The Hungarian Spirit:
What it’s like to live and study in Hungary?
Studying in Hungary means discovering a country that blends a rich historical heritage with a youthful, artistic, and constantly modernising atmosphere. Located in the geographical heart of Europe, Hungary and especially its capital, Budapest, has transformed into one of the most desirable student capitals in the world. It is the perfect setting for anyone looking for a vibrant, yet safe and affordable, social life.
Living in Hungary means studying in buildings that resemble palaces, discussing projects on open-air terraces and in the iconic ruin bars (abandoned buildings transformed into cultural and artistic hubs), and unwinding in famous historic thermal baths after a week of exams. The Hungarian university system is focused on scientific and technical innovation, offering a multicultural environment where you will connect with thousands of international students. It is the perfect combination of academic rigour and an unforgettable life experience.
What are the advantages of studying in Hungary?
The Most Competitive Cost of Living in the Region:
Hungary offers one of the lowest costs of living, accommodation, and food in the entire European Union. This allows students to enjoy an excellent quality of life and travel without overburdening the family budget.
Highly Affordable Tuition Fees:
Unlike other European destinations where English-language courses have prohibitive costs, Hungarian public universities offer very moderate tuition fees, maintaining exactly the same standard of European certification.
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme:
For international students from partner countries outside the EU (a list of over 90 nations including countries like Angola, Cape Verde, and Brazil), the Hungarian government offers one of the most generous and prestigious scholarship programmes in the world, designed to attract top global talent.
Most Popular Fields of Study and Courses
Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences:
Hungary is a global leader in this field. Its medical schools attract thousands of international students due to the quality of the laboratories and the fact that the degrees allow them to practise directly in any EU country.
Engineering, Information Technology and Innovation:
With a strong mathematical and technical tradition (the country is the birthplace of several Nobel laureates), engineering and IT courses are closely linked to European technological development.
Business, Management and International Marketing:
Programmes with a strong practical focus and real-world business simulations, designed to prepare leaders for the global market.
International Relations and European Studies:
Due to their strategic location in Central Europe, Hungarian universities offer a unique and enriching geopolitical perspective.
Programmes You Can Study in Hungary
Bachelor’s Degrees
3 to 4-year programmes taught entirely in English (6 years for Medicine), combining a solid theoretical foundation with practical projects that prepare you for the job market.
Master’s Degrees
1 to 2-year specialisations focused on accelerating your career, with a strong emphasis on research or direct links to the European business ecosystem.
Summer Courses
Short programmes (usually 2 to 4 weeks) combining thematic academic modules (business, languages, culture or sciences) with cultural integration activities and tourism.
Where do you want to study? The major academic cities.
We have selected the institutions located in the country’s top university hubs:
Budapest:
The vibrant capital. A metropolis divided by the River Danube that plays host to the country’s most prestigious universities (such as ELTE or Corvinus). It is the financial, cultural and student nightlife hub.
Debrecen:
The country’s second-largest city, known as the “regional academic capital”. It features a spectacular university campus, integrated into a protected forest, offering an atmosphere purely focused on the student community.
Pécs e Szeged:
Historic and welcoming cities in the south of the country. They are famous for their centuries-old universities, even more affordable costs of living and a slightly milder climate, attracting a huge percentage of international students.
Admission Pathways and Academic Requirements
Higher Education Admissions
Academic Record:
Secondary school diploma (for Bachelor’s degrees) or university degree (for Master’s degrees) translated into English.
English Proficiency:
Official certificate (IELTS or equivalent). Some Hungarian universities also accept the Duolingo exam or conduct an internal online English test.
Entrance Exam / Interview (the Hungarian advantage)
Unlike other countries that only assess your documents, many universities in Hungary require a short online interview (via Zoom/Teams) or a basic written test of specific knowledge in your chosen field (especially in STEM and Healthcare).
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Hungary?
Planning your finances is essential. To help you structure your budget, we share the average reference costs for programmes in Hungary.
General Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees (Business, Humanities, IT):
They usually range between €2,500 and €5,000 per year at public universities, one of the lowest rates in Europe for courses taught in English..
Medicine and Healthcare Courses:
Being more complex and laboratory-based programmes, tuition fees are higher, ranging from €10,000 to €16,000 annually.
Summer Courses:
Prices vary between €400 and €1,200 per course, depending on the number of weeks and whether on-campus accommodation and meal packages are included.
Monthly Cost of Living
The cost of living depends heavily on the location you choose to live in:
Overall Average Budget:
Between €450 and €750 per month is more than enough to cover food, transport and accommodation (sharing an apartment or choosing university residences, which are very cheap). Budapest is at the top of this range, while Debrecen or Pécs allow you to live comfortably on lower amounts.
Visa Information
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
Visas: They do not need a visa. After arrival, if they stay for more than 90 days, they must apply for a residence registration card (Registration Card) with the local immigration authorities.
Non-European Students:
Residence Visa for Study Purposes (Type D): Must be applied for at the Embassy of Hungary in the country of origin after receiving the official Letter of Acceptance from the university.
Proof of Funds: It is mandatory to present proof showing that you have the financial capacity to support yourself in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. EU students have free access to the job market. Non-European students with a valid student visa (residence card) can work part-time during the academic term (and full-time during school breaks and holidays). Budapest has a growing market for corporate jobs in English (multinational shared service centres).
EU students use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for urgent public healthcare. For non-European students (and also recommended for Europeans), most Hungarian universities offer the option to sign up for a local private health insurance plan specific to students, which is very low-cost and provides access to English-speaking clinics and doctors within the city itself.
For higher education starting in September, deadlines for non-European students (who need a visa) generally close between April and May. For EU students, the deadlines are more extended, often stretching until June or July. Summer courses generally accept applications until May or June.