Hungary: An Overview for International Students

Hungary is located in Central/Eastern Europe, bordering e.g. Austria in the West and Romania in the East. It has a population of around 10 million people, of which 3 million live in Budapest, the capital city. Other important student cities are Szeged, Pécs, and Debrecen.

Dozens of universities across the country offer programs that are fully taught in English. Across all academic disciplines, there are hundreds of study programs in English available for international students. Those degrees follow the European Bologna scheme and are recognized across Europe and elsewhere around the world.

If you are looking for high-quality education, you’ve come to the right place. Hungarian universities have spawned many smart minds, including well-renowned scientists like mathematician John von Neumann and Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi, who discovered vitamin C.

Studying at a University in Hungary

If you are considering studying in Hungary in English, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best-ranked university in Hungary, and usually among the top 500 universities worldwide, is the University of Szeged. With well over 20,000 students, it is also one of the largest institutions in the country. Other notable universities include Semmelweis University (in Budapest), Eötvös Loránd University (also in Budapest) and the University of Pécs. Hungary is also well-regarded for its medical schools and dental schools, many of which offer tailored programs for foreign students.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Hungary

Hungarian universities charge tuition fees, but compared to other countries in Europe they are very affordable. Depending on the university and the program, you can expect to pay around 2,500 to 3,000 euros per year; Engineering programs can be a bit more expensive at up to around 5,000 euros per year. Studying medicine or dentistry usually incurs tuition fees of around 6,000 to 8,000 euros per year.

At the same time, student life in Hungary is very affordable. Considering accommodation, food, transport, and other things, you can get by on less than 600 euros per month in Budapest (the capital), and on less than 500 euros per month in the smaller cities.

Stipendium Hungaricum: The Scholarship to Study in Hungary

Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular host country for international students. One of the reasons is the Stipendium Hungaricum, Latin for "Hungarian Scholarship". The scholarship is very generous: It includes tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend. Every year, the Stipendium Hungaricum is awarded to around 5,000 students from over 70 partner countries. Whether you are eligible for the subject you want to study depends on the cooperation programs that are in place. Usually, you need to submit your application with all documents by mid-January to receive the scholarship for your studies commencing the same year.

These initiatives demonstrate Sweden’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The top 3 reasons to study in Hungary

There are many reasons why you should consider Hungary to study abroad - these are the top 3:

• Universities in Hungary offer high-quality education at affordable tuition fees.
• Hungary is a modern and safe country, but the cost of living is among the lowest in Europe.
• Hungary is a diverse, multicultural nation with lots of fun experiences for foreign students.