Free Education In Hungary: A Guide For International Students

how to get free education as international student in hungrary

Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, rich culture and history, and affordable tuition fees. Although Hungary charges tuition fees for international students, there are many scholarships available to help cover the costs, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which is awarded to around 5,000 students from over 70 countries each year. This scholarship covers tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend. Additionally, there are university-specific scholarships that international students can apply for. Hungary also offers a strong tradition in the sciences, particularly medicine, and degrees from Hungarian universities are accepted worldwide.

Characteristics Values
Popularity Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students.
Language Many Hungarian universities offer programs taught in English.
Cost of living Hungary has the lowest cost of living in Europe.
Tuition fees Hungary has affordable tuition fees for international students, ranging from 1,200–5,000 EUR per year for most degrees and 12,000–16,000 EUR per year for Medicine and Dentistry degrees.
Scholarships The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship is available for international students, covering tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend.
Student visa International students are required to apply online for a student visa and book an interview. Students from non-EU/EEA countries need a separate work permit to work part-time.
Work opportunities International students have the right to work for 20–24 hours per week during their term time.

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Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme is a wide-ranging initiative based on bilateral education agreements. It is funded by the Hungarian Government and designed to support the internationalisation of higher education institutions in Hungary, as well as strengthen relations between academic institutions in Hungary and abroad.

The scholarship is open to students from over 70 countries and territories, with around 5,000 students awarded the scholarship annually. It covers tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend. To be eligible for the scholarship, you usually need to submit your application with all documents by mid-January to receive the scholarship for studies commencing the same year.

The University of Debrecen, one of Hungary's oldest public universities, is considered one of the best universities in the country. It offers a wide range of study programmes across all categories and degree levels, and students can apply to study there for free through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme.

Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and low cost of living. Hungarian universities offer programmes taught in English across all academic disciplines, and Hungarian medical degrees are accepted by the World Health Organization and are directly transferable to any EU country.

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Student visa process

Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education at affordable prices. The country has gained a reputation for academic excellence, with diverse programs, free education, and a rich culture and history.

If you are an international student planning to study in Hungary, you will likely need a residence permit or a student visa to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a student visa for Hungary:

  • Contact the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate: After accepting a place at a Hungarian university, your first step is to contact the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate. They will guide you on the specific visa requirements and processes for your nationality.
  • Prepare the Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documents, which typically include a completed application form, your passport, biometrics, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (around 700 EUR per month).
  • Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the Hungarian embassy or consulate. You should do this as early as possible, as appointment slots may be limited, and processing times can vary.
  • Submit Your Application: Attend your appointment and submit your completed application along with the required documents and the application fee (typically around 60 EUR).
  • Visa Processing Time: The processing time for a Hungarian student visa can take up to two months, so ensure you apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
  • Obtain Your Visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your D-type single-entry visa, which allows you to enter Hungary.
  • Arrive in Hungary: Upon your arrival in Hungary, you will need to prove that you have made adequate housing arrangements.
  • Receive Your Residence Permit: After verifying your housing arrangements, you will be issued a residence permit, which your Resident Director will assist you with.

It is important to note that the visa application process can be detailed and specific, and requirements may vary based on your nationality. Always refer to the official websites of Hungarian embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Courses in English

Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education at affordable prices. The country's universities offer a wide range of courses in English across all academic disciplines. These degrees are recognised across Europe and elsewhere around the world.

International students from nearly 70 countries are eligible to apply for the Hungarian Government's Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. This scholarship offers tuition-free education, free accommodation, a monthly stipend of around 130 euros, and medical insurance. The application deadline for this scholarship is usually mid-January for courses commencing in the same year.

English language proficiency is a requirement for studying in Hungary. Accepted certificates include IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. Students are expected to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and their test scores should not be older than 1-2 years. If students do not meet the minimum language requirements, they can take an English preparation course.

In addition to the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, there are other scholarship opportunities available for international students in Hungary. These include university-specific scholarships, as well as the Erasmus+ programme for students from the EU (and other participating countries) who want to spend an exchange semester in Hungary.

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Living costs

Hungary is known for its rich culture and history, attracting over 30,000 international students to its universities every year. The country is particularly popular for science degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, and its high-quality medical degrees are accepted by the World Health Organization and are directly transferable to any EU country.

Although tuition fees in Hungary are affordable compared to other European countries, living costs should also be considered when planning a student budget. The cost of living in Hungary depends on your chosen lifestyle, but an international student can generally survive on 450-550 EUR per month. The Hungarian government also offers a scholarship called the Stipendium Hungaricum, which provides international students with a monthly stipend of 150 EUR and shared university accommodation. Students can also apply for university-specific scholarships, which may offer additional financial support.

For students who wish to work while studying, Hungarian law allows international students to work for 20 hours per week during term time and up to 90 days or 66 working days outside of term. However, finding a job can be challenging, especially if you don't speak Hungarian. Students above the age of sixteen are entitled to the same minimum wage as local workers. The official currency of Hungary is the forint (Ft or HUF), and 1,000 HUF is approximately worth 2 to 3 USD or 2.40 to 3 EUR.

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Internships

Hungary is a popular destination for international students due to its diverse programmes, free education, culture, and history. The country offers high-quality education, with several universities securing their places in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

There are numerous internship opportunities for students across all sectors, with most placements sought in business, medical, or IT fields. Business students can find many opportunities in accounting, finance, operations, administration, and human resources, with most internships located in Budapest, although some may be based in the countryside.

Pre-medical and nursing students can gain valuable experience by shadowing healthcare professionals in clinics or hospitals, allowing them to understand how the field operates outside their home countries. IT students can also find internships with global companies, where they can be mentored and trained in an international environment.

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest offers internship programmes for Hungarian university students to gain insight into U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and everyday life at the U.S. Mission to Hungary. These internships are unpaid and require advanced Hungarian and English language skills, as well as a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week for up to six weeks.

Other internship opportunities in Hungary include:

  • Markets Quantitative Analysis Summer Internship
  • Global Performance Management, Reporting & Project Trainee
  • Salesforce Data Quality Intern
  • Reservations Intern
  • Airport Operations Assistant Student
  • Product Management Internship
  • Global Leadership Recruitment Trainee
  • Community Specialist Trainee
  • Client Service Analyst Intern

Frequently asked questions

Hungary is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, diverse programs, rich culture, and history.

International students can apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, which is a government scheme that awards around 5,000 scholarships for international students each year. It covers tuition fees, medical insurance, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

The requirements to apply for the scholarship include an online application form, a motivation letter, a transcript of records, proof of language proficiency, school certificates, and a copy of your international passport.

Yes, in addition to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, there are university-specific scholarships that international students can apply for. Additionally, students from the EU or other participating countries can apply for funding through the Erasmus+ programme.

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