Study DestinationStudy in Hungary
Hungary is an established European study destination known for reputable universities, extensive English-taught provision and respected programmes in Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering and Business. Its comparatively affordable costs and major scholarship opportunities attract students from around the world.
At a glance
Quick Facts
- Tuition fees
- €3,000 – €10,000 / year (medicine €14,000 – €20,000)
- Living cost
- €600 – €1,000 / month
- Teaching language
- English, Hungarian
- Intakes
- September (February for selected programmes)
- Working while studying
- Up to 30 hours per week in term, full time up to 90 days per year outside it
Why Hungary
Why Study in Hungary?
- Internationally recognised European qualifications
- More than 500 English-taught programmes
- Established medical, engineering and science universities
- Competitive tuition fees compared with many Western European countries
- Stipendium Hungaricum and other scholarship opportunities
- Programmes available at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels
- Eligible international students may work during their studies
- Central European location within the Schengen Area
- Multicultural student communities in Budapest and other university cities
Costs
Tuition & Living Cost
Tuition is established by each university and programme. Indicative annual ranges are:
| Programme category | Approximate annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Humanities and social sciences | €3,000 – €7,000 |
| Business and management | €4,000 – €9,000 |
| Engineering and computer science | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | €14,000 – €20,000 |
| Pharmacy and health sciences | €7,000 – €13,000 |
| Veterinary Medicine | Approximately €12,000 – €13,000 |
These are planning estimates, not fixed national fees. Universities may charge application, entrance-examination, registration and laboratory fees in addition to tuition. Many institutions require partial or full tuition payment before enrolment.
What you need
Entry Requirements
Admission conditions differ between institutions and programmes.
Bachelor's and one-tier programmes
Applicants normally need:
- Secondary-school certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Completed university application
- Motivation letter
- Application-fee payment
- Medical certificate where required
- Entrance examination or interview for selected programmes
Master's programmes
Applicants generally need:
- Relevant bachelor's degree
- Academic transcript
- CV and motivation letter
- Proof of English proficiency
- Academic or professional references, where required
- Portfolio for creative programmes
- Interview or entrance examination for certain courses
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine usually require strong results in Biology and Chemistry. Applicants may also complete written examinations and interviews in Biology, Chemistry, English and sometimes Physics.
Language
Language Requirement
Universities may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge qualifications or alternative evidence of English proficiency. Some institutions conduct their own language interview or examination.
Visa route
Student Visa Process
EU and EEA nationals do not require a student visa, but those staying longer than three months must register their residence.
Students from outside the EEA normally require a residence permit for study purposes. Visa-required nationals submit their application through the appropriate Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission. Common supporting documents include:
- Valid passport
- University admission certificate
- Evidence of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Educational certificates
- Passport photograph
- Proof of language proficiency, when required
When a study residence application is approved abroad, visa-required students receive a Type D entry visa enabling them to enter Hungary and collect their residence permit. Official guidance allows up to 60 days for a decision on the residence application.
What to study
Popular Courses
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering
- Business, Finance and Management
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agriculture and Environmental Science
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Architecture and Design
Where to study
Popular Universities
Well-known universities among international applicants include:
- Eötvös Loránd University
- University of Szeged
- University of Debrecen
- University of Pécs
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- Semmelweis University
- Corvinus University of Budapest
- Óbuda University
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest
- Széchenyi István University
- University of Miskolc
Medical applicants commonly consider Semmelweis University and the universities of Debrecen, Pécs and Szeged.
Good to know
Higher-education structure
- Bachelor's degree: 3 – 4 years
- Master's degree: 1 – 2 years
- One-tier master's degree: 5 – 6 years
- Doctoral degree: usually 4 years
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Law and Architecture may be delivered through one-tier programmes rather than separate bachelor's and master's degrees.
Good to know
Application periods
The principal intake begins in September. Many universities accept applications between November and April or June, depending on the course.
A smaller February intake may be available for selected programmes.
Medical and scholarship applications often close earlier. Students should check the deadline of the specific university and programme rather than relying on a national deadline.
Good to know
Living costs
Students should normally budget approximately €600 – €1,000 per month, depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Budapest is usually more expensive than Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged, Miskolc or Győr. The budget should include:
- University dormitory or private accommodation
- Food and household expenses
- Public transportation
- Health insurance
- Telephone and internet
- Books and study materials
- Personal and leisure expenses
Sharing private accommodation or securing a university dormitory can reduce costs.
Good to know
Working during study
EEA nationals have broad access to the Hungarian labour market.
A non-EEA student holding a residence permit for study purposes may work:
- Up to 30 hours per week during the academic term
- Full-time for up to 90 days per year outside the study period
Employment must not prevent the student from meeting academic and attendance requirements. Knowledge of Hungarian may improve access to part-time employment, although English-speaking roles are available in Budapest and other major cities.
Good to know
Opportunities after graduation
An eligible non-EEA graduate may apply for a residence permit to seek employment or establish a business. The application must be submitted in Hungary while the study residence permit remains valid and at least 15 days before its expiry.
This graduate permit may be issued for up to nine months and cannot be extended. A graduate who finds suitable employment must change to an appropriate work-related residence status.
Good to know
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary's principal government scholarship for international students. Eligibility depends on the applicant's nationality, sending partner and available programme. The scholarship generally provides:
- Tuition-free education
- Monthly stipend
- University accommodation or an accommodation contribution
- Medical insurance
- Student identification and associated benefits
The contribution may not cover every living expense, particularly private rent in Budapest. The 2026/27 programme includes bachelor's, master's, one-tier master's, doctoral and certain preparatory opportunities.
Other opportunities include:
- Erasmus+
- CEEPUS
- Bilateral State Scholarships
- Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship
- University merit scholarships
- Doctoral and research funding
Good to know
How Edu Consultancy can support applicants
Edu Consultancy can assist students with:
- Initial eligibility assessment
- University and programme selection
- Application preparation and submission
- Medical entrance-examination guidance
- Motivation letter and CV preparation
- Scholarship application support
- Academic-document review
- Student residence documentation
- Accommodation and pre-departure planning
- Post-arrival guidance
Hungary is especially attractive for applicants seeking English-taught Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering or Business programmes. Students should confirm programme accreditation and professional recognition in their intended country of employment before paying tuition fees.
Ready to study in Hungary?
From Stipendium Hungaricum applications to medical entrance exams and your Type D visa, our counsellors manage the Hungarian process end to end.
Book a Free ConsultationKeep exploring
