Hungary is one of the European countries that has invested a lot into higher education, and the results are noticeable. An increasing number of internationals choose to study a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at Hungarian universities.
With low tuition and living costs, it’s easy to understand why. But that’s not all! Universities in Hungary also have a long history of providing quality education, the oldest institution being established as early as 1367. Hungary is a beautiful country. While living and studying here, you should visit the Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament building, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Heroes’ Square, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, etc.
Studying at a university in Hungary
If you are considering to study in Hungary in English, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best-ranked university in Hungary, and usually among the top 500 universities worldwide, is the University of Szeged. With well over 20,000 students, it is also one of the largest institutions in the country. Other notable universities include Semmelweis University (in Budapest), Eötvös Loránd University (also in Budapest) and the University of Pécs. Hungary is also well-regarded for its medical schools and dental schools, many of which offer tailored programs for foreign students.
Universities to attend in Hungary
The following are some of the best Hungarian universities you should consider for your studies:
- University of Szeged
- University of Debrecen
- Eötvös Loránd University
- University of Pecs
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Tuition fees and cost of living in Hungary
Hungarian universities charge tuition fees, but compared to other countries in Europe they are very affordable.
- Depending on the university and the programme, you can expect to pay around 2,500 to 3,000 euros per year;
- Engineering programmes can be a bit more expensive at up to around 5,000 euros per year.
- Studying medicine or dentistry usually incurs tuition fees of around 6,000 to 8,000 euros per year.
At the same time, student life in Hungary is very affordable. Considering accommodation, food, transport and other things, you can get by on less than 600 euros per month in Budapest (the capital), and on less than 500 euros per month in the smaller cities.
Stipendium Hungaricum: The scholarship to study in Hungary
Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular host country for international students. One of the reasons is the Stipendium Hungaricum, Latin for “Hungarian Scholarship”. The scholarship is very generous: It includes tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance and a monthly stipend. Every year, the Stipendium Hungaricum is awarded to around 5,000 students from over 70 partner countries. Whether you are eligible for the subject you want to study depends on the cooperation programmes that are in place. Usually, you need to submit your application with all documents by mid-January to receive the scholarship for your studies commencing the same year.
Admission Process
Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
English-Language Tests
To study in Hungary, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Hungarian universities are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
