Strong in medical & technical fields
Hungary is well known internationally for English-taught medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and engineering.
Study in Hungary
A long academic tradition with affordable English-taught degrees
Hungary combines historic universities with a broad range of English-taught programmes in medicine, engineering, and business, often at a lower cost than Western Europe.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- 2Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching language
- English-taught optionsTeaching language
- Available for some applicants
- Scholarship routesAvailable for some applicants
Country overview
Studying in Hungary
Hungary is an EU member state with a long higher-education tradition and a wide range of English-taught programmes, particularly strong in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, engineering, and business. Degrees follow the Bologna structure and are recognised across the EU.
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, and government-backed scholarship routes exist for eligible international students. Programme availability and requirements vary by institution, so always confirm details directly with the university.
- Capital
- Budapest
- Currency
- Hungarian forint (HUF)
- Popular cities
- Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs
- Main intakes
- Autumn (Sep), some Spring (Feb)
- Teaching languages
- Hungarian and English (programme-dependent)
- EU status
- Member state — simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens
Why study here
Reasons students choose Hungary
Affordable EU study
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, though this should be confirmed per institution.
Scholarship routes
Government-backed scholarship schemes exist for eligible international students; eligibility and deadlines must be checked officially.
Central European location
Budapest is a well-connected capital, making travel across Europe convenient.
Education system
How the system is structured
Hungarian higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure (bachelor's, master's, doctoral), with some long single-cycle programmes such as medicine. It is delivered through universities and universities of applied sciences.
Universities
Offer academic bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes, including research-intensive fields.
Single-cycle programmes
Fields such as medicine and dentistry are often long, single-cycle degrees rather than separate bachelor's/master's stages.
Bologna structure
Most degrees use the ECTS credit system, supporting transfer and recognition within the EU.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programmes are widely available in English, especially in business, engineering, and IT. Some professional fields (e.g. medicine) run as long single-cycle degrees.
Typical duration: 3–4 years (single-cycle medicine longer)
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education meeting the institution's threshold
- Language proof (English or Hungarian depending on the programme)
- Entrance exams for competitive fields such as medicine
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes build on a relevant bachelor's degree and are available in many English-taught tracks.
Typical duration: 1–2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- Language proof for the programme's teaching language
- Some programmes may require an interview or entrance assessment
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Completed secondary education meeting the institution's academic threshold, plus language proof; some fields require entrance exams. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and language proof for the teaching language. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
Language requirements depend on whether the programme is taught in English or Hungarian. Confirm the exact accepted tests and minimum scores with the specific university.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Commonly accepted for English-taught programmes; minimum scores vary by institution.
TOEFL iBT
Accepted by many universities as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
Hungarian language proof
Required only for Hungarian-taught programmes; most international programmes are delivered in English.
- Requirements and accepted tests differ by university and programme — always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Identify universities and programmes matching your background and preferred teaching language.
Check entry requirements
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and entrance-exam rules for competitive fields.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, language results, and identification, then apply directly to the university or via a scholarship portal where relevant.
Complete any entrance assessment
Some fields, such as medicine, require an entrance exam or interview before an offer is made.
Arrange visa/residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the visa/residence process promptly once an offer is confirmed.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa or residence permit in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a national visa/residence permit
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a long-stay (type D) visa and/or residence permit for study through the Hungarian embassy or consulate.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the acceptance letter, passport, proof of funds, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Complete residence formalities after arrival
Non-EU students generally register and finalise their residence permit with the immigration authority after arriving.
Verify current rules officially
Visa and residence requirements change — always confirm the current process with the official Hungarian embassy/consulate or immigration authority.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Hungary can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
Language test results
IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or Hungarian proof where relevant.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
University acceptance letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the visa/residence process for non-EU applicants.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Medicine & health sciences
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Science
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Civil
- Computer Engineering
Business & economics
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- International Business
IT & computer science
- Software Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Tuition and living costs in Hungary are generally lower than in Western Europe, but vary by city and institution. Always confirm current figures with the university and official sources.
Tuition
- Bachelor's degree
- Low–moderate
- Master's degree
- Low–moderate
Medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programmes are typically priced higher.
Varies by institution and teaching language.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Low–moderate
- Food & transport
- Low–moderate
- Health insurance
- Required
Budapest is typically more expensive than smaller university cities.
Public transport and daily costs are generally affordable.
Cost and requirement depend on visa/residence status.
Funding & scholarships
Government scholarship schemes
State-backed scholarship routes exist for eligible international students; eligibility, coverage, and deadlines must be verified officially.
University scholarships
Some institutions offer merit-based reductions or scholarships; availability varies and should be checked directly.
Lower overall cost
Relatively low tuition and living costs can reduce the need for extensive funding compared to other EU destinations.
Application timeline
Planning your year
10–14 months before
Research
- Shortlist universities and programmes
- Check scholarship routes and deadlines
- Plan your budget
8–10 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests if required
- Gather transcripts and documents
- Prepare for entrance exams in competitive fields
5–8 months before
Apply
- Submit applications or scholarship forms
- Complete entrance assessments
- Track offers
2–5 months before
Visa & arrival
- Accept an offer
- Start the visa/residence process if non-EU
- Arrange accommodation and travel
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing scholarship deadlines, which are often earlier than standard admissions.
- Underestimating entrance-exam requirements for medicine and related fields.
- Assuming every programme is taught in English without checking the specific programme.
- Leaving the non-EU visa/residence process too late.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Hungary a good option for medical studies in English?
Hungary is well known for English-taught medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, though these programmes are competitive and usually require entrance exams. Confirm requirements with each university.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Government-backed scholarship routes exist for eligible applicants, but eligibility, coverage, and deadlines vary and must be verified through official sources.
Do EU citizens need a visa to study in Hungary?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa in the same way as non-EU applicants, though local registration formalities may still apply.
How long does the non-EU visa process take?
Processing times vary and are not fixed — always confirm current timelines with the official Hungarian embassy or consulate well before your intended start date.
See which Hungarian programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Hungary can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.