Study in Hungary

Why Study in Hungary?

A large number of international students choose to study in Hungary because of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, along with its reputed educational institutions. Here are some reasons to pursue higher education in Hungary.

• Academic reputation- Choosing to study in Hungary for international students is a good option for its reputed institutions. There are several historical institutions in Hungary, with those like the University of Pecs having been established over 655 years earlier (1367)!
• Cultural Landmarks- Studying in Hungary for Indian students and other international aspirants is an excellent idea, especially if they love history and culture. Hungary offers fascinating landmarks, including 50+ museums along with concert venues, music festivals, and a lot more.
• Easy Travel Options- Reaching Hungary is quite easy from several parts of the world. In fact, studying here enables international students to reach various countries in Europe with ease. 12-14-week summer breaks enable them to take vacations conveniently.
• Rich Academic History- Hungarians have received 16 Nobel prizes over the years. Several famous Hungarian inventions include telephone exchanges, refrigerators, helicopters, voice film, color televisions, the first design for the Volkswagen Beetle, Lunar, the first moon vehicle, morphine, holography, glass concrete, and more.
• Availability of English Language Education- Those choosing to study in Hungary can choose from several English language courses in the country. This is another advantage for international aspirants.
• Affordable Tuition and Living Costs- The cost of studying in Hungary for Indian students and their international counterparts is comparatively more affordable than in many other countries. Living costs are usually around €500-700 per month, while tuition fees may hover around €4,000-10,000 per year.

Safe, Welcoming, and Multicultural- Hungary was ranked the 15th safest among 163 countries in the Global Peace Index and is one of the best options for international students. There are a large number of Indian students in Hungary, and the country offers a diverse and multicultural experience with vibrant nightlife, art, culture, events, and more.

Key Highlights

Hungary, strategically positioned in the heart of Central Europe and surrounded by Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria, presents itself as an outstanding destination for international students. Hungary is regarded as a high-income country in Central Europe, with one of the highest real household income per capita among other OECD (The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations, signifying its robust and stable economic growth.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Hungary at the 49th spot out of 85 nations in its “Best Countries 2023” list, based on its superior performance in areas such as entrepreneurship and overall quality of life.
Hungary is carving out a unique identity as a global hub for quality and multicultural education, with its universities offering advanced degrees in a diverse array of fields, such as engineering, management, finance, banking, and medical sciences. Hungarian universities are internationally acclaimed, with 11 institutions appearing in the QS World University Rankings 2024 list, demonstrating the country’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence. Hungary has several student-friendly cities, such as Budapest, which claimed the 70th position in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2024. 

Education System in Hungary

Education is compulsory for children between 3-16 years in Hungary. Crèches or ‘bölcsöde’ are available for those below 3 years, while children have to enroll in kindergarten from 3 years to receive basic education and daycare. The first level of the school system is ‘általános iskola’ which are basic institutions offering education at the primary and lower secondary levels between the grades 1-8.

Students graduating from this level can then continue in the public education system at vocational secondary schools or ‘szakközépiskola’, general secondary schools or ‘gimnázium’, and vocational schools or ‘szakmunkásképző iskola’. 

There are a few general secondary schools offering longer educational programs from Grade 5 or 7. The government funds all educational levels for children till 18 years old. 

After 18, they can continue their education at the best universities in Hungary (private or public higher education institutions). They can also enroll in adult education and training courses in both the private and public sectors. Hungary has been within the European Higher Education Area and Bologna Process since 1999. Hence, degrees are globally accredited and recognized.

There is thus a multi-cycle system of education with bachelor’s in Hungary for Indian students and master’s in Hungary for Indian students, along with other advanced degrees.

Credit System in Hungary

Many international aspirants study in Hungary for its simplified credit system. The academic credit system in the country is ECTS-compatible and credits are calculated based on student working hours (one credit = 30 student working hours approximately). 

At the conclusion of the semester, the academic achievements of students are assessed with grades. The ECTS conversion table enables easy transfer mechanisms between the ECTS and the Hungarian academic framework. International students receive a Transcript of Records after the end of each semester, containing the title and code of complete courses, ECTS-compatible grades, grades, and credits.

ECTS credits are 60 for a full academic year and 30 for one semester. As per the conversion table, the grade assessment system is the following:

• 5- Excellent (A, B, very good)
• 4- Good (C)
• 3- Satisfactory (D)
• 2- Pass (E, sufficient)
• 1-Fail (F)

 Best Courses to Study in Hungary

The best universities in Hungary for Indian students and other international counterparts offer several popular courses for aspirants. Some of them include programs in the following disciplines:  

• Medical and health science
• Business and economy
• Social sciences
• Engineering
• Biology and Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Materials Science
• Space Science
• Psychology/Psychiatry

Top Universities to Study in Hungary

Here are some of the best universities in Hungary as per the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Intakes Available in Hungary 

Some of the top intakes to study in Hungary are the following:

There are two semesters for each year, namely the Spring and Fall.

• The Fall semester starts the academic year in September (exact dates depend on the university and the year). The study period for this semester is between September and early December, while examinations take place from early December to the end of January.
• The Spring semester begins in February and lasts till early May. The examination period is from early May to the end of June.

Some universities have only a Fall semester, while a few offer Spring intakes.

Cost of Studying in Hungary

The cost of studying in Hungary for Indian students is approximately €4,000-6000 per year for social sciences or business, while art and engineering courses may be costlier. Dentistry and medicine programs may also cost €8,000-10,000 per year. In most cases, tuition and other study-linked costs can be approximately €5,500-7,500 per year. Some other costs may include a study deposit of €500 and registration charges of €200.

Cost of Living in Hungary

The cost of living for Indian students in Hungary can be summed up as the following:

• Housing- €80-250 each month.
• Food and beverages- This varies depending on your daily needs and lifestyle. Chicken breast costs around €5 for a kilogram, while white bread is €0.8-1.2 for half a kilogram. Apples and tomatoes (1 kilogram) cost around €2-3 on average. Dining out may require around €5-8 and increase to €15-30 per individual at expensive restaurants.
• Transportation- €9 per month for students (all-inclusive transportation ticket).
• Internet and Phone Costs- €15-25 per month.
• Health Insurance- €180 per year.

Best Student Cities in Hungary

Here are some of the best cities where international aspirants can choose to study in Hungary:

1. Budapest- The capital of Hungary and its biggest city, Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful areas, split into two parts by the Danube River. It is home to several reputed institutions, along with stunning architecture, tantalizing cuisine, and landmarks like the Hungarian National Gallery and Hungarian National Museum. The city offers affordable study and living costs along with vibrant arts, nightlife, fashion, entertainment, and sporting circuits.

2. Szeged- It offers high-quality education to students and is home to the University of Szeged, which is one of the most reputed and oldest universities in the country. The city’s living costs are lower than Budapest too.

3. Debrecen- Another leading academic hub, the city is home to the University of Debrecen and other reputed institutions. The city has a large student community and top-notch facilities, along with affordable living costs.

4. Pecs- A beautiful city known for its arts circuit and history, Pecs is home to the University of Pecs and other leading institutions. Moderate costs of living and a vibrant student community make it a good option for those looking to study in Hungary.

5. Gyor- It is a smaller city that offers a pleasant and multicultural environment for students. The University of West Hungary and other reputed institutions are present here, offering numerous academic programs and lower living costs in comparison to Budapest.

Admission Requirements to Study in Hungary

Here are some of the usual requirements to study in Hungary for Indian students.

• Preparatory Courses- Successful completion of upper secondary or high school education or a college degree.
• Bachelor’s courses- Successful completion of upper secondary/high school education and meeting the minimum language requirements.
• Master’s courses- Successful completion of a bachelor’s course from an internationally recognized university and meeting the minimum language requirements.
• PhD courses- Successful completion of master’s degrees and meeting the minimum language requirements.

Here are the language requirements to study in Hungary:

• Firm knowledge of English or German is required.
• Minimum 72 in TOEFL iBT or 5.5 in IELTS (may vary across universities).
• Other accepted tests include the Duolingo English Test, Cambridge ESOL, ECL, TELC, and the Oxford Online Placement Test.
• Those who are native English speakers, have major/minor degrees in English, or have continued high school/undergraduate programs in English need not take the above-mentioned tests.
• For German language programs, CEFR (German Language Proficiency Certificate) is required with a score of at least C2 or B2 levels in most cases.

Admission Process in Hungary’s Universities

Here are the admission steps for leading universities in Hungary (may vary across institutions):

• Learn about the entrance requirements, study programs, and fees.
• Select your chosen program and apply at the application portal of the university by registering.
• Fill in the application form and upload all necessary documents before submitting your application.
• Check the application fee payment notification after completing the transaction.
• Along with evaluating your application and documents, the university may also ask for an entrance examination or interview via Skype in some cases.
• If your application is successful, you will receive your conditional acceptance letter and tuition fee payment notification.
• After paying your tuition fee, you will get the Letter of Admission and can start arranging your travel and accommodation.

Documents Required to Study in Hungary 

Here are some of the documents that you may require to study in Hungary:

• Copy of secondary school leaving certificate/college diploma/BA/MA degree
• Copy of transcripts of past education
• CV in the instructional language
• Completed application form with a passport-sized photograph
• Proof of language proficiency (language examination certificate)
• Application fee payment receipt
• Motivation letter
• Medical certificate, vaccination card, and HIV test result
• Copy of the photo-page of the passport

Student Visa Requirements for Hungary

Study in Hungary for Indian students is only possible if they adhere to the prevailing visa regulations. Here are the documents that are required for the application.

Mandatory Documents-

• Printout of online application form
• Two photographs and one attached with the application
• Original passport and photocopy
• Photocopy of address card and identity card
• Proof of availability of sufficient funds for meeting costs
• Flight booking details

 Student Visa Documents-

• Letter of admission from a recognized institution
• No objection letter from parents for those below 18 years of age
• Document showing financial support for the tuition fee and living costs.

Which exam is required for study in Hungary?

To study in Hungary, there may often be entrance examinations sought by some universities. However, in most cases, English language proficiency examinations are necessary to meet the minimum language requirements at institutions. Some of these tests include the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Oxford Online Placement Test, Cambridge ESOL, TELC, ECL, and the Duolingo English Test.

Scholarships for Higher Studies in Hungary for Indian Students

Here are some options for those looking for a scholarship for Indian students in Hungary.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program- This program was launched by the Hungarian government in 2013 to offer opportunities for international students to pursue their studies in the country. It offers both full-time degree and partial-study opportunities within a three-cycle degree structure mostly in the English language. Scholarship holders have their tuition fees covered along with support for their living and accommodation costs.

The monthly stipend is HUF 43,700 for non-degree, master’s, bachelor’s, and one-tier master’s levels as a contribution to living costs. Tuition fees are exempted, while accommodation contribution is HUF 40,000 per month. Medical insurance is also covered for up to HUF 65,000 per year per person.

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in Hungary

Working after completing graduation in Hungary is not difficult. A residence permit is often granted to those who are students, have jobs, or run businesses on their own. The student visa stays valid only till graduation, and aspirants may apply for residence permits.

Fresh graduates can apply for study-to-work permits which help them stay for another nine months to find employment or start a business. Thereafter, this permit can be converted into a residence permit based on ‘gainful activity’. All international students getting degrees from Hungarian colleges or universities can apply for this permit although the application should be submitted by a maximum of 15 days before the expiry of the student residence permit.

Applicants have to verify that they are looking to set up a company or for employment while having the funds to stay in the country. They should also demonstrate that they have valid health insurance and accommodation, along with the funds to leave the country in case the permit is not approved. Further documentation may be required by the authorities in some cases.