Located in Central Europe, Hungary is a landlocked country with Budapest as its capital. Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language and the Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the country’s official currency. Hungary is known for its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Hungary is a mixed economy, with the country’s strategic location in Central Europe, it is known to have a high-income economy with a focus on services, industry, and agriculture.
From the bustling city life of Budapest to the serene countryside, Hungary has it all. The country’s mix of historical and modern settings creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to international students all across the globe. Cultures, traditions, and lifestyles all come together to blend in Hungary to provide a quality and suitable life for international students.
Moreover, Hungary has some well-known universities such as IBS (International Business School), Debrecen University, Budapest Metropolitan University, and many more that are dedicated to providing students with the best of resources and includes expert faculty teams to teach and guide students to have a well-advanced academic future and career.
With a long tradition of excellence in education, Hungary has a well-developed academic system. Particularly in demanding areas like mathematics, engineering, medicine, and the natural sciences. Hungarian universities and research institutions are highly regarded, attracting both local and international students. Hungary is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, cultural diversity, and post-graduation work opportunities, and degrees from Hungarian institutions are valued internationally.
Students can enroll in any level of the Hungarian education system starting from Primary and Secondary Education to Higher Education such as university and Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. Being an inclusive system, many universities offer English-taught programs, especially in fields like medicine, economics, and engineering to make it accessible for international students.
A Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) typically lasts 3-4 years. Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) may take 1-2 years after the bachelor’s degree. Doctoral Programs (PhD/DLA) generally take 3-4 years and are heavily research-focused.
As an international student, studying abroad can prove to be a heavy financial burden. So, to help lessen this burden and make studying abroad more accessible, Hungary provides many Scholarship Opportunities for international students. Some basic listings are:
The process of applying and types of scholarships can vary depending on the institution, and the applicant’s country of origin. So, visit the official website for accurate information. To Apply-
The admission requirements for studying in Hungary can vary based on the university program level. Here is a basic listing for international students:
Please make sure to check the official website of the university & program for 100% accurate information.
Check with the Hungarian consulate or embassy in your home country for specific and accurate details and deadlines.
Application fees depend on the university, program & courses chosen. Always check the specific university’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on application fees.
As an international student, understanding and managing the living costs of staying in Hungary is very important. Here is a basic list:
1. Accommodation-
2. Food- Groceries: €150-€250/month. Additional €10-€15 if eating out.
3. Transportation-Public Transport: Monthly student passes cost around €10-€20.
4. Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Internet)- Typically, €50-€200/month.
5. Personal Expenses–€50-€100/month.
Expenses vary from person to person due to individual factors. Overall, leaving out tuition fees, the estimated total monthly living costs for international students should be a range of approximately €500-€800 in Budapest. In smaller cities like Szeged or Debrecen, costs can be lower, around €400-€600/month.
Academic Excellence: Hungary has always been known and sought out for its accredited institutions that are internationally recognized universities, such as Eötvös Loránd University, Semmelweis University, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, which offer world-class education. These universities provide students with top-quality education, resources, and expert faculty. Hungarian university certifications are valued worldwide due to their excellent academic quality.
Variety of programs: Hungarian universities offer numerous different and unique programs & courses such as medicine, business, technology, and more to make education more accessible to international students, and to ensure there is something suitable for everyone. These courses are of high quality and extremely elaborate with valuable knowledge.
English-Taught Programs: Since Hungary is a diverse land with international students from all across the globe, to make education more accessible- many universities offer programs and courses that are taught in English. This trait makes Hungary quite different from other EU countries with a different native language. So, international students can easily pick Hungarian universities to study in.
Scholarships: Hungarian universities offer multiple scholarship opportunities to help manage the costs which help reduce tuition fees and living costs. Of international students, allowing them to transform their academic dreams into reality.
Support for International Students: Hungary has a large international student population, fostering a multicultural environment that helps students adapt and network. To make the transition of international students smoother- experts are available at every step to help them by guiding academics, visas, accommodation, career counseling, internships, and even their well-being through confidential counseling sessions.
Student-friendly atmosphere: Hungarian university campus life tends to be kept vibrant through student-led clubs and social events hosted by students to allow peers to connect and share their traditions, cultures, and lifestyles. This fosters diversity and a strong sense of community among the students and allows a smoother transition for international students.
Job Opportunities: Students in Hungary have the option to work alongside studying in part-time jobs to support themselves financially and gain experience. International students are allowed to work part-time (up to 24 hours per week). Employability for students is high in Hungary, making it an ideal place for international students. Moreover, post-graduate opportunities are also high as Hungary has a growing economy, particularly in industries such as IT, engineering, and medicine, offering international graduate opportunities for internships and jobs.
Safe Environment & Low Living Costs: With a relatively low crime rate, Hungary is considered to be a safe and secure place for residing, making it ideal for international students. Moreover, the country has a lively student scene with many social activities with relatively low living costs for students as student discounts are available in many restaurants, libraries, and more. This makes it a top pick for international students.
Offering a high-quality, affordable, and culturally enriching educational experience, Hungary has proven to be much sought after and an ideal pick for international students in case of choosing to study abroad. It allows students to have both academic excellence as well as an open door to numerous career opportunities, making it worthwhile for international students.
However, before making any major decision, make sure to research properly if all the points fit your criteria to ensure an exceptional academic future and career.