Hungary

Country snapshot

• Capital: Budapest

• Language: Hungarian (many programmes in English)

• Dial code: +36

• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

• Main intakes: September (Autumn) and February (Spring) for many programmes

Why study in Hungary?

You’ll find established faculties, modern labs, and a strong reputation in medicine and STEM. Living costs are comparatively affordable, campuses are international, and the country’s location makes travel across Europe easy.

Key benefits

• Wide range of English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and medical programmes

• Affordable tuition and living costs relative to Western Europe

• Strong areas: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, IT, business, arts

• Student-friendly cities with rich culture, architecture, and festivals

• Central location with excellent transport links

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting programme prerequisites (specific subjects/grades may apply)

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree; minimum GPA/credits vary by programme

• Language: Proof of English for English-taught tracks (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)

• Programme-specific: Entrance exams/interviews (common in medicine/dentistry), portfolios (arts/design), or maths/physics checks for engineering

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts & certificates (with certified translations if needed)

• Proof of language proficiency

• Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where applicable)

• Passport-size photos

• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs

• Completed application forms and any application fee

Visa & residence (overview for non-EU/EEA)

• Receive an offer/acceptance from a recognised institution

• Apply for a long-stay student visa / residence permit for studies with admission proof, financial evidence, health insurance, and accommodation details

• After arrival, complete residence registration as required

• Work during studies: Part-time work is generally permitted within legal limits (often around 20 hours/week in term) and more during vacation periods—always follow current rules

Costs (guide numbers)

(Actual figures vary by city, university, and programme.)

• Tuition — Undergraduate: ~€2,500 – €7,000 per year (medicine/health much higher)

• Tuition — Postgraduate: ~€3,000 – €9,000+ per year (specialist programmes higher)

• Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: commonly €10,000 – €18,000+ per year

• Living expenses: ~€500 – €900 per month (Budapest higher; other cities lower)

• Health insurance: required (cost depends on plan)

Top universities (examples)

• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest

• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)

• Corvinus University of Budapest

• University of Debrecen

• University of Szeged

• University of Pécs

• Semmelweis University (medicine)

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• National scholarships for international students

• University entrance/merit awards and tuition discounts

• Programme- or country-specific funding schemes

• Research/teaching assistantships at postgraduate level

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (language, prerequisites, deadlines)

2. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations, SOP, references, language test, CV/portfolio if needed)

3. Submit applications via university portals; sit entrance tests/interviews where required

4. Accept offer and pay any deposit; request official acceptance/visa letters

5. Apply for the student visa/residence permit; arrange health insurance and accommodation

6. Travel to Hungary; complete residence formalities and enrolment/orientation