Study in Hungary – A Complete Guide

Overview

When it comes to studying abroad, the UK, the USA, Canada, Germany, etc., are the most preferred locations, but slowly, Hungary is also gaining momentum. The country has made efficient improvements to make the country and its education system better. With these recent advancements, many international students are choosing to study in Hungary.

Hungary is an excellent choice to study in Europe with reasonably priced tuition and prestigious universities. It has many top-ranking programs from engineering to business management to theatre and film studies. These degrees are highly recognised worldwide and are taught by experts in their fields. Sounds interesting, right? Well, we have researched everything to feed your curiosity and give you all the details regarding the country. Everything you need to know about how to study in Hungary is all here! So, let’s embark on a reading journey to unravel why Hungary is the perfect destination for fulfilling your study abroad dreams.

Hungary – An Emerging Destination For all Your Study Abroad Dreams

Hungary is quickly becoming a top option for international students looking for a stunning location to study because of its alluring landscapes, rich cultural legacy, and vibrant academic atmosphere. Hungary is a country that is well located in the centre of Europe. It has beautiful cities like Budapest, Pecs, Debrecen, etc., home to magnificent buildings and lively neighbourhoods, making it an ideal setting for academic endeavours. Emerging as a destination, Hungary provides a special combination of academic brilliance and affordability, drawing students from across the world who want top-notch education in an amazing environment.

Hungary also provides students with an attractive opportunity to immerse themselves in several disciplines of study while witnessing the country’s natural beauty firsthand, owing to its top-tier universities, offering a wide range of English-taught courses.

Not only this, Hungary also offers breathtaking scenery that can inspire creativity and provide a break from the demands of academic life, from the serene shores of Lake Balaton to the historic grandeur of Buda Castle. While being an international student in Hungary, you may look forward to a warm environment where you can achieve academic success, and lifelong friendships, creating memories amid the breathtaking landscapes.

Why Should You Choose to Study in Hungary?

Hungary has many things to offer to international students who choose to study there. It is a beacon of hope for students looking to broaden their scholarly horizons and immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. The country offers everything you need to make your study abroad aspirations come true, including top-notch colleges, affordable tuition fees, reasonably priced housing, and a dynamic student community. Studying in Hungary means you will set yourself off on a life-changing journey, discovering a world of limitless possibilities in the centre of Europe.

Now that we have an overview of a few points as to why Hungary is the talk of the town, let’s look at some of the top reasons and understand why you should study in Hungary.

  1. Cost-effective Study Programs: Hungary offers many cost-effective programs. For most study programmes at public universities, the cost will range from 1,200 to 8,000 EUR per year for international students. However, the cost of studying in Hungary for medical and dental programs can be a little higher going up to 16,000 EUR annually.
  2. Many Scholarships to Benefit From: Scholarships are great ways to reduce the tuition stress accompanying studying abroad. Hungary offers many scholarships to international students. Applying to any of the offered Hungary scholarship programmes will help you cut costs even further. Check if you qualify, send in the required paperwork, and cross your fingers!
  3. Explore the Nation While Studying: Take in the stunning structures and monuments highlighting Hungary’s rich past. The country is a stunning nation. Among the places you should see while you’re living and studying there are Heroes’ Square, the Hungarian Parliament building, the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, St Stephen’s Basilica and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
  4. Follows the Bologna Process: The universities in Hungary follow the Bologna Process like many other European universities, ensuring the quality of education. It also makes the higher education system more compatible across Europe, making it a plus point for international students wanting to study in Hungary.
  5. Safe and Welcoming Environment: Hungary is a friendly country for international students since safety and hospitality are deeply rooted in Hungarian culture. Hungary has a low crime rate, effective public services, and is ranked among the safest nations in Europe. Safety is a top concern for many and knowing how safe Hungary is for international students may make you feel secure. Students feel appreciated and welcomed as community members in this encouraging environment because of the kindness and warmth of the Hungarian people. Amazing hospitality, right?
  6. Academic Brilliance: Hungary has a long history of academic brilliance, and its universities are frequently named among the greatest in Europe. The country provides a wide selection of programmes designed to satisfy every academic interest, whether you’re studying in the humanities, social sciences, arts, or STEM subjects. Take advantage of top-notch instructors, cutting-edge facilities, and creative instructional strategies that promote critical thinking and intellectual development.
  7. Positive Immigration Laws: Hungary provides several options for foreign students wishing to go from student visas to permanent residence. Graduates who find jobs in Hungary could be able to submit an application for a work permit and eventually be granted permanent residency. The goal of the government’s welcoming immigration policy is to draw and keep qualified workers, including foreign students, who will enhance the economy and society of the nation.
  8. Growing Economy and Job Prospects: Hungary’s economy has been continuously expanding, resulting in a variety of job opportunities across many sectors. International students with specialised skills and degrees, particularly in STEM disciplines like finance, IT, and engineering, are in high demand. Many global corporations have established a presence in Hungary, creating job opportunities for qualified graduates.

Top Universities to Study in Hungary

Hungary has many top universities that students from across the world choose and study at. The education system followed at these universities is similar to that in other European nations making it at par with them.

Every year QS ranks the top universities in the world based on different factors. In 2024, 11 of Hungary’s universities made it to that list. So without further ado, let us take a look at all these top universities in Hungary for international students along with their QS World University Ranking 2024 with the help of the table below.

Name of the University QS WUR Ranking 2024 Location
University of Szeged 601-610 Szeged
University of Debrecen 671-680 Debrecen
Eötvös Loránd University 701-710 Budapest
Budapest University of Technology and Economics 741-750 Budapest
University of Pecs 801-850 Pecs
Corvinus University of Budapest 1001-1200 Budapest
MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences 1001-1200 Budapest
Szechenyi Istvan University (University of Gyor) 1001-1200 Gyor
University of Miskolc 1201-1400 Miskolc
University of Pannonia 1201-1400 Veszprém
Óbuda University 1201-1400 Budapest

 

The universities mentioned above are the top ones ranked by various platforms. Some of the other universities you can consider and apply to study in Hungary are listed below.

  • Semmelweis University
  • Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Univversity of Sopron
  • Miskolci Egyetem
  • Hungarian Univesity of Fine Arts
  • University of Pannonia
  • Andrassy University Budapest
  • Obuda University
  • Budapest Metroplitan University
  • Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design
  • University of Kaposvar
  • Budapest Business University
  • IBS International Business School Budapest
  • University of Theatre and Film Arts
  • Debrecen Reformed Theological University
  • University of Veterinary Medicine
  • National University of Public Service
  • Wekerle Business School
  • McDaniel College Budapest

Top Courses for International Students in Hungary 

Hungary is famous for its wide variety of courses offered to international students. Some of the top courses to study in Hungary for international students include:

  • Business Administration
  • MS in Biology
  • General Medicine
  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Architectural Engineering
  • English Studies
  • Catering and Tourism
  • Music
  • Theatre and Arts
  • Film Studies
  • Humanities

How to Apply to Study in Hungary?

To study in Hungary and get a degree from one of the renowned institutes there, you must first secure a place at the university of your choice. When you have universities in mind, you can go to their official website and check the guidelines on applying to the program of your choice. Every university in Hungary has its own admission and application system so it is essential to check all their guidelines properly before applying. It is also imperative to check the documents the university needs to consider your candidature. Generally, the below-mentioned documents are required to apply and study in Hungary.

  • CV/Resume
  • All Educational Documents (high school, bachelor’s and master’s)
  • English Language Proficiency Scores (PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced or C2 proficiency)
  • Evidence of Funding (Evidence of Scholarship can also be submitted, if any)
  • Transcripts of previous educational institutes
  • Passport
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio or samples (if required and as per the chosen course)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Passport Size Photos
  • Birth Certificate (if required)

In addition to the documents mentioned above, you may also be required to submit test results from other exams, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, depending on the focus or subject of your selected Master’s degree. You may be asked to provide more documents, as the list is based on the particular criteria of Hungarian universities. You will also be required to submit formal translations of your documents into English or your native tongue.

If you have any doubts regarding the process or the application submission, you can also contact your course advisor to clear all your doubts. You can find this information on the course website.

Cost of Studying in Hungary

Hungary is a very cost-effective country for international students to study abroad. The universities offer amazing and cost-effective programs to make it easier for students to access higher education. Generally, the cost of studying in Hungary for international students ranges between 5000 EUR to 8000 EUR. Studying at public universities can cost as low as 1200 EUR. Some of the cheapest universities in the country include Budapest University of Economic Sciences, Central European University, Attila Jozsef University, Debrecen University of Agricultural Sciences, Avicenna International College, etc.

What are the Living Options in Hungary?

To study abroad with an effective budget, it is important to have calculated the cost of living and weigh all the available options including housing, food, accommodation, healthcare, transportation, etc. Although, the exact amount spent on living expenses depends on which city in the country you decide to live in along with the spending habits and the life followed. Generally, the cost of living in Hungary for international students ranges between 5,000 EUR to 7000 EUR yearly. To help yourself with these costs, you can easily find part-time work in your city and earn some extra money. The Hungarian government permits international students with residence permits to work while they study. You can benefit from this and work up to 24 hours a week, or 4-6 hours daily. With this, you can easily earn between 300 EUR and 700 EUR a month and use it to cover your living expenses. Some of the most common part-time opportunities include working at restaurants, cinemas, museums, etc. Language teaching, customer service, tutoring, and internships are some other opportunities.

Moreover, Hungary offers post-study work opportunities for international students, allowing them to stay and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. Graduates in technology, finance, hospitality, and healthcare can use the skills and information they gained throughout their studies to seek fulfilling work opportunities.

Best Student Cities in Hungary

Hungary is a beautiful gem. It is known for its picturesque views and its location is also a great attraction. For students studying there, the cities in Hungary offer more than just beauty with its art galleries, bohemian cafes, classical music, world-famous spas and much more. Few of its cities have earned historical and architectural importance with Budapest being named as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is described as one of the most outstanding urban landscapes in the world.

The top-ranked and best student cities in Hungary for international students are mentioned below.

  • Budapest
  • Debrecen
  • Szeged
  • Pecs
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