Study abroad
Study in Hungary
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Hungary
Thinking about studying in Hungary? The country is in Central Europe, with higher education centred on cities such as Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Hungarian, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Hungary?
Students choose Hungary for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Central Europe. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Hungary means everyday contact with Hungarian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Hungary takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Several Hungarian universities run English-taught programmes in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy that attract many international students.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Hungary
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Hungary. We chose them editorially, with healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Hungary on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Hungary
- Semmelweis UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- THE 2026 251–300
- Obuda UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- THE 2026 601–800
- Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest, Hungary
- THE 2026 801–1000
Scholarships to Study in Hungary
Funding your studies in Hungary
Some international students in Hungary receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Hungary
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Hungary
Many programmes in Hungary start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Hungary
Budgeting for a degree in Hungary starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Hungary
Most international students need permission to study in Hungary, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Hungary
Your everyday budget in Hungary will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Budapest can differ noticeably from those in Debrecen or Szeged and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Hungary
Why should I study in Hungary?
It depends on your goals. Hungary offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Europe and study in Hungarian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Hungary?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The subjects page for Hungary lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Hungary?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Hungary?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Hungary?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary).
Are scholarships available for international students in Hungary?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Hungary?
Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Hungary?
Many courses are taught in Hungarian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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