Learn about the details of studying in Hungary

An exciting, diverse and safe destination for international students wishing to study in Hungary With great universities, a high quality of life and low costs, Hungary has a lot to offer.

Hungary is located in central and eastern Europe, bordering Austria in the west and Romania in the east. It has a population of about 10 million people, 3 million of whom live in the capital, Budapest.

Other important student cities are Szeged, Pécs and Debrecen.

Dozens of universities across the country offer programs taught entirely in English. Across all academic disciplines, there are hundreds of study programs in English available for international students. These degrees follow the European Bologna scheme and are recognized throughout Europe and elsewhere around the world.

Hungary at a glance

• Number of higher education institutions: 68
• Number of students in higher education: 380
• Number of international students in higher education: 17.520
• Language of Instruction: Most higher education programs in Hungary are taught in Hungarian but you will find many taught in English, German and other languages ​​(e.g. Russian, French, etc.)
• Duration of study in Hungary
  • Bachelor's degree programme: 3-4 years
  • Master's degree programme: 1-2 years
  • PhD/PhD: 3-5 years

If you are looking for high-quality education, you are in the right place. Hungarian universities have produced many brilliant minds, including famous scientists such as mathematician John von Neumann and Nobel Prize winner Albert Szent-György, who discovered vitamin C.

Life in Hungary

If you are interested in learning Hungarian, you have many options to choose from, both online and face-to-face. You may have heard that Hungarian is a difficult language, but don't be discouraged and take every opportunity to talk to native speakers.

If you want to increase your Hungarian language skills, consider taking a course at an evening school or cultural institute, ask your university's international office for Hungarian language courses, and search for free courses online.

Education system in Hungary

The Hungarian education and study system in Hungary has represented academic excellence for over 600 years. Many colleges are directly linked to a university and operate as university colleges. Universities in Hungary generally offer courses at college and university level:

In Hungary's new study system, both colleges and universities in Hungary can launch bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs if the necessary requirements are met. This also means that all degrees awarded in Hungary are equivalent, recognized and transferable worldwide.

The study system in Hungary is divided In Hungary between colleges and universities:

• University education generally lasts for 4 years
• The Master's degree lasts from 1-2 years
• The vocational curriculum usually lasts for two years, and is open to graduates of secondary vocational schools and eventually students of vocational schools.
• University doctoral courses usually take 3-5 years

The academic year in Hungary runs from September to June with Vacations long in July and August. 

The public higher education system in Hungary includes universities and other higher education institutions that offer both education curricula and related degrees up to the doctoral degree. 

Some also contribute to research activities. As in many other countries, some bachelor's level qualifications are not available within Hungary's education system, but instead begin with the award of a master's degree.

 Examples of these qualifications include medical studies, veterinary sciences, pharmaceutical studies, and architecture.

Today there are more than 60 institutions of higher education in Hungary ranging from secondary colleges to higher research universities. These institutes are funded either by the state, private organizations or the church.

Types of degrees in Hungary

Degrees gained from higher education in Hungary follow international standards set by the Bologna Process. This means that, apart from some professional degrees awarded by non-university institutions and colleges in Hungary, the degrees conform to the standards of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. This makes qualifications from Hungarian universities more broadly comparable on the international market, and that students have the option of pursuing a master's degree in a different field than their bachelor's field. 

In some vocationally oriented study disciplines in Hungary such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, the first degree awarded is a master's degree after five to six years of study. Hungary's membership of the European Union also means that degrees awarded in medicine, veterinary studies and architecture are directly transferable and accepted for professional purposes in other EU countries.

Being part of a system Study in Hungary It will be an opportunity for adventures that will open many doors for you in the future.

Advantages of studying in Hungary

There are many advantages of studying in Hungary that make you think about Hungary, and these are the 3 most important:

• Universities in Hungary offer high-quality education at reasonable tuition fees
• Hungary is a modern and safe country, but the cost of living is among the lowest in Europe
• Hungary is a diverse and multicultural country with a lot of interesting experiences for foreign students

Language of study in Hungary

If you are considering studying in Hungary in English, there are plenty of options to choose from. The official language in Hungary is the Hungarian language, but universities offer the opportunity for students to study in English and German as well as in addition to the mother tongue Hungarian.

If you want to study in Hungary in the English language, you must have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, and the minimum test score accepted in universities is

• Study in Hungary for Bachelor’s: (5.6-6.0) for IELTS, (60-80) for TOEFL.
• Study in Hungary for Master’s: (5.5-6.5) for IELTS, (70-90) for TOEFL.

The best university in Hungary, and usually among the top 500 universities worldwide, is the University of Szeged. With over 20 students, it is also one of the largest institutions in the country. Other notable universities include Semmelweis University (in Budapest), Eötvus Loránd University (also in Budapest), and Pécs University.

Hungary is also highly regarded for its medical and dental schools, many of which offer dedicated programs for foreign students.

Costs of studying in Hungary

• Hungarian universities charge tuition fees: 3000 to 5000 euros per year.
• Engineering programs: 5000 euros annually. 
• Study medicine or dentistry: from 6000 to 8000 euros per year.
• Private universities charge higher tuition fees. However
• Pay the application fees, exam fees, and registration fees, each of which is: 100 euros and 150 euros.

Register in Free scholarships in Hungary

Housing and living costs

At the same time, student life in Hungary is very affordable. Considering accommodation, food, transportation and other things, you can get by for less than €600 per month in Budapest and less than €500 per month in smaller cities.

Finding a good place to stay is a very important part of the study abroad experience. When it comes to student accommodation in Hungary, you have several options. Most universities in Hungary have dormitories which are usually the cheapest alternative. These dormitories are generally great party places but are not always available to international students. You may find that the level of dormitory accommodation is a little lower than what you are used to, but living in these shared neighborhoods is a good way to make a lot of new friends.

Another alternative to student accommodation in Hungary is to rent an apartment, either alone or with friends. You can also choose to sublet, which means you rent a single room in someone else's apartment. Private apartment rentals are available from 50-60.000 HUF (190-230 EUR) depending on the city (Budapest is the most expensive) and location within the city. Rooms and apartment sharing are cheaper, of course.

Most of the time, you will be able to find help searching for student accommodation in Hungary through the university you are applying to. Apartments are also listed in the newspapers. It may be easier to have someone who speaks Hungarian with you to help translate.

If you are renting an apartment in Hungary, keep in mind that you may need up to two months' rent ready in cash when you sign the contract. This amount is a deposit and must be returned to you upon your departure, provided that the apartment is still in good condition. 

Scholarships to study in Hungary

Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular host country for international students. One of the reasons is the Hungarian government grant. The scholarship is very generous: it includes tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend. . It depends on whether you qualify for the specialty you wish to study. Usually, you need to submit your application with all documents by mid-January to receive the scholarship for your studies starting in the same year.

The best 9 universities in Hungary

Learn about the 9 best universities in Hungary according to the rankings of the best universities in the world

The best courses to study in Hungary

The best 10 majors to study in Hungary for bachelor’s degrees

1. International Studies in Hungary
2. Law in Hungary
3. Architecture in Hungary
4. International relations in Hungary
5. Cybersecurity studies in Hungary
6. Mechanical engineering in Hungary
7. Biology in Hungary
8. Civil engineering in Hungary
9. Nursing in Hungary
10. Geology in Hungary

The best 5 majors to study in Hungary For Masters

• Master in Management in Hungary
• Master in International Relations in Hungary
• Master in Economics in Hungary
• Master in Computer Science in Hungary
• Master in General Engineering in Hungary

Registration in Hungarian universities

Are you interested in studying in Hungary? We're here to help make the process a little simpler. The admissions process may differ from what you are used to, so be sure to consult the university you are applying to if you have specific questions.

Follow the following steps to start enrolling in Hungarian universities:

1. Choose the specialty that suits you

Start by choosing a degree program that is right for you. Determine the level of study you are seeking (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) and your field of study. Keep in mind that you may be asked to take a proficiency test or additional language lessons. Start by choosing the degree program that's right for you. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, there are degrees in many fields across disciplines. 

2. Prepare the required papers

• Motivation letter
• Letter of recommendation
• A collection of previous work, if possible.
• An official transcript from your high school or university
• Successfully passing an English language proficiency test, e.g  TOEFL test  Or IELTS.

3. Check the conditions for studying in Hungary

Depending on the university, specific documents may be required. Always consult the university website for specific admission requirements and contact the appropriate university office if you have any questions.

4. Submit your application

Most university applications in Hungary are done through the online application system. Application forms are available through specific university websites, and Hungarian universities often ask for an application fee of between 100 and 150 euros. After completing the application form, attach the necessary documents or prepare to mail them to the university.

5. Wait to be accepted

Admission results are often notified by email or mail. If you are a fee-paying student you will usually be asked to pay tuition fees for the first semester. Otherwise, the university where you will pursue your studies will send you an official acceptance letter, confirmation of acceptance for visa purposes and other practical information about studying abroad in Hungary.

6. Apply for a visa

When accepted into a Hungarian university to study in Hungary, start the visa application process as soon as possible because the process may take between one to three months and require several important documents, do not wait. You must apply for a student visa at the Hungarian consulate or embassy before leaving the country. The documents required to obtain a Hungarian student visa are:

• Acceptance letter from your accepting university
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day of entry
• Proof of residence in Hungary
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses during your studies
• Visa application form

When you arrive in Hungary, you will need to apply for your residence permit within 15 days. This is necessary even if you reside in the European Union.

7. Arrival in Hungary

After you have been accepted into a university and obtained the necessary visa, it is time to start your adventures in Hungary! Think about the cost of living in Hungary and your budget. Once you have that, you can start looking for housing. Finally, it's time to buy transportation to Hungary and get to your new city! No matter where you stay, there are plenty of sights and attractions to enjoy.

Obtaining a Hungarian visa for students

International students who wish to study in Hungary and stay for more than 90 consecutive days are required to apply for a long-term student visa to stay in the country.

Student visa requirements for Hungary vary, so it is important to inquire in advance which entry regulations apply to your country. To receive a student visa for Hungary, you must first obtain an offer from a Hungarian university. You can only apply for a student visa before you leave the Hungarian consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction in your state or country of permanent residence. Visa processing usually takes about one month, but can take longer, so make sure you apply as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Documents required for Hungary student visa are

• Proof of tuition fee payment
• An acceptance letter from the university regarding your admission
• A passport valid for at least 6 months after your entry date
• A copy of your passport photo page
• A passport photo no more than 6 months old
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of address or residence in Hungary
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the form of a guarantee/bank statement
• Visa application form
• 3 sealed envelopes addressed to the applicant

When consulates request an appointment, you may need to schedule an appointment approximately 4 to 6 weeks in advance because appointment times are limited. 

After the appointment, the visa processing time usually takes an additional 1 to 4 weeks. You will need to apply for your residence permit within 15 days of your arrival in Hungary.

Learn Hungarian language

If you are interested in studying in Hungary and learning the Hungarian language, you have many options to get started both face-to-face and online. There are many institutions that offer Hungarian language courses for foreigners, and here we have created a list of some of them.
Don't be discouraged when you hear that Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages. Take every opportunity to speak to native speakers right away to gain fluency – they will be so glad you tried!

Plassey Cultural Institute

One of the institute's missions is to manage Hungarian education throughout the world. They offer short and long-term courses for foreign students including a 4-week summer university where students learn about Hungarian culture and customs as well as participating in intensive Hungarian language lessons for over 3 hours a day. Students can use the credits earned in Summer University at their universities.
More information about the courses is available Here . 

University of Pécs

The Center for International Studies at the University of Pécs offers Hungarian courses for foreign students throughout the year and is open to anyone who wants to learn the Hungarian language. They offer language courses during the fall and spring semesters consisting of 48 contact hours. The university offers a summer program during the summer holidays as well, which can give you extra credit points for your studies. 
More information about the courses is available  Here .  

Szeged University

The University of Szeged offers a two-semester intensive preparatory course for foreign students who wish to study at a Hungarian university. This Hungarian language and culture program is ideal for students who want to learn not only about the language but also about the local culture. The 4-week Summer University includes cultural programs and 6 x 90-minute lessons every day.
More information about the courses is available  Here . 

Eötvös Loránd University

ELTE offers three types of courses: a summer university during the summer holidays, an intensive course and a regular course during the year. ELTE is one of the highest ranked universities and one of the best universities for language courses.  
More information about the courses is available  Here . 

University of Debrecen

Besides their regular language and cultural programmes, the university offers a course on the history of Hungary and Central Europe. 
More information about the courses is available  Here .