Deadline: 30-Oct-2026
The Government Guarantee Fund is a national funding mechanism designed to ensure that Hungarian and Hungary-based organisations can continue participating in European Union-funded research, development, innovation, and education programmes.
It is especially important in cases where direct EU financial commitments are limited or restricted due to legal or institutional conditions.
Core Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Enable participation in EU-funded research and education programmes
- Replace restricted EU funding commitments with national guarantees
- Strengthen Hungary’s role in international research cooperation
- Support consortium-based participation in EU projects
- Ensure continuity in Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ participation
- Improve collaboration between research, education, and industry actors
Key Programmes Supported
The fund supports participation in major EU initiatives, including:
Research and Innovation
- Horizon Europe
- Other EU research and development programmes
- International scientific collaboration projects
Education and Mobility
- Erasmus+ programmes
- EU-funded education and training initiatives
Additional EU Frameworks
- Other relevant EU-funded RDI and education programmes
- Consortium-based international projects
How the Guarantee Mechanism Works
The programme provides a national financial guarantee that replaces or supplements EU funding commitments when direct legal funding agreements cannot be made.
This allows eligible organisations to:
- Join EU-funded consortia
- Secure participation despite funding restrictions
- Maintain international research collaboration
- Access financial support equivalent to EU contributions
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to a wide range of entities:
Institutional Applicants
- Higher education institutions
- Public interest asset management foundation universities (Act IX of 2021)
- Non-higher education educational institutions
- Enterprise-based research organisations
- Enterprises
- Non-profit research organisations
- Other non-profit entities
Individual Applicants
- Private individuals (in specific eligible cases)
Geographic Requirement
- Organisations must be registered in Hungary
- OR in the European Economic Area (EEA) with a Hungarian branch office
Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Be a legal entity registered in Hungary or the EEA with a Hungarian branch
- Participate or plan to participate in EU-funded projects
- Be part of a consortium application or affiliated partnership in:
- Horizon Europe
- Erasmus+
- Other EU RDI or education programmes
- Apply independently (no joint application submission requirement)
Funding Details
- Total budget: HUF 8,000,000,000
- Funding type: National guarantee mechanism (not standard grant funding)
- Purpose: Financial backing for EU programme participation
- Focus: Research, innovation, and education collaboration
Priority Areas
The programme prioritises:
- Consortium participation in EU-funded projects
- Strengthening international research collaboration
- Increasing institutional involvement in EU programmes
- Supporting universities and research institutions
- Enabling enterprise participation in innovation networks
- Facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange
Expected Outcomes
The fund is designed to:
- Maintain Hungary’s participation in EU research programmes
- Increase access to Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ funding opportunities
- Strengthen international research competitiveness
- Support innovation and academic collaboration
- Ensure continuity of EU project participation despite funding restrictions
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative plays a critical role in ensuring that Hungarian institutions remain active in European research and education networks. By providing a national guarantee system, it prevents disruption in international collaboration and helps sustain long-term participation in high-impact EU programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the Government Guarantee Fund?
To ensure Hungarian organisations can participate in EU-funded research and education programmes when direct EU funding is restricted.
What is the total budget?
HUF 8,000,000,000.
Which EU programmes are supported?
Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and other EU-funded research, innovation, and education initiatives.
Who can apply?
Universities, research institutions, enterprises, non-profits, and eligible individuals in Hungary or the EEA with a Hungarian branch.
Is this a traditional grant?
No. It is a financial guarantee mechanism rather than a standard grant programme.
Do applicants need to be part of a consortium?
Yes, applicants must be participating or planning to participate in EU-funded consortia or affiliated projects.
Can foreign organisations apply?
Yes, if they are registered in the EEA and have a branch office in Hungary.
Conclusion
The Government Guarantee Fund is a strategic financing mechanism that ensures continuity of Hungarian participation in major EU research and education programmes. By replacing restricted EU funding commitments with national guarantees, it strengthens international collaboration, supports innovation ecosystems, and maintains access to key European initiatives such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
For more information, visit NKFIH.
