MA in Educational Science (Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship Programme – DFP)

Programme Overview

The MA in Educational Science at the University of Sopron equips students with advanced knowledge of educational theories, methodologies, and practices. Designed for future education specialists and community leaders, the programme integrates insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, law, and economics to address contemporary global and local educational challenges.

Offered within the framework of the Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship Programme (DFP), this degree provides members of the Hungarian diaspora with high-level academic training, intercultural competence, and an opportunity to reconnect with Hungarian language, culture, and academic heritage.

General Information & Scholarship Benefits

Diaspora Scholarship Provisions:

• Tuition-free Education: Exemption from the payment of tuition fees for the full duration of studies.

• Health Insurance: Full health care services under the Hungarian National Health Insurance (TAJ) and supplementary private health coverage.

• Hungarian Language Studies: Free Hungarian as a Foreign Language and Culture courses throughout the study period.

• Monthly Stipend & Accommodation Contribution: Available upon request/application in accordance with DFP regulations for eligible students.

Why Choose This Programme?

The programme prepares students to become highly qualified educational professionals capable of driving pedagogical innovation in multicultural settings, community development, and international educational administration.

• Intercultural Focus: Deep understanding of international education systems and intercultural pedagogy, ideal for working with diaspora communities and multinational educational institutions.

• Hungarian Heritage & Community Connection: Build bridges between Hungary and diaspora organizations worldwide through educational projects and cultural exchange.

• Innovation & Modern Trends: Comprehensive coursework on digitalisation, AI in pedagogical settings, neuropedagogy, and environmental education.

Fields of Study & Curriculum Highlights:

• Theoretical Foundations of Educational Science (15–20 credits)

• Psychological, Social, Political, and Legal Contexts of Education (15–20 credits)

• Research Methodology in Education and Civilization Studies (15–20 credits)

• Pedagogical Innovation and Organizational Development (25–30 credits)

• Specialization: Intercultural Pedagogy (40–45 credits)

• Obligatory DFP element: Hungarian as a Foreign Language and Culture

Key Subjects Include:

• Pedagogical Research & International Education Systems

• Neuropedagogical Research in Education

• Environmental Education & Green Pedagogical Aspects

• Evolutionary Psychology & Children’s Culture

• Intercultural Communication and Competence Development

• Digitalisation, Media, and Education in the Age of AI

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

To qualify under the Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet both general academic criteria and diaspora-specific criteria:

1. Diaspora Eligibility:

   • Hungarian roots / identity (living outside of Hungary, outside of EU member states, and outside of neighbouring countries of Hungary with designated exceptions per call).

   • Recommendation Letter: A letter of recommendation from a recognised Hungarian Diaspora organisation or the relevant Hungarian diplomatic mission confirming connection to the diaspora community.

2. Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc):

   • Diploma in related disciplines (Pedagogy, Andragogy, Teacher Education, Psychology, Social Pedagogy).

   • 50-Credit Requirement: Candidates holding degrees in other disciplines are eligible provided they have completed at least 50 ECTS credits in pedagogy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, or law.

3. Academic Transcripts: Certified English translation of diploma and transcript of records.

4. English Language Proficiency:

   • Minimum B2 level certificate (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge FCE) or an official Medium of Instruction (MoI) letter proving that the previous degree was completed in English.

5. Motivation Letter & Heritage Essay:

   • A detailed letter (approx. 2000–3000 characters) describing your educational interest, career aspirations, and how you plan to utilise your knowledge to support the Hungarian diaspora community.

6. Passport & Medical Certificate: Valid passport copy and medical verification as specified in the call.

Application Steps

1. DFP DreamApply Portal: Submit your application on the official Diaspora Scholarship Application Portal by selecting the University of Sopron – MA in Educational Science.

2. Document Verification: Upload your diaspora recommendation letter, motivation letter, academic credentials, and language certificates.

3. Institutional Interview: Eligible candidates will be contacted by the Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy for an online entrance interview / motivational assessment.

4. Scholarship Award: Tempus Public Foundation issues the official scholarship notifications by summer.

About the Faculty

The Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy in Sopron is known for its personal, student-centred learning atmosphere and historic pedagogical traditions. Nestled near the Austrian border in one of Hungary’s most historic and green cities, the Faculty provides an ideal and supportive setting for diaspora students to connect with European pedagogical standards and Hungarian cultural life.

Contact

Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy

University of Sopron, Hungary

• Dr. Réka KISSNÉ ZSÁMBOKI

  Vice-Dean for Science and International Affairs

  📞 +36 (99) 518-930

  ✉️ kissne.zsamboki.reka@uni-sopron.hu

• Mr. Tamás NÉMETH

  International Coordinator

  📞 +36 (99) 518-946

  ✉️️ nemeth.tamas@uni-sopron.hu