Janice Lozano
Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, low tuition and living costs, diverse student community, and rich culture and history. The country offers a range of scholarships and grants to international students, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance. Hungarian universities provide over 500 English-taught programs in various fields, including medicine, science, business, and arts, making it an attractive option for students from all over the world. With affordable student living costs ranging from €450 to €900 per month, Hungary is an excellent choice for budget-conscious students seeking a high quality of life. Additionally, the country's unique language, art, and cultural offerings make it the 13th most attractive tourist destination globally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students. Over 10,000 international students choose to study in Hungary every year. |
| Affordability | Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, with a high quality of life. Students can survive on €450-600 per month in Budapest and €450-500 in smaller cities. |
| Tuition fees | Hungarian universities charge tuition fees, but they are affordable compared to other European countries. Fees range from €2,300 to €10,000 per year for most degrees, with higher fees for Medicine and Dentistry. |
| Scholarships | The Hungarian government offers scholarships and grants for international students, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend. |
| Student visa requirements | International students need to apply for a student visa and may need to book an interview and submit biometrics. A residence permit is required to legally reside in the country. |
| Work opportunities | International students have the right to work 20 hours per week during term time. Many companies offer internships to students after they graduate. |
| Language | Hungarian is a unique and challenging language to learn. Most university courses are taught in English, but learning Hungarian can be beneficial for integration and employability. |
| Culture and history | Hungary has a rich culture and history, with diverse cities and towns. It is the 13th most attractive tourist destination in the world. |
| Academic reputation | Hungarian degrees are recognised worldwide. The country has a strong tradition in the sciences, particularly medicine, and is home to reputable universities such as the University of Szeged. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
Hungary offers a range of scholarships and grants for international students, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high-quality education in the heart of Europe. The country's scholarship programmes aim to promote the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education and strengthen its reputation globally. Here is an overview of some notable scholarships and grants available for international students in Hungary:
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is one of Hungary's most prestigious and respected scholarship initiatives. Established by the Hungarian Government, it aims to attract top international students by offering fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, accommodation contributions of HUF 40,000 per month, and medical insurance of up to HUF 65,000 per year. The programme is available for undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies and offers a diverse range of courses across various fields. With its focus on academic excellence and cultural exchange, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship has become a sought-after opportunity for international students worldwide.
Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships
Budapest Metropolitan University offers partial scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and master's degrees. These scholarships provide a discount of 500 EUR per semester or 1000 EUR per year on tuition fees. Budapest Metropolitan University is a highly regarded institution, and its scholarship programme makes it more accessible to talented international students.
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully-funded scholarship programme for international students pursuing master's degrees. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, economy-class air travel, and provides a monthly living stipend. This scholarship is ideal for students seeking financial support for their graduate studies and interested in gaining a global perspective through their education.
Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is a fully-funded scholarship for PhD studies, offering up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship. This scholarship provides a significant financial boost for international students pursuing doctoral research, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits without financial worries.
IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers fully-funded PhD scholarships for international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses, up to a maximum of USD 10,000 per year. This scholarship empowers students to pursue their doctoral studies and conduct research without financial constraints.
Bilateral State Scholarships
Hungary also offers Bilateral State Scholarships, which are based on educational agreements between Hungary and various partner countries. These scholarships are available on five continents and in approximately 70 countries, attracting a large number of international students each year. The scholarships cover a wide range of degree programmes and levels, including undergraduate, master's, PhD, and non-degree programmes.
In conclusion, Hungary presents a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities for international students, making it an attractive destination for those seeking financial support and a high-quality education. These programmes not only provide financial assistance but also foster cultural exchange and contribute to the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education.
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Low tuition fees
Hungary is an attractive destination for international students due to its low tuition fees and living costs. The country offers a high quality of education and life, rich history and culture, and diverse student community.
Hungarian universities charge tuition fees, but compared to other countries in Europe, they are considered affordable. Depending on the university and programme, international students can expect to pay around €2,300 to €10,000 annually for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Medicine and dentistry degrees are more expensive, ranging from €12,000 to €16,000 per year. Engineering programmes can cost up to €5,000 per year, while doctorate programmes may also have higher tuition fees. The currency used in Hungary is the Forint (HUF), and universities may also accept tuition payments in Euros or US dollars.
In addition to low tuition fees, the cost of living in Hungary is relatively low compared to other European countries. Students can expect to spend between €450 and €900 per month, depending on their chosen lifestyle and location. For example, living in Budapest, the capital city, is estimated to cost less than €600 per month, while smaller cities may only require a budget of less than €500 per month. This makes Hungary one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe while still offering a high quality of life.
To further reduce the financial burden on international students, the Hungarian government and universities offer scholarships and grants. The Stipendium Hungaricum, for example, is a generous scholarship that covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and partially funds living expenses and health insurance for students from over 70 partner countries. Other scholarships, such as bilateral state scholarships, are also available through agreements between the Hungarian government and foreign governments.
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Low living costs
Hungary is an attractive destination for international students due to its low living costs, high-quality education, and diverse range of English-language programmes. The country offers a high quality of life, a lively and welcoming culture, a rich history, and beautiful cities.
The average living costs for international students in Hungary range from 375 to 700 EUR per month, depending on spending habits and accommodation choices. The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (Ft), and at the time of writing, 364 forints equal 1 EUR.
Accommodation is the largest expense for students in Hungary. The average accommodation cost for international students is between 3,000 and 5,000 EUR per year. Students can choose from various options, including university dormitories, private dormitories, and privately rented flats. University dormitories are the most affordable, costing under 100 EUR per month, while private dormitories range from 120 to 200 EUR per month. Privately rented flats are the most expensive, ranging from 275 to 635 EUR per month, with initial deposits and utility costs as additional expenses.
Food is the second-highest expense for students. Eating at restaurants can be expensive, but students can save money by eating at university canteens or cooking their meals. On average, students should budget between 120 and 200 EUR per month for food and supplies. The average food cost for international students is estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 EUR per year.
Transportation is another significant cost for students. Public transportation in Hungary is highly affordable, with monthly bus passes available for around 10 to 11 EUR with student discounts. Alternatively, students can opt for other transportation options like trains and trams, with passes costing 25 to 35 EUR per month. On average, students can expect to spend between 120 and 300 EUR per year on transportation.
Other expenses for international students in Hungary include health insurance, mandatory during their studies. Non-EU/EEA students are advised to obtain private insurance before arriving, costing around 200 to 300 EUR per year. Additionally, students may have personal expenses, such as leisure activities, clothing, and other supplies, averaging 200 to 300 EUR per year.
Overall, the low living costs in Hungary make it an attractive and affordable destination for international students seeking high-quality education.
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Language and culture
Hungary is an attractive destination for international students for a variety of reasons, including its high quality of life, excellent universities, and low costs. Hungarian, or Magyar, is the official language of the country and is unrelated to any of the neighbouring languages. It is the first language of about 98.9% of the population and is spoken by Hungarian communities in several neighbouring countries. Hungarian is a member of the Uralic language family, which includes Mansi and Khanty, spoken in Western Siberia. The language has borrowed from a variety of other languages, including early loanwords from Iranian and Turkic languages, as well as German, Italian, French, and English. Hungarian is a richly inflected language with complex noun and verb forms, and a phonological system of fourteen to fifteen vowels and twenty-five consonants.
Hungary also recognises and protects 14 minority languages, including German, Slovak, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian, Romanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, Polish, and Ukrainian. These languages are spoken in various regions of the country, often near the borders of the respective neighbouring countries. While Hungarian is the only language used for education and government administration, the country promotes the cultural and educational autonomy of its minorities.
For international students, it is recommended to learn some Hungarian before studying in the country, as this will help to integrate better and have a more fulfilling experience. While larger cities like Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen have sizable international student communities and less language barrier, smaller cities might present some challenges. Learning Hungarian will allow students to branch out and better explore Hungarian culture.
Hungary has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. The country is located in Central/Eastern Europe, bordering countries such as Austria, Romania, and Slovenia. With a population of around 10 million people, it offers a diverse range of experiences for students. Hungarian universities have produced renowned scientists and intellectuals, including mathematician John von Neumann. The country also has a strong tradition of medical and dental schools, many of which offer tailored programmes for foreign students.
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Student visas and permits
The process of obtaining a student visa for Hungary can be tricky, so it is important to be well-informed about the requirements and to apply as early as possible. The type of visa and permit you will need to study in Hungary depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, as well as Switzerland, can enter Hungary without a visa and have the right of residence for up to 90 days with a valid travel document or personal identification document. Family members of EEA citizens who are citizens of third countries can also enter Hungary with a valid travel document and a valid visa. If EEA citizens wish to stay in Hungary for more than three months, they need to be enrolled at an accredited educational institution.
Third-country nationals, including non-EU/EEA citizens, are required to obtain a visa to enter Hungary and for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if their country has a bilateral agreement with Hungary, they may not need a visa. To stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days, third-country nationals need a residence permit, which is also referred to as a student visa. They must have a valid travel document, the necessary permits for return or continued travel, and they should be able to verify the purpose of their entry and stay.
To obtain a residence permit, third-country nationals must be enrolled as full-time students at a registered Hungarian public educational institution and have accommodation, sufficient funds to cover their costs (around 700 EUR per month), and full healthcare insurance or the financial resources to pay for healthcare services. They can apply for a residence permit at the Hungarian Consulate in their country of residence or nationality, and the application process usually takes around one month but can take up to two months or longer. After arriving in Hungary, they must appear at the immigration office to prove their housing arrangements before receiving their residence permit.
International students in Hungary are allowed to work part-time, but most jobs will require fluency in Hungarian. EU students can work without limitations, while non-EU international students will need to obtain a permit.
If your student visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision in writing to the Hungarian embassy or consulate, but there is usually an appeals fee to pay.
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Frequently asked questions
Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, with a high quality of life and low costs of living. In Budapest, you can get by on less than 600 euros per month, and in smaller cities, less than 500 euros per month. Tuition fees vary depending on the university and programme, but they are affordable compared to other European countries. For most degrees, you can expect to pay between 1,200 and 5,000 euros per year, and for degrees in Medicine and Dentistry, fees range from 6,000 to 16,000 euros per year.
Hungary offers a diverse range of programmes, free education for citizens and affordable tuition fees for international students, a rich history and culture, and a vibrant student life. Hungarian degrees are recognised worldwide, and the country is particularly strong in the sciences and medicine. Additionally, there are many scholarship opportunities, such as the Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
International students are required to apply for a student visa and may need to book an interview and submit biometrics. Students from Non-EU/EEA countries need a separate work permit to work part-time, and they have the right to work for 20 hours per week during term time. Some universities may require English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS, and there may be entrance exams for certain fields. Learning some Hungarian before studying in Hungary is recommended, especially for smaller cities.
