Diákhitel

Diákhitel is a Hungarian government-supported student loan program designed to help students cover living costs while studying at higher education institutions. The program is administered by Diákhitel Kht, a state-owned company, in cooperation with selected commercial banks. Loans under the program are intended to supplement student finances and are not grants; they must be repaid after the study period.

Applicants are typically enrolled in a recognized Hungarian higher education institution and must meet the program’s general requirements. The terms of borrowing, including the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule, are determined by the specific product and by regulatory updates. Historically, the program has included two principal products, commonly referred to as Diákhitel I and Diákhitel II, each with its own conditions.

During the period of study, government support often reduces or subsidizes the interest, lowering the cost to borrowers. After graduation, borrowers repay the loan according to the contract and the applicable repayment plan, which typically includes a grace period before regular payments begin. Repayment is usually structured as monthly payments over several years, and delays or defaults can affect the borrower’s credit standing and future borrowing prospects.

Diákhitel is part of Hungary’s broader framework of student financial aid, which also includes scholarships and grants. The program has undergone reforms over time and remains a mechanism intended to increase access to higher education by providing funds for living costs to eligible students.