How to Study in Hungary

Hungary is located in Central Europe and neighbors Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. More than 9.8 million people live here. At the same time the largest city and the country’s capital, Budapest counts more than 1.7 million inhabitants. Hungary is divided into 19 administrative divisions plus Budapest.

Hungarian higher education system

There are currently nearly 70 higher education institutions. The great part is public or clerical institutions, with international institutions in the clear minority. The main divide is between universities for academic studies and vocational colleges. As usual in the European Higher Education Area, the degree-structure is three-tiered for the overwhelming part of subjects/programmes: bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Bachelor degree duration is 3-4 years, master’s usually 2 and doctoral studies 3 years. Medicine programmes take about 6 years to complete.

Hungary’s Higher Education System in International Comparison

In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Hungarian universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The table below shows the national breakdown of Hungarian universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), versus below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture of the country’s strengths and areas for improvement. It becomes apparent that in general Hungary’s Higher Education Institutions perform particularly well in regional engagement as well as in international orientation.

How much does it cost to study in Hungary?

In Hungary, the tuition fees vary depending on the institution, study programme and level of study. Also, there is a difference between EU citizens and non-EU citizens. Tuition fees can vary from 600 € up to 8,000 € per semester. Mostly these fees must be paid prior to enrolment. Students must also pay additional fees for application, exams, and registration, which are typically between 100 € and 150 €.

What are the entry requirements for Hungarian Universities?

To be admitted to a bachelor’s degree in the Hungarian higher education system, you need to possess a high school diploma which has to be translated into English or Hungarian. Sometimes you also have to pass an entrance exam.

For doing a master’s degree in Hungary, you have to submit a photocopy of your bachelor’s diploma. If you want to obtain a Ph.D. degree in Hungary, you have to have a master’s degree or a university degree which is equivalent to a master’s degree.

If you want to access an English-speaking study programme in Hungary you have to provide a proof of your English skills. In general, you need an intermediate language certificate (B2 level). Native English speakers typically have to submit a copy of their passport as proof. These entry requirements can differ at certain higher education institutions, so always check individual entry requirements.

How to get a Scholarship in Hungary?

A scholarship database can be found here.

Do I need a Student Visa for Hungary?

Whereas EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are not required to obtain a visa, so-called third-country nationals do require one in order to take up studies in Hungary. Generally speaking, you must be accepted by a state-recognized university for full-time studies, proof you have sufficient financial means to pay for the costs throughout the duration of your studies.

How do Hungarian Universities fare in U-Multirank?

• In 2020, U-Multirank presents data on 15 Hungarian higher education institutions.
• In general, Hungarian higher education institutions show their strongest performance in the Regional Engagement dimension.
• Central European University has the highest number of top scores (‘A’ scores) of all Hungarian universities (8); followed by Eötvös Loránd University (6) and the University of Debrecen (6).
• Central European University reached most of its top positions in the International Orientation (5) and Research (3) dimensions.