Universities • Scholarships • Tuition • Student Visa
Study in Hungary
Hungary higher education guide for international students
Universities • Scholarships • Tuition • Student Visa
Study in Hungary
Hungary higher education guide for international students
Overview
Hungary offers internationally accredited degrees across medicine, engineering, business, agriculture, and arts at competitive tuition fees. More than 35,000 international students choose Hungarian universities each year for their blend of academic heritage, modern facilities, and central European location.
Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs, and Győr host historic universities with strong research output and English-taught programmes. Low living costs, safe cities, and efficient public transport make Hungary a budget-friendly option in the European Union.
Scholarships such as Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus+, and Tempus Foundation grants enable students to cover tuition, housing, and monthly living expenses.
Why Choose Hungary
Affordable European Education
English-Taught Programmes
Research & Innovation
Central European Lifestyle
Top Universities in Hungary
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Key Strengths
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
Key Strengths
University of Debrecen
Key Strengths
Semmelweis University
Key Strengths
Corvinus University of Budapest
Key Strengths
University of Pécs
Key Strengths
Popular Programs & Entry Pathways
Hungary is renowned for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, engineering, architecture, agriculture, and music. University-run preparatory year programmes offer language and subject courses to meet entry requirements.
Technical universities provide dual-degree options and Erasmus mobility, while business schools integrate Central European case studies and internships.
Medical & Health Sciences
Six-year MD programmes, five-year dentistry, and four-year pharmacy courses taught in English with hospital training.
Featured: Semmelweis University, University of Debrecen, University of Pécs
Engineering & Technology
Mechanical, civil, electrical, IT, and mechatronics engineering aligned with automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Featured: BME, Óbuda University, Széchenyi István University
Business & Economics
Finance, supply chain, economics, and tourism programmes with regional internships and partnerships.
Featured: Corvinus University, Budapest Business School, University of Szeged
Arts, Music & Design
Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc Academy and Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design offer conservatory-level training and studio resources.
Featured: Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, MOME, University of Theatre and Film Arts
Admission Requirements
Eligibility varies by institution, but most English-taught programmes require secondary school completion, entrance exams/interviews for medicine and engineering, and proof of English proficiency.
Postgraduate programmes require relevant bachelor’s degrees, GPA, and sometimes professional experience or portfolios.
undergraduate
- High school diploma (science track for medicine/engineering) with transcripts translated into English.
- Entrance exams/interviews for medicine, dentistry, engineering; other programmes may offer exam exemptions for strong academic performance.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, or institutional placement tests.
- Motivation letter, CV, and letters of recommendation for competitive programmes.
postgraduate
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 2.7/4.0 (≈ 11/20); higher for specialised programmes.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 79+, or PTE 58.
- Two references, CV, and motivation letter; portfolio for architecture, arts, or design.
- Some business and engineering programmes request work experience or GRE/GMAT.
Language test benchmarks
IELTS Academic
6.0 (6.5+ for medicine and graduate programmes)
TOEFL iBT
72-90
Euroexam B2/C1
Accepted by many Hungarian universities as alternative proof
Application Steps
Applications typically run from November to May for September intake, with some universities offering February entry. Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships have earlier deadlines (January).
1. Select Programmes & Check Deadlines
Review university websites, programme structures, entrance exams, and scholarship requirements.
2. Prepare Documentation
Collect transcripts, passport copy, language certificates, medical certificate (for health programmes), and portfolio if applicable.
3. Submit Online Application
Apply via university portals (Dream Apply/Neptun) or the Stipendium Hungaricum system. Pay any application fees.
4. Sit Entrance Exams/Interviews
Medicine/engineering applicants take online or on-site exams in science subjects and English. Successful candidates receive conditional offers.
5. Accept Offer & Pay Deposit
Confirm study place, pay tuition deposit (EUR 1,000-2,000), and request official admission letter.
6. Arrange Accommodation
Book university dormitories or private rentals (early application recommended in Budapest).
7. Apply for Residence Permit / D Visa
Prepare visa documents, schedule VFS Hungary appointment, and demonstrate financial means.
October - December
January - March
April - June
July - August
Cost of Studying in Hungary
Hungary offers excellent value compared with Western Europe. Tuition differs by field, with medical and engineering programmes at the higher end. Living costs remain affordable, especially outside Budapest.
public
EUR 4,500-8,500 (≈ 49,000-92,800 MAD)
private
EUR 6,000-9,500 (≈ 65,400-103,600 MAD)
specialized
EUR 10,000-18,000 (≈ 109,000-197,000 MAD) for medicine, dentistry, MBA
Budapest
EUR 600-850 (≈ 6,500-9,200 MAD)
Includes shared apartment, monthly transport pass, groceries, and utilities.
Debrecen
EUR 450-650 (≈ 4,900-7,000 MAD)
Lower rent and daily costs than the capital.
Szeged
EUR 450-600 (≈ 4,900-6,500 MAD)
Student-oriented city with affordable dormitories.
Pécs
EUR 430-580 (≈ 4,700-6,300 MAD)
Budget-friendly cultural hub in southern Hungary.
| Expense | EUR | MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (yearly) | EUR 5,000-9,000 | 54,500-98,200 MAD |
| Accommodation | EUR 2,400-3,600 | 26,200-39,300 MAD |
| Food & groceries | EUR 1,800-2,400 | 19,600-26,200 MAD |
| Transport | EUR 240-360 | 2,600-3,900 MAD |
| Insurance | EUR 120-200 | 1,300-2,200 MAD |
| Books & supplies | EUR 300-500 | 3,300-5,400 MAD |
| Personal expenses | EUR 600-900 | 6,500-9,800 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
Hungary’s flagship Stipendium Hungaricum programme covers full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and health insurance for selected students from partner countries. Erasmus+ and Tempus Foundation scholarships support exchange and research mobility.
Universities also offer partial tuition waivers and merit awards for high-achieving international students.
Government Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
Tuition waiver + HUF 43,700 monthly stipend + dormitory contribution + health insurance
Applicants from partner countries; apply through Tempus Foundation portal and nominated sending partner.
Learn more →Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship
Tuition waiver + stipend
For applicants with Hungarian heritage living abroad.
Learn more →Institutional Scholarships
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
Monthly grant EUR 470-520 for EU mobility
Available to degree-seeking students for exchange semesters.
BME Excellence Scholarship
Full or partial tuition waiver for top engineering applicants
Requires outstanding entrance exam scores.
University of Pécs Excellence Scholarship
EUR 1,500 tuition reduction
Merit-based for high achievers.
Student Life & Support
Hungary delivers a rich cultural experience: thermal baths, music festivals, café culture, and historical architecture. University cities are compact and walkable, with strong cycling infrastructure and affordable student transport passes.
International offices host orientation weeks, language courses, cultural trips, and buddy programmes that connect incoming students with Hungarian peers.
Campus Experience
Lectures, seminars, labs, and project work; small group tutorials in medicine and engineering for practical exposure.
Housing Options
University dormitories (EUR 120-180/month) and private apartments (EUR 250-400/month). Early booking recommended in Budapest.
Cultural & Community Support
ESN (Erasmus Student Network), international clubs, religious communities, and volunteer organisations provide social networks.
Health & Wellbeing
Mandatory health insurance covers basic care; universities offer clinics, counselling, and sports facilities.
Working During Studies
International students on residence permits may work part-time up to 24 hours per week during semesters and 66 working days (approx. 520 hours) during vacations. Proficiency in English is sufficient for many campus and hospitality roles, though Hungarian language skills expand opportunities.
Universities partner with automotive, IT, and pharmaceutical companies for internships and project-based learning.
Work hours: 24 hours/week during terms; 66 working days per calendar year full-time.
Minimum wage: HUF 1,534/hour (≈ 42 MAD) for 2025; higher in skilled roles.
Popular roles: Campus ambassador, Hospitality & cafés, Language tutoring, IT support, Internships in automotive and pharma sectors
Internships: Paid placements through industry partnerships in Budapest, Győr (Audi), and Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz).
Post-Graduation Options
Graduates can apply for a 9-month residence permit extension to seek employment or start a business. Once employed, students may shift to a work residence permit or EU Blue Card.
Hungary’s strategic sectors—automotive, ICT, shared services, pharmaceuticals—actively recruit international graduates.
Residence Permit for Job-Seeking
Duration: Up to 9 months
Completed studies at a Hungarian institution; must demonstrate housing and financial means.
Application window: Apply before student residence permit expires.
EU Blue Card
For highly skilled employment meeting salary thresholds; renewable and transferable within EU.
General Work Residence Permit
Employer-sponsored permit for full-time roles after graduation.
Visa Pathway
Non-EU/EEA students require a long-term D visa and residence permit. Applications are submitted via VFS Global in Rabat or Casablanca, followed by residence card issuance in Hungary within 30 days of arrival.
Step 1
Receive acceptance letter and pay tuition deposit.
Step 2
Complete national visa application form, gather passport photos, insurance, proof of accommodation, and bank statements (EUR 7,200 minimum recommended).
Step 3
Schedule VFS appointment, submit biometrics, and attend interview if requested.
Step 4
Receive D visa (single entry), travel to Hungary, and collect residence permit card after registering with immigration authority (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing).
Open the Hungary visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic Records
- High school or bachelor’s transcripts translated into English/Hungarian.
- Entrance exam certificates or portfolio (if required).
Financial Evidence
- Recent bank statements showing tuition + living costs.
- Scholarship letter (e.g., Stipendium Hungaricum) or sponsor guarantee.
Supporting Documents
- Valid passport, visa application form, and biometric photos.
- Health insurance coverage for the full duration of stay.
- Accommodation letter (dormitory confirmation or rental contract).
- Motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters.
Application Timeline
12-10 months before intake
- Research universities, confirm entry requirements, and prepare for entrance exams.
- Gather academic transcripts and language test scores.
10-6 months before intake
- Submit applications, participate in interviews/exams, and apply for Stipendium Hungaricum if eligible.
6-3 months before intake
- Receive admission decisions, pay deposits, arrange housing, and collect visa documents.
3-0 months before intake
- Schedule VFS appointment, apply for visa, purchase insurance, and attend pre-departure briefings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Hungarian?
No. Many programmes are offered in English. However, learning basic Hungarian helps in daily life and employment.
How competitive is Stipendium Hungaricum?
It is competitive, so prepare strong academic records, motivation letter, and recommendation letters. Each country has a quota managed by the sending partner.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. You may work 24 hours/week during semesters and 66 working days per year full-time. Ensure employment does not affect academic performance.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. Provide proof of comprehensive health insurance when applying for the visa and residence permit.
How long does the visa process take?
Processing typically takes 30-45 days. Apply early and ensure documents are complete.
Can I transfer to another EU university later?
Yes. Credits earned in Hungary are ECTS-compatible, facilitating transfers within the European Higher Education Area.
What is the post-study work option?
Graduates can apply for a job-seeking residence permit for up to nine months and transition to work permits or EU Blue Card once employed.
Are there preparatory year programmes?
Yes. Universities offer foundation years in English to strengthen language and academic skills before starting degree programmes.