Study in Hungary in 2026

Study in Hungary in 2026

Hungary is a major Central European destination for international students. It offers English-taught programmes, established medical and technical universities, a national scholarship programme, and lower costs than many western European destinations.

Check your study fit

Why international students choose Hungary

Common reasons include:

• Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship opportunities
• English-taught bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and medical programmes
• Universities in Budapest and lower-cost regional cities
• Strong medicine, dentistry, engineering, agriculture, business, and science programmes
• Central European location and regional travel connections
• Lower average living costs than several western European capitals

Stipendium Hungaricum

Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary's government scholarship programme for international students from partner countries.

Depending on the study level and current call, support may include:

• Tuition exemption
• Monthly stipend
• Dormitory placement or a housing contribution
• Medical insurance or access to specified health services

The scholarship does not necessarily cover every living cost. Students may need additional personal funds.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on:

• Citizenship
• The agreement between Hungary and the sending partner
• Study level and available fields
• Nomination rules in the applicant's country
• Academic and language requirements
• The annual call for applications

Some applicants apply through a sending partner, while others may follow a different route stated in the official call.

Application process

The process commonly includes:

1. Selecting eligible programmes
2. Submitting the online application
3. Uploading academic and language documents
4. Completing the sending-partner process where required
5. University assessment or entrance examination
6. Scholarship nomination and final decision

Applicants should follow the current official call rather than an older year's timeline.

Self-funded study

Students who do not receive a scholarship can apply directly to self-funded programmes.

Indicative tuition pressure by field:

Humanities and social sciences

• Relative tuition level: Lower

Business and economics

• Relative tuition level: Lower to moderate

Engineering and information technology

• Relative tuition level: Moderate

Natural sciences

• Relative tuition level: Moderate

Medicine and dentistry

• Relative tuition level: High

Medical and dental programmes are normally much more expensive than standard bachelor's or master's degrees.

Universities to consider

University of Debrecen

• City: Debrecen
• Common strengths: Medicine, agriculture, sciences

Semmelweis University

• City: Budapest
• Common strengths: Medicine and health sciences

Budapest University of Technology and Economics

• City: Budapest
• Common strengths: Engineering and technology

Corvinus University of Budapest

• City: Budapest
• Common strengths: Business, economics, social sciences

University of Pécs

• City: Pécs
• Common strengths: Medicine, law, humanities

Eötvös Loránd University

• City: Budapest
• Common strengths: Sciences, humanities, social sciences

Applicants should check the official programme page for current tuition, entrance examinations, intake, and accreditation.

Admission requirements

Requirements may include:

• Secondary-school or university qualifications
• Relevant prerequisite subjects
• Proof of English
• Entrance examination
• Interview
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Medical certificate for some programmes
• Application fee
• Passport and certified academic records

Medicine, dentistry, engineering, and doctoral programmes may use additional academic screening.

Cost of living

Budapest is usually more expensive than Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged, Miskolc, or other regional cities.

Budget categories include:

• Rent and deposit
• Utilities
• Food
• Public transport
• Health insurance
• Residence-permit costs
• Study materials
• Travel
• Initial household setup

University dormitories can reduce costs but places may be limited.

Working while studying

International students may be allowed to work under the rules attached to their residence status. The current permitted hours, reporting duties, and post-study options should be checked through Hungary's official immigration and employment guidance.

A student job should not be assumed to cover tuition or all living costs.

Residence permit

Non-EU students normally need a residence permit for study. Common requirements include:

• Admission or student-status documents
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds
• Health insurance
• Passport
• Academic documents
• Completed application forms
• Evidence of tuition payment where required

The authority may request additional documents based on the applicant's case.

Next step

Compare your academic profile, tuition budget, city preference, and scholarship eligibility before choosing programmes.

Find programmes in Hungary

Verification note: Scholarship benefits, eligible countries, tuition fees, residence rules, work rights, programme availability, and deadlines change. Confirm them through the official Stipendium Hungaricum call, university websites, and Hungarian immigration authorities.