoid Technical Issues

In its latest announcement, HEC has encouraged students to complete registration as early as possible.
Many candidates face delays due to incomplete profiles, missing documents, or last-minute portal issues. To ensure a smooth application process, HEC recommends:

• Creating the ETC profile early

• Uploading clear and accurate documents

• Generating and paying the fee challan timely

• Downloading all important notifications from the portal

• Preparing for the test in advance

Students who fail to register by January 15, 2026, will not be allowed to sit for the special test session, which may disqualify them from the scholarship application process.

Why This Announcement Is Important for Students in 2026

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is extremely competitive, and students need to meet all eligibility requirements to move forward in the selection process.
The special USAT/HAT session allows candidates to:

• Secure valid test scores in time

• Improve their chances of getting shortlisted

• Strengthen their overall scholarship profile

• Avoid disqualification due to missing test requirements

This opportunity is especially beneficial for new graduates or students who did not previously have the chance to appear in the tests.

The Higher Education Commission’s decision to conduct special USAT and HAT tests for applicants of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026 is a highly beneficial step for Pakistani students planning to study in Hungary.
With registrations starting from December 8, 2025, and the deadline set for January 15, 2026, candidates must complete all formalities on time. The test scheduled for February 1, 2026, offers a crucial opportunity to secure the required scores and apply confidently for the fully funded international scholarship.

Students are strongly encouraged to stay updated through the ETC portal and ensure they meet all requirements well before the deadlines.