How to Study in Hungary for Free (9 Steps)

Posted on September 12, 2020July 6, 2023 by Hyun Lee

It is easy to see why so many international students travel to Hungary to begin their studies. Located in Central Europe, the country offers a number of prestigious universities that allow for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The government of Hungary constantly promotes its educational institutions, improves the quality of studies, and works towards the goal of making the students who come here feel as comfortable as possible. A good selection of courses, low tuition fees, and widely available scholarships are only some of the reasons to attend one of the Hungarian schools. So, let’s talk about how to study in Hungary for free as international students.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Hungary

Studying in Hungary typically costs between USD 2,700 to USD 35,200 annually for undergraduate studies. For master’s studies, tuition costs between USD 2,300 to USD 110,000. Check out our guide on Tuition Fees in Hungary to learn more about how much you need to prepare for your studies here.

How to Study in Hungary for Free

1. Create an Application that Stands Out

If considering studying for free in Hungary, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements in advance. During your final year in school, try to improve the grades that have the highest degree of influence on your chances to get accepted into one of the institutions. Also, gather as much information about things like visa, insurance, vaccinations (especially, if coming from a country that is not a part of the European Union). There are many factors at play, and it is important to be prepared and present yourself in the best light possible.

Check Also: Best Universities in Hungary for International Students

2. Start Preparing Early

The earlier the better. Since there is a lot at stake, you should start to prepare your application a good few months before the process will begin. While you may want to take your time and enjoy the final moments of freedom, you should not allow yourself to relax until the application process will have been completed. For that reason, begin the preparation process early and make sure each detail of your paperwork has been thought through.

3. Get Financial Aid from Hungarian Universities

Hungarian universities provide all kinds of scholarships, suitable for freshmen of all programs. While some of the institutions do not have a scholarship of their own, most of them do – and it is really easy to apply for it too! You can find more information about the stipends and scholarships available in Hungary on the Szent István University homepage.

While it does depend on the particular type of the financial support you receive, some of the options cover the entirety of the tuition fee, as well as a part of the student’s living expenses. Getting these fully-funded scholarships from Hungarian universities will help you to study in Hungary for free.

See Also: How to Study in Germany for Free

4. Receive Money from Your Government

The countries of the world have been increasingly supporting higher education and promoting the idea of receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree for several decades now. It is for that reason many local governments, including the Hungarian one, have been providing their citizens with monetary support for them to study elsewhere. While the administration of your particular country may not have a similar system in place, it is recommended that you check and enquire about the issue first.

Learn More: Swiss Government Scholarships

5. Apply for an International Scholarship

As an international student in Hungary, you can try to apply for one of the international grants, funds, or scholarship programs to help you study in Hungary for free. The country works with such organizations as CEEPUS and Erasmus+. You may not be able to apply for all of the programs, but, depending on the place of origin and the desired course, you shall be able to find a sponsor. Make sure to get in touch with a few of the available organizations, as this will allow you to increase your overall chances to receive the support.

Learn More: European Commission Scholarships for International Students

6. Choose Affordable Universities in Hungary

Most bachelor’s degree programs in Hungary will cost $1,500-2,500. If you are interested in the field of Medicine and Dentistry, the tuition fees will most likely be around $8,000-10,000 per year. While it may seem steep, you should not worry, as there are always cheaper alternatives available, and, provided you will have done the research, you should be able to find some more affordable schools. If you are interested, check these Affordable Universities in Hungary for international students.

If you find the universities in Budapest to be too expensive, try to look into the schools located in Miskolc or Szeged, as there is a high chance that the tuition fee over there will be significantly lower. Attending these cheap universities in Hungary will definitely help you study in Hungary for free!

7. Apply for Studies

Make sure to get in touch with the university of choice before sending the application. Confirm that you have prepared all the required paperwork and submit it once you are ready. It is a great opportunity for you to take a break and reflect on all the hard work you have done up until this point. It does not mean, however, that you shall stay inactive. Even after the application has been submitted, you should stay in touch with the institution, and it is important to begin looking for suitable housing and research available job opportunities around the same time.

8. Seek Out a Part-Time Job for the Duration of Your Studies

Hungary is incredibly open to the idea of its students committing job-related activities during their time in the country. Both EU and non-EU nationals are allowed to work, as long as they hold a valid student visa. It is possible to seek out part-time employment, full-time employment, as well as work as a freelancer from the comfort of your home. If you would like to know more, there is additional information available on the Site of National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. Working while studying can definitely a long way for studying for free in Hungary possible.

9. Decrease Living Expenses

Study in Hungary website provides a versatile calculator that allows to figure out average monthly living expenses. Hungary is not an expensive country, with the costs of living sitting around $250-400 per month.

Dormitory accommodation is the most affordable solution, as students can rent a bed for as low as $70 per month. Private apartments may cost three to four times more. If you have to travel to the university, the cheapest way is by purchasing a bike, but there is also bike-sharing system available in Budapest and discounted monthly passes for student ID holders on the available public transport. Of course, a great way to lower your expenses is to avoid attending parties, going out, as well as to cook food at home instead of ordering it from the local restaurants.

Studying in Hungary for free is absolutely doable if you can dedicate your time and energy to look for the right resources. With these steps, you can begin your journey towards a fulfilling, yet budget-friendly, stay in one of the top study destinations abroad. And if you’re looking for the best education in this country, make sure to check out these top universities in Hungary as well.

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.