University in Hungary
Why study in Hungary?
Increasing numbers of international students are choosing to study in Hungary, not only because it offers a high-quality education and reasonable tuition fees, but also because they are attracted by its culture, history, location and natural beauty. The first Hungarian university opened its doors in Pécs in 1367 and, over the years, the country has produced 16 Nobel laureates, along with celebrities such as Joseph Pulitzer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Liszt, Rubik, Houdini, Calvin Klein and Tony Curtis. Hungary has a population of 10 million, a third of whom live in the splendid architectural setting of the capital, Budapest. Nature lovers flock to Lake Balaton, the Danube, the many UNESCO biosphere reserves and national parks, and enjoy the thermal springs of Lake Hévíz. Hungarians have a spa culture, and are renowned for their winemaking, their excellent and varied cuisine and love of music and dance. Festivals are organised annually all across the country, celebrating folk music, paprika, lavender, wine and the cultural origins of the people, as well as traditional arts and crafts. As a student, you will join in the merry-making and take your place among the diverse groups which make up Hungarian life and celebrate its rich heritage.
Hungarian higher education
Some 33,000 international students are currently attending Hungary’s 12 ranked universities, which provide over 140 courses taught in English. Hungary follows the Bologna Process, so credits are transferable and your qualification is recognised all across the world.
Bachelor degrees courses normally run for four years, although this depends on the major you choose, since certain science subjects, such as engineering, can take up to 5-6 years to complete. Medicine, dentistry, architecture, law and pharmacy combine Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and thus also last 5-6 years.
The most popular courses for international students are:
- Business
- Economics
- Medicinal and health studies
- Arts
- Engineering
- Natural sciences
- Pharmaceuticals
University in Hungary - Most frequentlty asked questions
University in Hungary – QS Global Rankings 2022
When you are deciding where to apply to study in Hungary, you may wish to look at the latest rankings, while also bearing in mind the broad discrepancies between the ranking agencies, and the very different criteria they use to draw up their lists.- University of Szeged: 551
- University of Debrecen: 591 – 54 programs in English
- Eötvös Loránd University: 651 – known for its PhD programs
- Pécs University: 651 – first university in Hungary
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics: 801
- Corvinus University of Budapest: 801 – highly rated programmes in economics, business administration and social sciences
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences: 801
- Széchenyi Istrán University: 801 – focusses on technology
- Semmelweis University: n/a – leading institution for healthcare and medical sciences; 32 per cent international students
- University of Miskolc: 1001
University in Hungary – Study medicine in English
Four universities offer courses in medical sciences, taught in English, while one university specialises in veterinary medicine.
| University | Courses | Tuition fees (annual)/€ | Entrance exams | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Semellweis |
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
|
16,400/16,400/10,100
|
Four multiple choice tests of 20 questions each, in Biomedical English, General English, Biology, Chemistry |
You will have an interview on medical topics |
|
Debrecen |
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
|
15,800/13,600/6,800
|
A multiple-choice written test in Biology (compulsory for all) and Chemistry or Physics (the applicant's decision). Each written test takes 50 minutes.
An oral exam in Biology and Physics or Chemistry
|
Serves as a city hospital; offers comfortable hostels with single and double rooms |
|
Szeged |
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
|
15,200/15,600/10,400
|
Written and oral exams in Biology, Chemistry and English language. |
|
|
Pécs |
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
|
15,000/17,300/9,700
|
Multiple-choice test in Chemistry and Biology, 1 hr. and 40 minutes. |
Interview by Zoom or Skype. |
|
University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest |
Veterinary medicine
Pharmacy
|
12,500/8,000
|
Interview, entrance exam. |
University in Hungary – tuition fees and costs
Average tuition fees come in at 2,000-3,000 euros a year, although engineering is more expensive (approximately 5,000). However, it is worth pointing out that the cost of living in Hungary is low, and you will manage on 650 euros a month – less if you study outside the capital – to cover food, accommodation, travel, entertainment and personal expenses.
Cost of living, in euros:
- Food: 100-120 per month
- Transport: 12
- Dormitory room: 80
- Flat: 280
- Room in shared house: 140-190
- Utilities: 50
Do not forget that EU students are permitted to work and this will help to defray your costs.
In addition, the Hungarian government offers generous scholarships to 5,000 students every year, and international students are eligible and could be offered a large package of financial support.
Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
This fantastic scholarship will cover your tuition fees, insurance, give you a monthly stipend and an allowance towards your housing. 5,000 students receive this scholarship every year.
Bilateral state scholarships
These pay your full tuition fees and provide an allowance. Eligibility depends on whether or not your country of origin has this form of agreement with Hungary – call or email Elab to check.
Erasmus+
Erasmus will pay 3-12 months’ tuition fees. The subject you study must be part of the sending institution’s curriculum and earn you credits.
Visegrad Scholarship Program
This targets outstanding students from Central and Eastern Europe, the amount you receive varies and you can apply for 1-4 semesters, at Bachelor’s Master’s and PhD level.
University of Debrecen International Scholarships
This scholarship provides a discount of 30-90 per cent off tuition fees . You will need to send in a letter of motivation, two references, academic transcripts, a copy of your ID, a medical certificate and a receipt for the application fee.
University in Hungary – the application process
Each Hungarian university has its own admission processes and there is no central system, like in the US and the UK.
In general, you will be asked for some, or all, of the following documents:
- Your high school diploma or first degree certificate
- Transcripts of your academic record
- Scan of your birth certificate and/or passport
- CV
- Photographs
- Test scores
- Language certificate
- Portfolio or samples of writing
- Your LSAT, GMAT or GRE scores
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
Deadlines for applications also vary from one institution to another, but mid-January is a common cut-off date. You are advised to check the university website or contact Elab to make sure that you do not miss the submission deadline, although certain universities are flexible and accept applications throughout the year.
You may need to provide certified translations of your documents – once again, check this with the university in question, or ask Elab’s consultants.
Do I need a visa to study in Hungary?
EU citizens are not required to apply for a visa to study in Hungary. However, they do need to register and apply for a residence permit once they have a permanent address. This must be done within 90 days of entering Hungary. The process is uncomplicated and you will simply need to demonstrate proof of accommodation (signed by your landlord), health insurance documents, ID, bank account statements and proof that you are pursuing a full-time course at university. Residence permits are applied for online – and once you have your documents you also upload them to the account you create on the following website.
Residence permits are issued for two years maximum, and can be renewed. At that point, you will also have to provide transcripts of your academic results.
University in Hungary – a summary
Hungary is an up and coming destination for international students, which offers quality teaching and reasonable tuition fees, along with a low cost of living. If you are looking for a course taught in English, you will find a wide choice of options across the country, and Elab’s consultants are here to help you find the right university, degree and location to meet your needs and interests. Call or email us and we can answer all your questions and give you practical information and academic guidance for studying in Hungary.
How your application with Elab will look like?
![5 steps to success Elab Education Laboratory [ENG]](https://elabedu.eu/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/english-5-steps-poster-03.png.webp)
Step 1: Student Induction & Diagnostics
- Preliminary notes of students academic record, interests and aspirations
- Student Diagnostics
Step 2: University Search & Student Profile Development
- Preparation of Universities Research Table
- Extra-curricular Activities Development (if applicable)
Step 3: Process Planning & Preparation
- Finalise the overall process plan & individual Timeline
- Review Mentor and Tutor plans in relation to documents, exams and activities
- Passing the required entrance exams
Step 4: Application Finalisation & Submission
- Update Application Checklist for Final Choice Universities requirements
- Submit student academic application
Step 5: Offer Acceptance & Decision Time
- Review university offers
- Provide students with contacts and links to accommodation offices
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