13 Best Public Universities in Budapest for International Students

Budapest is one of the cities in Hungary you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Budapest can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 24 universities you can find in Budapest, and 13 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Budapest a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Budapest, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Budapest

1. Eotvos Lorand University

Eotvos Lorand University Page

Eotvos Lorand University, shortly known as ELTE, is Hungary’s premier university. It takes pride in being part of the world’s top institutions, an elite achievement that speaks volumes of its quality education and training. Such excellence may result from centuries of experience, given that the institution was established in 1635. The programs ELTE offers are diverse, but among the most notable is its wide array of foreign language courses and degree programs, including English-taught programs. These courses not only introduce locals to new cultures but also makes it easier for international students to transition into the Hungarian institution.

2. Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Budapest University of Technology and Economics Page

Budapest University of Technology and Economics is one of the most prestigious universities in Hungary and Europe. It was established in 1782 to provide top-notch engineering education and training. At present, around 70% of all engineering degrees in the country are issued by the university. Graduates of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics are known for possessing strong technical, theoretical, and practical knowledge in the applied sciences that allow them to provide innovative solutions to different industrial and societal challenges. 

3. Semmelweis University

Semmelweis University Page

Semmelweis University is an internationally-renowned academic institution that specializes in medicine and health sciences. Graduates of the university make up the majority of the country’s doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and other medical practitioners. It is also known for providing world-class patient care in its clinical centers that also serve as training grounds for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

4. Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Page

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences has an international reputation for being one of Europe’s largest and best agricultural universities. It was founded in 2021 through the integration of several top institutions in Budapest, but its history and tradition of educational excellence can be traced back to 1787. The university offers high-quality academic and research programs that focus on improving agricultural production, food safety, and sustainability. 

5. Obuda University

Obuda University Page

Established in 1879, Obuda University is known for providing some of the best programs in engineering and computer science in Hungary. Its unique educational model takes a collaborative network-based approach which allows its students and faculty to work together and exchange ideas in planning and carrying out their studies. One of the university’s main objectives is to develop critical thinkers and innovators who possess the competencies required in the international labor market. 

6. Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus University of Budapest Page

The Corvinus University of Budapest is Central Europe’s premier institution in business and social sciences. Its expertise in economics and management is highly regarded, and the university maintains such quality by concentrating only on its forte disciplines, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level. The university also ensures that its excellent training is inclusive by offering English-taught programs, which allows international students to pursue students at such a premier university without worrying about language barriers.

7. Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design

Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design Page

Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design is a public institution for higher education committed to raising open-minded and innovative designers and artists who can help solve the most current issues in society. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to provide strong theoretical foundations and practical skills. The university aims to promote the vital role of art and design in the cultural and economic development of Hungary.

8. Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary

Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary Page

Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary is a public academic institution that specializes in theological studies. It was founded in 1993 as the successor of the Reformed Theological Academy of Pest. The university also offers programs in liberal arts, management, and education that integrate the teachings and principles of Reformed theology.

9. Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music

Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Page

Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music is a public musical and cultural institute that opened in 1875 after the establishment of Budapest as the capital of Hungary. It aims to cultivate talented individuals and provide theoretical and instrumental training to aspiring musicians. The academy also consistently appears as one of the world’s top-performing arts schools in multiple global rankings. 

10. Hungarian University of Fine Arts

Hungarian University of Fine Arts Page

Having existed for over 150 years, the Hungarian University of Fine Arts has set the standard for art education and research in the country. It offers top-notch programs in different fields of fine arts which are styled to incorporate traditional methods with contemporary and experimental approaches to the study and practice of art. The university is also known for its beautifully-decorated building as well as its many exhibition spaces where its students and professional artists can display their work. 

11. University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest

University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest Page

The University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest is a public institution for education and training in theater and motion picture arts. It is dedicated to imparting strong foundations on the theoretical, practical, and creative aspects of theater and film to develop talented and independent artists. The university also strives to contribute to the promotion and survival of Hungarian art and culture and enrich the lives of its citizens. 

12. Hungarian Dance University

Hungarian Dance University Page

Hungarian Dance University is a public institution in Budapest that aims to contribute to the development of Hungarian society and the promotion of Hungarian culture through its high-quality programs in dance art. It was established in 1950 as the State Ballet Institute and earned its status as a dance university in 2017. At present, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in dance art and choreography with specializations in classical ballet, folk dance, and modern dance. 

13. Ludovika University of Public Service

Ludovika University of Public Service Page

The Ludovika University of Public Service (UPS) is a young, specialized institution with a rich and credible teaching history. It was founded in 2012; however, its formation was borne out of a merger of decades-old colleges and faculties, such as the Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University and Corvinus University’s Faculty of Public Administration. Its parent institutions’ experiences allow it to offer high-quality and expert programs in public administration, military, and law enforcement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Budapest?

Absolutely! International students in public universities in Budapest can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Budapest charge up to 3,666,000 HUF for bachelor’s and 9,360,000 HUF for master’s studies.

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I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Budapest. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.