Call for Applications: Pannonia Excellence Scholarship (Spring 2026)
1. Introduction
We are glad to announce an unparalleled opportunity for master’s in marketing students to learn about the global luxury sector. Under the Pannonia Excellence Scholarship Program, we are offering a prestigious, scholarship-supported one-semester academic exchange at two of the world's leading institutions for hospitality and luxury management: the Glion Institute of Higher Education near Montreux, Switzerland and Les Roches in Marbella, Spain.
This call is exclusively for full-degree master’s in marketing students for the Spring 2026 semester (February 2026 – July 2026). This program represents a strategic opportunity for ambitious students aiming to build a distinguished career in the competitive global luxury market.
2. The Pannonia Excellence Scholarship Program
The Pannonia Scholarship Program is a highly respected national initiative designed to foster academic excellence and enhance the international profile of Hungarian higher education. The Excellence Scholarship component of this program is specifically aimed at supporting high-achieving Master's and Doctoral students, enabling them to study at the world's elite universities, specifically those ranked within the top 250 by the Times Higher Education (THE) or Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings.
The program provides an outstanding financial support, allowing scholars to focus on their academic and professional development with significantly reduced financial burden. This call for applications offers BUEB's top marketing students the chance to join this elite group of scholars and gain an incomparable educational experience.
3. The Host Institutions & Programs for Spring 2026
This scholarship provides a choice between two world-renowned institutions, each offering a unique, specialized program tailored to the luxury sector. The following sections detail each option to help you make an informed decision that best aligns with your career aspirations.
3.1. Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland
3.1.1. The Institution
Glion Institute of Higher Education is globally recognized as a premier business school and a world-leader in hospitality and luxury management education. With its Swiss heritage and innovative approach, Glion has a long-standing reputation for producing the industry's most sought-after leaders.
3.1.2. The Program
MSc in Luxury Management and Guest Experience
This program is designed to educate the next generation of managers for the luxury industry, grounded in the core philosophies of hospitality: an unwavering sense of service, uncompromising excellence, and meticulous attention to detail. Key practical learning experiences are central to the program, featuring a mandatory business field trip to a European luxury capital and a student-organized Luxury Event, providing hands-on project management experience.
Example modules directly relevant to your Marketing studies include among others:
- Building Brand Equity in Luxury
- Marketing in the Luxury Industry
- Behavioural Aspects of Customer Engagement
- Strategic Management of Luxury Brands
For a full program overview, please consult the Academic Catalogue for the MSc in Luxury Management and Guest Experience:
https://brochure.glion.edu/masters/msc-in-luxury-management-guest-experience
3.1.3. The Location
Glion, Switzerland:
Study amidst the breathtaking Swiss landscape of Glion, where the serene views of Lake Geneva provide an inspiring backdrop for understanding the precision and heritage of European luxury.
3.2. Les Roches, Marbella, Spain
3.2.1. The Institution
Les Roches is a globally acclaimed hospitality business school known for its emphasis on experiential learning and entrepreneurial spirit. Its vibrant Marbella campus is a dynamic hub for luxury tourism and hospitality education in the heart of one of Europe's most exclusive destinations.
3.2.2. The Program
Master of Science in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism
This program is engineered to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills required to devise and lead successful marketing strategies for high-end tourism companies and premium brands. A highlight of the program is the "Exclusive Brands Week," an immersive event where students gain direct access to industry leaders from world-renowned luxury brands through masterclasses and workshops.
Example course modules that align with your Marketing studies include among others:
- Marketing for Luxury Tourism
- Experiential Marketing
- Market Research and Analytics in Luxury
- Designing Luxury Customer Experiences
For a full program overview, please consult the Academic Catalogue for the MSc in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism:
3.2.3. The Location
Marbella, Spain:
Studying in Marbella, one of the world's premier luxury capitals, transforms the city itself into a living classroom, providing constant, real-world exposure to the high-end hotels, exclusive brands, and client experiences you will be mastering.
4. Scholarship Coverage & Financial Details
The Pannonia Excellence Scholarship provides a remarkably generous comprehensive grant of up to a maximum of 10,000,000 HUF per student to cover the costs of the semester abroad.
This grant is structured to support the primary expenses associated with international study. The grant is designed to cover the following costs:
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend of 500,000 HUF for Switzerland (Group I country) or 475,000 HUF for Spain (Group II country).
- Tuition Fee Support: To cover the academic costs at the host institution.
- Travel Support: To cover one round-trip journey.
- Accommodation Support: To contribute to housing costs.
Students are personally responsible for any remaining balance for tuition, accommodation, and personal expenses. Please note that the scholarship is transferred as a single lump sum, and students are kindly advised to manage this amount thoughtfully, as no additional funding can be provided later by BUEB.
While the scholarship is substantial, the total costs might differ significantly between the two institutions. Applicants must consider these financial details carefully when making their choice.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT, EVEN WITH THE 10,000,000 HUF PANNONIA EXCELENCE SCHOLARSHIP, STUDENTS MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PERSONAL FUNDS (SELF-FUNDING) TO COVER THE FULL COST OF THE SEMESTER ABROAD.
5. Why Should You Apply?
Applying for this scholarship is not just about a semester abroad. It is a critical investment in your professional future. This experience is designed to provide you with a distinct competitive advantage in the global luxury sector.
- Receive a Once-in-a-Lifetime Financial Opportunity: Benefit from an exceptionally generous scholarship package that provides a maximum of 10,000,000 HUF in funding at a level of support rarely available to students. This unique opportunity allows you to focus on your academic and professional growth without the financial burden typically associated with studying at world-leading institutions.
- Gain a World-Class Specialization: Immerse yourself in the world of luxury management at a top-ranked global institution, acquiring specialized knowledge and skills that are in high demand with leading employers.
- Enhance Your CV and Global Profile: Add a prestigious, project-based international learning experience to your profile, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and cross-cultural competence to future employers.
- Build an Elite Global Network: Connect with international peers, industry leaders, and expert faculty, and join the prestigious alumni networks of Glion and Les Roches, which will support your career for a lifetime.
- Experience Luxury First-Hand in Europe's Premier Hubs: Move beyond theory with immersive experiences like Glion's mandatory business field trip to a European luxury capital or the 'Exclusive Brands Week' at Les Roches, which provides direct access to industry leaders.
- Secure Your Future Career: Leverage the dedicated career support and exclusive recruitment opportunities available at Glion and Les Roches, giving you a significant competitive edge in the job market.
To understand the impact of this program, hear it from Dániel Vass, a BUEB student who recently completed his semester at Les Roches through the Pannonia Excellence Scholarship.
"I advise everyone who feels they want to study abroad and see the world not to hesitate and to apply! ... Live the opportunities of the Pannonia Scholarship Program, because this is a super thing!"
Read Dániel's full story and get inspired by his experience:
6. Eligibility
To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a full-degree student at BUEB enrolled in the Master's in Marketing program.
- Be registered to an active semester.
- Have successfully completed at least one semester of studies at our university before the application deadline.
- Demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency of level B2 or equivalent.
- Show strong motivation and readiness to represent the university abroad.
- Students currently receiving Stipendium Hungaricum or Erasmus funding are not eligible for this scholarship.
Please note, that BUEB can award the Pannonia Excellence Scholarship to TWO students.
7. How to apply?
You must submit your application through the DreamApply system via the following link:
https://exchange.uni-bge.hu/courses/course/36
Documents to be uploaded before submitting your application:
- Language Certificate
- Registry Sheet (Törzslap)
- Motivation Letter
Application deadline: 10. December 2025.
For any inquiries regarding the application process or the programs, please contact the International Relations Office at mobility@uni-bge.hu.