Harvard Medical School’s Clinical Science Scholars (CSS) Program was launched in 2023 at Semmelweis University, focusing on clinical research. Under the terms of the recently signed grant agreement, in 2026 the Hungarian government will provide higher funding compared to previous academic years, contributing HUF 150 million to the program. This will enable participants from Hungary to receive full tuition coverage and participants from Central and Eastern Europe 50 percent tuition scholarship.
“Research results bring social benefits only if they reach patients, and this requires internationally trained, competitive professionals,” said Gábor Orbán, Chairman of the Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education (NEOA), maintainer of the university. As he emphasized, the program provides young students and researchers with the highest level of clinical research skills. Offering scholarships is an investment in future clinical researchers, healthcare leaders, and innovators. The fact that Semmelweis University works closely with institutions such as Harvard Medical School proves that Hungarian medical training is on a par with the best in the world. This achievement is the result of conscious and sustained development, for which the strategic support of the Hungarian government was essential, noted the chairman of the board of trustees. As he pointed out, the grant agreement goes beyond its contents: It also sends the message that Hungary is investing in innovation, knowledge, and healthcare, and is building a nation of scientists.
Dr. Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, recalled that five years ago, the management of 21 universities embarked on a path of renewal with the support of the government, a decision motivated by the desire to place Hungarian universities among the best by international standards. Semmelweis University is at the forefront of this process. It ranks 272nd out of 30,000 universities worldwide, placing it in the top one percent. In the field of medicine and health sciences, it ranks 186th. The goal is for Semmelweis University to become one of the world’s top 100 universities by 2030, and the current funding will serve this purpose. With Harvard Medical School’s program at Semmelweis University, the most successful early-career PhD students, researchers, and clinicians can participate in a unique training program that connects Budapest and Boston, the minister pointed out.
Rector Dr. Béla Merkely outlined the details of the program, explaining that the nine-month training program aims to immerse the most talented young clinicians from Hungary and the region in the latest advances and best practices in clinical research, thereby broadening their knowledge of research methodology. In the first three academic years, from 2023 to 2026, approximately 220 students were admitted to the program, mainly from Hungary as well as from Central and Eastern European countries. The program will continue this year with a new funding model while maintaining its established format.
“Our foundation will provide scholarships for 70 participants from Semmelweis University and its partner institutions each academic year between 2026 and 2029. Hungarian participants are entitled to full tuition coverage. The most outstanding students from the Central and Eastern European region are eligible for a 50 percent tuition scholarship; in addition, 20 applicants from international locations can join the program at a reduced tuition fee,” the rector explained.
“The program ensures that our physicians receive the highest quality training, while also enabling Semmelweis University to find as many partners as possible for clinical research both within and outside of Hungary,” he emphasized.
“Semmelweis is the leading university in Hungary and the region, as well as the largest healthcare provider, and one of the most internationally diverse higher education institutions in the world: 35 percent of our students come from 130 countries across the globe. We collaborate with some of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, including Heidelberg University, the National University of Singapore, the Karolinska Institute, and Harvard University, which is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities. This program and funding will further strengthen our leading role,” the rector pointed out.
Following the speeches, Dr. Balázs Hankó, Gábor Orbán, and Dr. Béla Merkely ceremoniously signed the grant agreement.
Registration for the next class is now open
Applications for the next class of Harvard Medical School’s Clinical Science Scholars (CSS) Program at Semmelweis University are open until May 20, 2026. The program is anchored by three workshops, which, in addition to a live, virtual workshop, will be held in person at Semmelweis University in Budapest and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Prospective participants can apply for the program via Harvard Medical School’s website by submitting their CV, motivation letter, and letter of recommendation. The Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education’s call for applications is available HERE.
Pálma Dobozi
Translation: Judit Dőtsch
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
