How to Study in Hungary for International Students

One of the many outstanding countries to study abroad is Hungary, a nation in Central Europe, specifically in the Carpathian Basin. The Danube River, as well as numerous other rivers, canals, and lakes, run through Budapest, which is famed for its breathtaking scenery. In addition to having some of the best colleges in the world, the nation is a fantastic place to learn thanks to the various folkloric festivals, art exhibitions, and top-notch music performances that are hosted throughout the year.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Hungary currently has 41 universities, from which 25 universities are a part of the public sector and 16 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Hungary you should definitely check out are Semmelweis University, Eotvos Lorand University, and University of Szeged.

Being able to study in Hungary as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Hungary, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Hungary

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Hungary, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 987,700 HUF to 12,583,900 HUF, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 755,000 HUF and 39,536,000 HUF.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Hungary

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Hungary, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
John von Neumann University 2,257,800 HUF 2,069,700 HUF
Szechenyi Istvan University 1,274,000 HUF - 1,948,500 HUF 1,948,500 HUF - 2,398,100 HUF
University of Pannonia 1,026,400 HUF - 2,280,900 HUF 1,443,600 HUF - 2,583,200 HUF
University of Sopron 1,332,800 HUF - 2,161,300 HUF 1,801,100 HUF - 2,161,300 HUF
Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music 1,600,000 HUF 1,900,000 HUF
Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design 9,077,900 HUF
University of Nyiregyhaza 1,138,300 HUF - 10,244,500 HUF 1,593,600 HUF
Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary 987,700 HUF - 2,735,100 HUF 835,700 HUF - 2,279,200 HUF
Eszterhazy Karoly Catholic University 1,900,800 HUF - 3,041,200 HUF 2,280,900 HUF - 39,536,000 HUF
Obuda University 2,062,400 HUF - 2,444,300 HUF 2,444,300 HUF - 2,673,400 HUF
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences 1,142,900 HUF - 2,209,500 HUF 1,904,800 HUF - 2,285,700 HUF
University of Miskolc 1,906,500 HUF 1,906,500 HUF - 2,669,100 HUF
Semmelweis University 2,521,400 HUF - 3,377,100 HUF 2,597,800 HUF - 2,750,600 HUF
Budapest University of Technology and Economics 2,444,100 HUF 2,673,300 HUF - 2,902,400 HUF
University of Pecs 1,681,400 HUF - 2,872,000 HUF 1,910,600 HUF - 3,057,000 HUF
University of Debrecen 2,157,200 HUF - 12,583,900 HUF 1,977,500 HUF - 3,056,100 HUF
University of Szeged 1,146,700 HUF - 2,522,600 HUF 1,456,300 HUF - 3,134,200 HUF
Eotvos Lorand University 1,536,300 HUF - 3,226,100 HUF 998,600 HUF - 3,218,500 HUF
University of Dunaujvaros 1,535,200 HUF 1,710,100 HUF
University of Public Service 1,542,500 HUF - 1,619,600 HUF 1,619,600 HUF - 1,696,700 HUF
Corvinus University of Budapest 1,937,800 HUF - 2,480,400 HUF 2,247,900 HUF - 4,185,700 HUF

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Hungary

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Tomori Pal College 1,472,200 HUF
Wekerle Business School 1,509,900 HUF
John Wesley Theological College 1,887,400 HUF 755,000 HUF
Edutus University 1,970,900 HUF 2,463,700 HUF
Dennis Gabor College 1,881,100 HUF
Budapest Business School 1,891,200 HUF 2,269,500 HUF
Kodolanyi Janos University 2,126,700 HUF - 2,643,200 HUF 2,643,200 HUF
Pazmany Peter Catholic University 1,770,000 HUF 2,250,000 HUF - 2,515,700 HUF
Budapest Metropolitan University 2,245,500 HUF - 3,019,800 HUF 2,322,900 HUF - 3,097,300 HUF
Central European University 2,700,700 HUF 4,629,700 HUF - 5,787,200 HUF

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Hungary, check out the Cheap Universities in Hungary!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Hungary for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Hungary, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Hungary, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Hungary may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Hungary are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Hungary and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Budapest Metropolitan University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Central European University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Hungary

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Hungary have online applications available on their websites, like Semmelweis University and Eotvos Lorand University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Hungary.

Semmelweis University

Eotvos Lorand University

University of Szeged

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Hungary differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Hungary.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Hungary

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Hungary. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Hungary as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Hungary. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Long Term Visa (VISA TYPE D).

To start your student visa application in Hungary, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid passport with at least 2 free pages and issued within the last 10 years
  2. Completed visa application form
  3. 2 color photos with white background, taken within the last 6 months
  4. Medical insurance
  5. Letter of Acceptance from your host university
  6. Proof of accommodation
  7. Proof of financial provisions, such as bank statement or sponsorship letter about coverage of all costs

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Hungary is 42,092 HUF.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Receive the offer from your host university.
  2. Contact the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate to confirm the requirements.
  3. Complete all requirements and set up an appointment at the embassy or consulate.
  4. Submit all required documents during your appointment.
  5. Receive your passport with Type D Visa.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Hungary. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!