Hungarian Universities and Higher Education: What You Need to Know?

Hungary has numerous universities that are internationally recognized, offering studies in a wide range of disciplines. The table below includes the most important universities in Hungary, along with their abbreviations and main fields of study. We also listed all Budapest universities and the available studies one can enroll on.

Most English-language programs are available in the fields of medicine, engineering, and economics.

List of Universities in Hungary

Here you can learn more about the universities in Hungary and the available studies.

(note: if the table doesn’t appear properly on your handy, then tilt your device to have a better look at it!)

List of Universities in Budapest

Here you can learn more about the universities of Hungary that are located in Budapest.

(note: if the table doesn’t appear properly on your handy, then tilt your device to have a better look at it!)

Top and Internationally Recognized Universities in Hungary

Several Hungarian universities and programs rank highly in international rankings. The following universities have been consistently recognized by global assessments such as the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings for providing high-quality education on an international level.

These institutions also have the highest percentage of international students in Hungary.

• Semmelweis University (SE)
• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
• University of Debrecen (DE)
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
• Corvinus University of Budapest (CORVINUS)
• University of Szeged (SZTE)
• University of Pécs (PTE)
• Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE)
• Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church (KRE)
• University of Pannonia (PE)

What You Need to Know About Higher Education in Hungary?

In Hungary, there are three types of university degree programs:

• Bachelor’s programs (alapszak)
• Master’s programs (mesterszak)
• Undivided programs (osztatlan képzés) – e.g., law studies

Higher education in Hungary is generally free, but only for students who achieve enough points in their final high school exams to secure a state-funded (free) university spot.

The required admission points depend on the university and the level of state funding available. These entry requirements change every year.

What Is the Acceptance Rate for University Applicants in Hungary?

According to Statista, approximately 75% of applicants successfully gain admission to a Hungarian higher education institution.

For international students, almost all programs are tuition-based. The reason is simple: Hungarian universities offer English-language programs almost exclusively as self-financed courses.

However, in terms of value for money, studying in Hungary is worthwhile. International students receive a high-quality education at affordable tuition fees. As previously mentioned, several Hungarian universities rank in international rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

Another advantage of studying in Hungary is the relatively low cost of living, which is particularly beneficial for international students. This even applies to Budapest, the capital, where the cost of living is the highest in the country but still affordable compared to many Western European cities.

A further reason to consider studying in Hungary is its rich cultural heritage and the many beautiful places to visit during your studies. Budapest stands out as a city where not only culture but also nightlife is exciting and vibrant. Not to mention the culinary delights!

Are SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL Exams Required for University Applications in Hungary?

No, most universities in Hungary do not require these exams. If English is your native language or you can prove a high level of proficiency, you do not need a special language certificate.

However, there are a few exceptions. For example, Central European University (CEU) and Corvinus University of Budapest may require an English language exam for certain programs.

How Much Does University Education Cost for International Students in Hungary?

Tuition fees vary depending on the university and program, with slight differences between EU and non-EU citizens. Below are general guidelines for tuition costs:

• Medical programs: Approximately €7,200 – €19,900 per year, depending on the specific program (e.g., General Medicine costs €19,900 per year).
• Engineering programs: Approximately €5,000 – €7,000 per year, depending on the specific field of study.
• Economics programs: Approximately €3,000 – €6,600 per year, depending on the specific program.

As seen above, these tuition fees are relatively low for international students, especially for Western European students, considering the high quality of education they receive.

The majority of international students choose to study at Semmelweis University, as Hungarian medical education is highly regarded at the European level while being significantly more affordable than similar programs in countries like Germany or Norway.

This is even more evident when considering the cost of living in Hungary, which is also relatively low.

How Much Does the Cost of Living in Hungary Cost?

Hungary is relatively affordable compared to most European countries. The majority of international students choose to study in Budapest, where the monthly cost of living for a student is approximately €1,000–€1,200 ($1,080–$1,300 USD). This amount includes rent, utilities, food, public transportation, and leisure activities.

Below are some specific estimated costs for students living in Budapest:

• Accommodation: €300–€700 per month ($312–$730 USD/month)
• Food and other expenses: €200–€400 per month ($210–$420 USD/month)
• Public transport pass: €10–€20 per month ($10.5–$21 USD/month)

The total monthly living cost depends largely on factors such as the type and location of accommodation, food consumption habits, nightlife preferences, and daily transport choices.

Overall, Hungary offers excellent opportunities for international students due to its affordable tuition fees and low cost of living.

Studying in Budapest (or other Hungarian university cities) is an unforgettable experience due to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife. At the same time, students receive high-quality education at a much lower cost compared to other European universities. Additionally, they get to live in a city where daily expenses are significantly lower than in many other European capitals.