Before Budapest existed there were Buda and Pest, two cities located on opposite sides of the Danube River. It wasn't until 1873 that these two cities combined to form today's Budapest.
Budapest is both a city and county, and forms the centre of the Budapest metropolitan area, which has an area of 7,626 square kilometres (2,944 square miles) and a population of 3,303,786, comprising 33% of the population of Hungary. If a large and busy metropolitan city sounds exciting, then Budapest might be the perfect study abroad destination for you.
The Hungarian Ministry of Education recognizes a total of 25 institutions (18 of them state and 7 ‘non-state’) as universities. Furthermore, there are 47 (including 13 state and 34 ‘non-state’) higher education institutions in Hungary, which are also entitled to issue academic titles. To explore some of Budapest’s colleges and universities, click on the university names below, or visit our ‘Study in Hungary’ page.
Students who live within the European Union can study a degree in Hungary without a visa, however you’ll need to apply for a residence permit within 15 days of arriving.
Non-EU students will need to apply for a D-5 student visa through the Hungarian embassy or consulate in their respective country in order to take up studies in Hungary. Additionally, you must be accepted by a state-recognised university for full-time studies, and show proof you have sufficient financial means to pay for the costs throughout the duration of your studies. Keep in mind, all applications should be submitted at least six weeks prior to arriving Hungary, as processing is likely to take at least one month.
Budapest is a popular location for exchange and Erasmus students. It has many quality universities to choose from, and depending on your area of study or interest you can usually find one with a specialty in your area. Whether you’re at a European university wanting to come to Hungary on Erasmus, or a student from elsewhere in the world wanting to do an exchange or a summer semester, there are plenty of options. Not only that, Budapest is a relatively inexpensive city with plenty of student life to experience. Studying in Budapest promises to be the experience of a lifetime!
Safety is an important point to consider when studying abroad. According to the current Numbeo Safety Index, Budapest has a score of 64.32 – ranking it at number 136 of 427 cities globally for safety.
Much of the city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and many visitors consider the city to be amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city successfully mixes its fascinating history with a brilliant, laid-back contemporary artistic style. There are a wide range of different things to see and do - from museums to thermal spas.
The cost of living can play a major factor in deciding where to study. Aside from tuition fees, students should consider the local cost of living – including items like housing, food, and social life. According to the current Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Budapest has a score of 47.19 – ranking it at number 367 of 567 cities globally for the cost of living (the higher the ranking, the more expensive the cost of living is).
If you’re considering pursuing a degree abroad, then let us help you find the best university for you. U-Multirank’s ‘For students’ track offers personalised university comparisons, so you can find the university that best matches you. Create your own personalised university rankings today, and compare universities according to what matters most to you. To start, make sure to select your desired study destination and we’ll help guide you through the rest.