From its storied history, mesmerizing architecture, vibrant nightlife, thermal spas, and compelling cities like Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs, which are begging for attention, Hungary is exciting and full of life. Nestled in the heart of Europe, bordering countries like Romania and Austria, international students have found it an emerging study abroad location.
Budapest, the capital city, is Hungary's major drawcard, offering a taste of ancient and modern. Dozens of tertiary institutions allow international students to study in English, following the European Bologna scheme.
Are you an international student who values quality education at an affordable rate mixed with rich cultural experiences? Welcome to Hungary, where Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi discovered vitamin C and is home to brilliant minds like mathematical genius von Neumann.
Why Study in Hungary?
Academic Excellence
Hungary has universities globally renowned for their research opportunities and high academic standards. For instance, the University of Szeged, Semmelweis University, Corvinus University, and the University of Pécs are consistently ranked among the best.
Affordable Education & Living Costs
International students find studying in Hungary affordable, with relatively low tuition compared to Western Europe. Students also enjoy its budget-friendly cost of living, including reduced prices on meals, cinema tickets, public transport, and more.
Vibrant Student Life & Cultural Richness
The rich cultural tapestry of Hungary is found in its culinary delights, festivals, and architecture. Living in Budapest pulls out modern attractions and a mix of historical locations,
Strategic Location for Travel
Hungary is an exploration hub for international students itching to explore Europe. When you live in Hungary, you don't have to dream about cities like Krakow, Prague, or Vienna. With its efficient transportation links, you can visit any of these cities over a weekend and still meet classes on Monday morning.
Supportive Academic Environment
International students acclimate quickly to any of the Hungarian universities because of their numerous organizations, like the Erasmus Student Network, which help students blend with the locals and society.
Studying in Hungary
Hungary boasts of globally recognized medical and dental schools, many offering pioneering medical research to innovation on the world stage. In the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) subject rankings:
- Eötvös Lóránd University ranked first in mathematics, physics, psychology, and education science and shared first place in environmental science with the University of Debrecen.
- Semmelweis University had its two medical researchers listed in Clarivate Analytics' 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list.
- The University of Szeged (SZTE) became the only Hungarian university to secure a Gold rating in the first Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings.
- The University of Debrecen (UD) is recognized as Hungary's leading university in sustainability in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025.
- The University of Sopron received Gold Recognition in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024.
Stipendium Hungaricum
Studying in Hungary is more affordable with the Stipendium Hungaricum, a Hungarian scholarship for international students. The scholarship covers housing allowance, medical insurance, tuition fees, and a monthly stipend.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Hungary
Hungarian universities offer affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries, depending on the University and programme. However, programmes like medicine, dentistry and engineering can cost more.
International students spend less on transport, food, accommodation and other things monthly in Budapest, the capital city. However, smaller cities are more affordable to these students.
How to Apply to Hungarian Universities
International students coming to Hungary must visit the universities' websites they choose for admission.
Here are some documents required:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of an international passport and/or birth certificate
- CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
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Hungarian Universities English Test
International students need to prove their language skills by taking any of these English-language tests:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Accommodation in Hungary
- University Dormitory: You can use the dormitory if you have a tight budget. Dormitories are the cheapest accommodation options for students.
- Private dormitory: Private dormitories are more expensive than university dormitories.
- Flat and private room: Renting a room or flat offers privacy but comes at a higher cost.
Work after graduation in Hungary
International students need a work permit to get full-time jobs in Hungary after graduation. The work permit allows students to work in Hungary for as long as the work contract is valid. In addition, a residence permit for work purposes is needed for work part-time in Hungary.
Conclusion
Studying in Hungary offers international students a mix of affordability, cultural immersion, and quality education. While thousands of students struggle to secure their USA F1 Visas or try to break the banks for their tuition in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, Hungary offers every student a soft financial and visa approval landing. Come to Hungary and enjoy the European charm and welcoming educational atmosphere.
With the Pay4Me App, you can make your application and tuition fees within minutes. Download the app here and enjoy a seamless cross-border payment.
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