Savanna Hoffman
Hungary is a popular destination for international students, with over 33,000 choosing to study there each year. This is due to its diverse programs, rich culture and history, and the availability of free education for citizens and affordable tuition fees for international students. Tuition fees vary depending on the school and program, with medicine and dentistry among the more expensive options, but there are also several scholarships available for international students, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which is awarded to around 5,000 students from over 70 countries each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Over 33,000 international students choose Hungary as their study abroad destination every year. |
| Affordability | Tuition fees in Hungary are generally cheaper than in many other countries in Europe. Public universities charge international students between 1,200–5,000 EUR per year for most degrees and between 12,000–16,000 EUR per year for Medicine and Dentistry degrees. Private universities tend to charge higher fees. |
| Scholarships | The Stipendium Hungaricum is a government scheme that awards around 5,000 scholarships for international students from over 70 countries each academic year. It offers tuition-free education, free or subsidized accommodation, a monthly stipend of approximately 130–150 EUR, and medical insurance. Other scholarships include Erasmus+, Bilateral State Scholarships, and CEEPUS. |
| Living Costs | The average cost of living in Hungary ranges from 375 to 700 EUR per month, depending on lifestyle and type of accommodation. University dormitories are the cheapest option at under 100 EUR/month, followed by private dormitories at under 200 EUR/month. Privately rented flats range from 275–635 EUR/month. Food and groceries cost between 115 and 150 EUR per month. |
| Work Opportunities | International students from outside the EEA can work up to 24 hours a week during their studies or up to 90 days or 66 working days outside their study period. |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
Hungary is a popular destination for international students, with over 33,000 choosing to study there every year. This is due to its diverse programmes, rich culture and history, and the availability of free education. Hungarian universities offer high-quality education at affordable prices, with tuition fees varying depending on the school and programme.
For international students, tuition fees in Hungary are generally cheaper than in many other countries in Europe. Medicine and dentistry are among the more expensive options, with tuition fees between €12,000 to €16,000 per year, while other less specialised programmes can be as low as €5,000 per year. Private universities tend to charge higher tuition fees, and some universities may charge higher fees for students from non-EU countries.
The cost of living in Hungary is also relatively low compared to other European countries. International students can expect to pay between €450-700 per month, depending on their spending habits and type of accommodation. University dormitories are the cheapest option, costing under €100 per month, while a privately rented flat can cost between €275-635 per month. Food and groceries will cost between €115-150 per month.
There are also several scholarships available for international students in Hungary, which can help to reduce expenses. The Stipendium Hungaricum is a government scheme that awards around 5,000 scholarships to international students each year. It offers tuition-free education, free or subsidised accommodation, a monthly stipend of approximately €130-549, and medical insurance. Other scholarships include the Erasmus+ programme, Bilateral State Scholarships, and the CEEPUS programme.
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Scholarships for international students
Hungary is a popular destination for international students due to its diverse programs, free education, culture, and history. Tuition fees in Hungary are generally cheaper than in many other countries in Europe, with the cost of living being relatively low. International students can also benefit from the various scholarships that are available, which can further reduce their expenses.
Stipendium Hungaricum
The Stipendium Hungaricum is a government scheme that awards around 5,000 scholarships to international students studying full-degree programs each academic year. It offers tuition-free education, free accommodation in a dormitory (or approximately €120 per month), a monthly stipend of about €130 (rising to €549 for doctoral students), and medical insurance. The program aims to promote the internationalization of Hungarian higher education and attract top international students who can establish personal and professional links to Hungary.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is a European Union program for education, training, youth, and sports. It is available for students from the EU (and other participating countries) who want to spend an exchange semester in Hungary.
Bilateral State Scholarships
Bilateral State Scholarships are awarded through the Tempus Public Foundation, a national scholarship office with the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology. These scholarships cover short-term studies and full-degree courses and are based on scientific and educational cooperation agreements between governments.
CEEPUS
The CEEPUS program ("Central European Exchange Program for University Studies") promotes student and teacher mobility in Central and South-East Europe. It is specifically designed for exchange students from several Central European countries.
Other Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships mentioned above, there are other opportunities for international students to receive funding. These include the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program, the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships. Many universities in Hungary also offer their own scholarships, such as the Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships, which are partially funded and offer a discount of €500 per semester.
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Living costs for international students
The living costs for international students in Hungary vary depending on their spending habits and the type of accommodation. The average cost of living in Hungary for an international student is between 375 and 7,000 EUR per year. The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (Ft), with 364 forints equalling 1 EUR at the time of writing.
Accommodation
Accommodation makes up the largest portion of living costs in Hungary. The cost of university dormitories is usually under 100 EUR/month, while private dormitories are available in some cities for under 200 EUR/month. Privately rented flats are more expensive, ranging from 275–635 EUR/month, and require an initial deposit of two months' rent plus monthly utilities. Shared flats are a more affordable option, with annual rent starting from 1,200 EUR and going up to 3,000 EUR.
Food
The average food cost in Hungary for international students is 1,500-2,000 EUR per year. Eating at the university canteen or cooking meals is cheaper than eating out at restaurants. A monthly food budget of 120-200 EUR is recommended. Groceries typically cost between 115 and 150 EUR per month.
Transportation
Public transportation in Hungary is highly affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing around 10-11 EUR per month with student discounts. Bicycle hire is also an option, with a bike-sharing system in Budapest costing 22 EUR per semester. Other transportation passes, such as for trains and trams, can cost over 25-35 EUR per month. The average transportation cost for international students is 120-300 EUR per year.
Other Expenses
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Hungary. Private insurance is recommended, with average healthcare costs for international students totalling 200-300 EUR per year. Personal expenses, including leisure activities, gym membership, cinema tickets, and clothing, can be budgeted at 200-300 EUR per year.
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Student visas for international students
International students planning to study in Hungary will need to obtain a residence permit, also known as a student visa, if they will be in the country for more than 90 days. The visa application process can be completed at a Hungarian embassy or consulate, and students should aim to apply as early as possible, as processing times can vary from one month up to 60 days.
Application Process
To apply for a student visa, students will need to contact the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate to understand the specific requirements for their nationality. In general, students will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Passport
- Biometrics
- Application fee (typically around €60)
- Proof of enrolment in a US university, if applicable
- Valid passport
It is important to note that students should not mail any residence permit documentation to the embassy or consulate. Instead, they should bring all immigration-related documents with them in printed format when travelling to Hungary.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the standard visa requirements, students from third countries may need to obtain a specific type of visa, such as a D-type single-entry visa, before departing for Hungary. This visa ensures that students will not be questioned at the airport and reduces the amount of paperwork required upon arrival.
For students planning to travel within the EU before their program starts, it is important to remember that they must appear at the Hungarian immigration office with their single-entry visa within 30 days of arriving in the EU.
Work Opportunities
International students in Hungary may have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies. Students from countries outside the EEA can work up to 24 hours per week during their study period or up to 90 days or 66 working days outside of their study period. However, finding a job may be challenging, especially without fluency in Hungarian.
Scholarships
Hungary offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which provides tuition-free education, free accommodation, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. Other scholarship opportunities include the Erasmus+ program, Bilateral State Scholarships, and the CEEPUS program.
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Job opportunities for international students
Hungary is a popular destination for international students, with over 33,000 choosing to study there every year. The country offers high-quality education at reasonable tuition fees and has a low cost of living. Tuition fees in Hungary are generally cheaper than in many other European countries, with public universities being much more affordable than their Western counterparts. There are also several scholarships available for international students, such as the Stipendium Hungaricum, which is a government scheme that awards around 5,000 scholarships for international students each year and covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance.
For international students from countries outside the EEA, there are specific rules regarding working during their studies. These students are allowed to work 24 hours a week during their study period or up to 90 days or 66 working days outside of their study period. Finding a job as an international student in Hungary may be challenging, especially without knowledge of the Hungarian language. A good starting point for job seekers is the careers office of their higher education institution, which can provide information on available jobs, offer job databases, and help with career planning and management. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Hungary offers internship opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking substantive internships supporting U.S. foreign policy. These internships provide insights into diplomacy, allow students to explore new career avenues, and offer the chance to acquire transferable skills.
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Frequently asked questions
No, education in Hungary is not free for international students. However, tuition fees are lower than in many other European countries, and international students can apply for scholarships to reduce their expenses.
Tuition fees for international students in Hungary vary depending on the university and program. At public universities, fees range from €1,200 to €5,000 per year for most degrees, while Medicine and Dentistry degrees can cost between €12,000 and €16,000 per year. Private universities typically charge higher tuition fees. In addition to tuition fees, students must also pay an application fee, exam fee, and registration fee, each ranging from €100 to €150.
There are several scholarships available for international students in Hungary, including the Stipendium Hungaricum, which is offered by the Hungarian Government. This scholarship covers tuition fees, medical insurance, a housing allowance, and a monthly stipend of around €150. Other scholarships include the Erasmus+ program, Bilateral State Scholarships, and the CEEPUS program.
The cost of living in Hungary for international students depends on their lifestyle and accommodation choices. Students can expect to spend between €450 and €700 per month, including accommodation, food, and transportation costs. University dormitories are the cheapest option, costing under €100 per month, while privately rented flats can range from €275 to €635 per month.
