Study in Hungary for International Students

1. Why Hungary for international students

• Quality and affordable education: Hungary has numerous reputable universities (e.g., Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Semmelweis University, Corvinus University) offering programs in English at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
• Tuition and living costs: Generally lower tuition and cost of living compared to many Western European countries. Scholarships and grants are available from universities and government programs.
• Central Europe location: Good connections to other European destinations for travel and internships.
• Rich culture and history: Vibrant student life in Budapest and other cities like Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs.

   2. Popular study programs for international students

• Medicine and health sciences (Semmelweis, Pécs)
• Engineering and IT (Budapest Tech/BME, SZTE)
• Business, economics, management (Corvinus, Budapest University of Economics)
• Natural and social sciences (ELTE, affiliated research centers)
• Art and design, humanities

   3. Language of instruction

• Many programs are offered in English at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
• Hungarian-taught programs are abundant for local students; learning basic Hungarian can help daily life.
• Some programs use bilingual formats (Hungarian-English).

   4. admission requirements (typical, but verify for each program)

• Academic transcripts and diploma (legalized/translated if required)
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) for English-taught programs
• Passport copy and photos
• Application form and application fee
• Letters of motivation, CV, and letters of recommendation (for master/PhD)
• Entrance exams or interviews for certain programs
• Health insurance coverage
• Some programs may require a pre-specified GPA or standardized tests (e.g., SAT/ACT for some bachelor programs)

   5. Application process and timelines

• Undergraduate programs: Applications typically open in autumn for the following academic year; many Hungarian universities use their own online portals or the Studying in Hungary website.
• Master’s/PhD: Applications usually start in late winter to spring; some programs have rolling admissions.
• Important dates: Check each university’s official page for deadlines; consider applying early to secure scholarships and visa appointments.
• Online portals: Universities often use their own systems; Studying in Hungary (a national portal) aggregates information.

   6. Tuition fees and scholarships

• Tuition varies by university and program; English-taught programs might be higher than Hungarian-taught ones, but still affordable relative to many EU peers.
• Scholarships and funding sources:
  • Hungarian government scholarships for outstanding international students (usually competitive).
  • University-specific scholarships or grants.
  • Erasmus+ for exchange students (if your home institution participates).
  • Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program (often for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD; fully funded in many cases including tuition, housing allowance, monthly stipend, medical insurance).
  • Some private foundations and NGOs offer scholarships.

   7. Visa, residence, and health insurance

• Student visa/study residence permit: Required for most non-EU international students; typically applied for at the Hungarian consulate/embassy in your country, or through the university’s international office after admission.
• Registration in Hungary: After arrival, you’ll need to register your address and obtain a residence permit if needed.
• Health insurance: Must have health insurance coverage. The Stipendium Hungaricum program includes medical coverage; otherwise, you’ll need a comparable policy.
• Schengen rules: Hungary is in the Schengen Area; plan travel accordingly.

   8. Accommodation

• On-campus housing: Some universities offer student dormitories with affordable rates.
• Off-campus: Private apartments, shared flats. Expect higher costs in Budapest vs. smaller cities.
• Tips: Start early; connect with university housing offices and student groups.

   9. Cost of living estimates (rough)

• Budapest: Rent for a shared apartment might be around 100–250 EUR per month per person in a shared flat (varies widely by area); monthly living costs (food, transit, utilities) roughly 350–700 EUR depending on lifestyle.
• Other cities: typically cheaper than Budapest.

  10. Student life and integration

• International offices: Most universities have an international student office to help with admission, visa, housing, and orientation.
• Student associations: International clubs, language tandems, cultural events, and volunteering opportunities.
• English-taught events: Many universities host guest lectures, career fairs, and workshops in English.
• Travel and exploration: Easy rail connections to Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, and beyond.

   11. Practical next steps

• Identify study goals: field of study, degree level, preferred city vs. hometown.
• Pick 3–5 target universities and programs with English-taught offerings.
• Check entry requirements and gather documents early.
• Review scholarship options (Stipendium Hungaricum, university scholarships) and deadlines.
• Prepare language proof (IELTS/TOEFL) if needed; consider language courses if you’re unsure.
• Visit the university’s international office pages or the Studying in Hungary portal for official guidance.
• Start visa planning once you have admission and a housing plan.

  12. Quick-start resources

• Studying in Hungary portal: overview of programs, admissions, scholarships, and visa info.
• Individual university international pages (e.g., ELTE, BME, Semmelweis, Corvinus).
• Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (official site): details on eligibility, coverage, application periods.
• Erasmus+ for exchanges (if you’re a bachelor’s or master’s student at an eligible partner institution).