03/30/2020
Dear Scholarship Holders,
You have probably heard or read by now that the Hungarian Government is imposing a curfew restriction between March 28 and April 11, which means that you must not leave your place of residence/place of stay, except for work, basic necessities and well-founded reasons, which are the following (according to the Government Decision No 71/2020 (III. 27.))
- using health-care services, which includes both physical and mental health services (e.g. psychotherapy, physiotherapy)
- individual leisure sports activities, walking in the open air, and in the cities, preferably in green spaces, carried out alone or with the members of the same household, with a minimum distance of 1.5 meters
- taking care of pets eg. taking them for walks in public spaces, taking them to the vet
- administration requiring personal appearance, including government, banking, financial, insurance and postal services ONLY if personal appearance is absolutely necessary
- taking care of vulnerable persons (the sick, the elderly or children)
- getting married or holding a funeral ceremony in a tight family circle
- religious activities (except visiting places of public worship)
Extended stay in restaurants, bars, pubs, fast food outlets or any other such catering establishments is forbidden. However, it is allowed to order take-outs in person or with delivery.
Groceries, pharmacies, markets, pet food stores, gas stations, tobacco stores, beauty salons, vehicle repair services and drugstores are allowed to be visited. People over the age of 65 can only visit these places between 9AM and 12PM, but anyone under 65 must not visit these facilities during this time.
In public places (public transport included), please keep a distance of 1,5 meters from everyone.
Failure to comply with the above shall be considered a violation by the Government, therefore please pay special attention to follow these measures.
For further information regarding the special measures applying to Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders, please consult the publication we posted earlier.
Thank you for your cooperation and we wish you good health!
Tempus Public Foundation
Special measures applying to Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders for the period of the Coronavirus pandemic
The Tempus Public Foundation confirms the following, in line with the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In view of the emergency 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 programme: contribution to your housing and living expenses, health insurance, and the additional health services.
Based on the Stipendium Hungaricum Operational Regulations 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 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.
It is important to stress that there is no guarantee of your return. As of 16 March 2020, the borders of Hungary have been closed from any international passenger traffic, meaning that only Hungarian citizens are able to enter the country until further notice.
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 on 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
Please consult regularly the Stipendium Hungaricum News at https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/news/
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 covering the current situation
As a precautionary measure related to the COVID-19 virus (novel coronavirus), personal meetings at the customer service of the Study in Hungary Department are suspended until further notice.
In the meantime, please contact us via email: stipendiumhungaricum{at}tpf.hu, telephone: +36 (1) 236 5040 or Skype: stipendiumhungaricum.
We would also like to help you with the following FAQ that cover the current situation.
Q: How can I keep myself updated?
A: Please 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 (i.e. Hungary's closing down it borders from incoming foreign citizens until further notice) 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: Yes, they are, from 16 March 2020. Only Hungarian citizens will be granted access.
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 their return, as these allowances contribute to their living costs in Hungary.
Q: Should I leave the dorm?
A: To ensure safety of yourself and others, please practice social distancing and stay put, and make sure to always follow the instructions given by your host institution.
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 leave my apartment?
A: It is important to stay indoors and only go outside if you absolutely need to, and practice social distancing while you are in public places.
Q: Should I stay away from public places?
A: To ensure safety of yourself and others, please practice social distancing and avoid public places unless absolutely necessary.
Q: Are the shops closed?
A: Currently, cafes, restaurants and shops close at 3pm. Groceries and pharmacies continue to operate according to their normal opening hours. We advise to follow the news for any updates.
Q: Should I meet my friends now?
A: It is best to keep in touch with them online.
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 SH 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 SH 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 SH coordinator regarding.
Q: Who do I contact if I need help?
A: Please contact your SH coordinator or university mentor.
Q: I am entitled to use the health services of the Hungarian social service system?
A: You are. As a scholarship holders, 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 operational regulations apply now?
A: Yes, they do. Should there be any changes because of the emergency situation, TPF will inform all scholarship holders immediately.
FAQ for applicants
Q: Will there be any entrance exams?
A: Based on the information received from the universities, the entrance exams will be held without any disruption, electronically, as it would be in normal circumstances. If you are a successful nominee, you can expect them to contact you in a timely manner.
Q: When will I know my result of my application?
A: The decision on the awarded scholarships is expected to be made in accordance with the originally planned timeline during the course of summer 2020). In case of any changes, TPF will keep you informed.
Q: Can I travel to Hungary?
A: At the moment you cannot, the borders are closed. We will be providing you with relevant information with regards to your travel to Hungary and the start of your studies in due time. The respective legal guidelines shall be decisive at all times.
24/03/2020
Dear SCYP Scholarship Holders,
With regards to the queries of several Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People scholarship holders, we would like to confirm the following, in line with the position of the Prime Minister's Office:
· In view of the emergency 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 programme: the monthly amount of scholarship, contribution to your housing 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.
· It is important to stress - especially in the case of the five countries that are denied entry (South Korea, Italy, Iran, China and Israel) - that there is no guarantee of your return. According to the current situation, the list of countries might be extended depending on the decision of the respective governments.
Important update: According to the information provided yesterday by the Prime Minister of Hungary, from Monday, 16 March 2020, the borders of Hungary will be closed from any international passenger traffic, meaning that only Hungarian citizens will be able to enter the country until further notice.
· 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 on 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.
Yours faithfully,
SCYP Team
13/03/2020
09/03/2020
Dear University Citizens,
In light of the fact, that on March 4th 2020 the new CoVid-19 has verifiably reached Hungary as well, the following provisions and recommendations were issued:
1. Those students and lecturers, who are currently abroad are ordered to refrain from attending the University premises and events for a period of 14 days after their return to Hungary. (Their absence shall be regarded as justified).
2. Each student, lecturer and colleague of ours shall advise and alert each other to comply with above regulation.
3. University lecturers and employees are instructed not to travel abroad as from today until April 15th 2020. In accordance with this regulation the lecturers were requested to cancel their conference participation abroad. Mobility and travel for students engaged in international mobility programs shall be suspended until the above date. Foreign students studying at our University may return to their home country, however they are obliged to inform themselves about the actual restrictions of entering the University premises as set out in paragraph 1 of this present Letter. Private travels of students abroad are possible at the student's own risk, whereas upon return to Hungary the restriction in paragraph 1 shall be applied, i.e. students must not enter University premises for 14 days after their arrival from abroad.
4. The University leaders were ordered to provide information regularly about those lecturers and students, who have been to territories, where the spreading of CoVid-19 is assumed or proven as well as about those, who might have got in contact with infected persons. Furthermore lecturers are obliged to report immediately information about any student to the Rector's Office, who has been to infected territory either for study or private purposes.
5. International conferences planned until April 15th 2020 with foreign participants at our University shall be cancelled.
6. National conferences with up to thirty participants may be organized until April 15th 2020, whereas conferences exceeding this number of participants must be cancelled.
7. Lecturers shall coordinate with foreign guest professors invited by them regarding the cancellation of their visit to our University.
8. Please note, that non-contact sanitizer dispensers were placed to the entrances of every University building. (The sanitizer should not get into the eyes and may damage the clothing if dripped upon.) The cleaning staff shall regularly disinfect door latches.
9. Each University member is obliged to comply with the fundamental hygienic rules and to handle the intensified social sensitivity related to the spreading of the new CoVid-19 in a reasonable manner.
10. The process set out by the Hungarian National Public Health Center must be followed in each case: https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/lakossagi-tajekoztatok/koronavirus/534-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-faq
In case of experiencing the symptoms of fever and coughing, call your GP (local doctor) or the indicated national hotline of the Hungarian National Public Health Center + 36-80-277-455 or +36-80-277-456 free of charge.
11. The Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference has issued provisions related to personal hygiene in churches, including refraining from handshake during Holy Mass ceremony. Priests are instructed to distribute Holy Communion only into hands, and to empty Holy Water stoups in churches.
12. Lecturers who cannot comply with their obligations set out in tenders/projects due to the travel restrictions are instructed to notify the Project Department who shall then get in touch with the contracting/supporting partner in order to initiate amendments to the contracts if feasible.
International students and staff may contact the Faculty International Offices or the University's Central Office for Foreign Affairs via email at international.office@ppke.hu to find out more about safety measures or in case they might have been infected.
