The Ultimate Guide to Study in Hungary 2024 for International Students

If you want to study amid the charm and opportunities of Europe, but are looking for an affordable and unique option, Hungary may be the perfect country for you to study abroad. With an easy application process, low tuition and cost of living, and beautiful historic cities, Hungary has plenty to offer you! Learn how to study in Hungary and find the perfect university for you on Global Admissions.

Find a program to study in Hungary here:

Top 10 Reasons to Study in Hungary

  • Hungary is a member of the European Union and a Schengen state. This means that traveling around Europe will be very easy for you, and you are able to access economic and educational opportunities among the EU states!
  • Hungary is an extremely affordable country. Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe and still get a high-quality lifestyle. For example, living in Budapest is at least 30% cheaper than other European cities like Prague, Zurich, Madrid, and Athens. For budget-conscious students, Hungary is the best option.
  • Historic, charming, and romantic cities. Infuse your life with the culture and lifestyles of this ancient nation. Hungary’s cities and towns are thousands of years old, and the stunning architecture and unique cultural lifestyle reflects this history. Visit famous churches, castles, and museums in Budapest, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Some of Hungary’s most unique travel spots include the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, Lake Balaton, and Hortobagy National Park.
  • Popular destination for science students. If you want to study the sciences, mathematics, or engineering, Hungary is a top spot for you. It’s one of the most popular and affordable destinations for STEM fields, attracting thousands of students to advanced and professional scientific universities.
  • Learn some Hungarian! Hungarian is one of the 24 official languages of the EU and spoken by communities of Hungarians all around the world. It is very rare to have the opportunity to learn this useful language outside of Hungary, so you can take advantage of the opportunity while studying in Hungary. This will increase your employability in the future, allow you to understand the local culture, and help you fit in!
  • Courses are mostly in English. Despite the local language being Hungarian, most university courses are taught in English and there are plenty of opportunities for international students to speak in English with local Hungarian friends.
  • Easy application process. Hungarian universities do not have a long or complicated application process. If you have proof of English proficiency and are willing to take the university entrance exam, you will be able to enter Hungarian universities very easily!
  • Beautiful and friendly local culture. Brightly colored traditional embroidery and clothing, lively traditional holidays, refreshing spa culture, famous foods like goulash and traditional alcohols like Pálinka…Hungary has a colorful, bright, and meaningful culture to share with you!
  • Experience the cold beauties of winter and the warm air of a Hungarian summer on the beach. Hungary has four distinct seasons, offering you the chance to see the natural landscape in a beautiful array of colors. In the hot summers, take a trip to Hungary’s famous lakes to relax and play water sports. In the winter, enjoy the views of snow frosting the tops of castles in a charming winter wonderland. Throughout the spring and fall, enjoy local holidays and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and orange leaves!
  • Unforgettable cultural and educational experience. Alongside classmates from around Europe and the world, studying in Hungary is an unbeatable opportunity to learn a new language, explore a new culture, and prepare for a bright future in your field! Hungarian degrees are recognized worldwide, and your experience in the EU will set you apart.

Best Universities to Study in Hungary 

Hungary has dozens of popular, affordable, and welcoming universities that offer English courses for international students. These are just a few of the best options for you:

  1. University of Szeged
  2. University of Debrecen
  3. Eötvös Loránd University
  4. University of Pecs
  5. Budapest University of Technology and Economics
  6. Szent Istvan University
  7. Szechenyi Istvan University
  8. Central European University
  9. Budapest Metropolitan University
  10. Hungarian University of Fine Arts

Find a program to study in Hungary here:

Szechenyi Istvan University Study in Hungary
Szechenyi Istvan University

Study in Hungary: Tuition and Fees

Studying in Hungary is very cheap. These are some of the costs you will face if you choose to study in Hungary:

  • Application fee: 30-150 EUR
  • Tuition: 1500-4000 EUR per semester ($2000-$8000 USD/year)
  • Cost of Living in Budapest, Hungary: 500 EUR
  • Cost of Living in Pecs, Hungary: 400 EUR

Medical, engineering, or doctorate programs will have higher tuition. The most expensive programs in Hungary are Doctor of Pharmacy, MD in General Medicine, DMD in Dental Medicine, etc.

The currency used in Hungary is called “Forint” (HUF). Universities may choose to have you pay fees in Euros or US dollars, since it may be easier to conduct international banks and transfers in these currencies.

 The interior of the Central European University Hungary

The interior of the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary

What exams do you need to study in Hungary?

There are very few exams needed to study in Hungary.

If English is not your native language, you should take the TOEFL or the IELTS. The minimum score for TOEFL in Hungary is 60, and the minimum score in IELTS is 5.0.

TOEFL IELTS
English-taught Bachelors 60+ 5+
English-taught Masters 70+ 5.5+
English-taught PhD 80+ 6.5+

 

You will most likely also need to take a university entrance exam to study in Hungary, especially if you will study in fields like science, technology, math, or engineering. The entrance exam covers topics like English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry/Biology. If you do not pass the entrance exam then you will need to take a foundation course/preparatory course at the university.

Find a program to study in Hungary here:

Do you need to know Hungarian to study in Hungary?

If you want to study in Hungary in English, it is not necessary to know Hungarian. If you want to study a Hungarian-taught course, you can take the ITK Hungarian Language Exam (http://www.itk.hu/). Each university will set their own language requirements for Hungarian-taught courses, but we recommend you should be at least at the B1 level before entering university.

University of Szeged students Study in Hungary
University of Szeged students.

Scholarships to Study in Hungary

YES! There are plenty of scholarships available to study in Hungary. Scholarships can help you have financial security and be able to afford the experience. In Hungary, the scholarships may cover tuition, room and board, or even transportation and a stipend.

These are links to some of the best scholarships to study in Hungary:

  1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
    1. Pays for Full Tuition Scholarship, monthly stipend of EUR 120, Medical Insurance, HUF 40,000/month for accommodation costs
    2. Due date: January 15
    3. Apply here
  2. Tempus Public Foundation Bilateral State Scholarships
    1. Pays for Full/Partial tuition, stipend
    2. Due date: February 24
    3. Apply here
  3. University of Debrecen International Scholarship
    1. Pays for 30%-90% discount first-year tuition fee
    2. Due date: March 31
    3. Apply here
  4. Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People
    1. Pays for Full Tuition Scholarship, monthly stipend, medical insurance and travel reimbursement, contribution to accommodation costs
    2. Due date: Jan 31
    3. Apply here
  5. Central European University Master’s Scholarships
    1. Pays for Full Tuition, health insurance, monthly stipend
    2. Due date: same as program application
    3. Learn more here
  6. Central European University Scholarships for Refugees
    1. Pays for Full Tuition and monthly stipend
    2. Due date: Feb 1 (indicate your interest in the CEU application form)
    3. Learn more here

Find a program to study in Hungary here:

How to Apply to Study in Hungary

On Global Admissions, applying is easy and convenient! Just follow these steps.

  1. Book a call with us
    1. It’s free! Talk with our admissions counselors about your plans, timeline, and budget. We’ll help guide you to good programs and universities.
  2. Find a program
    1. You can search programs for free here
    2. If the program you want is not listed on our database yet, click here
  3. Check your eligibility
    1. Make sure you meet the entry criteria and have the required examinations!
  4. Submit application documents
    1. On Global Admissions, you can use one platform to apply for multiple universities in Hungary or around the world
  5. Pay the application fee
  6. We will send in your application!

After completing these steps, you just need to wait for your university acceptance and then you can apply for a student visa!

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