Hungary has made a substantial contribution to the world’s intellectual heritage. Thirteen Nobel Prize laureates were born Hungarian including acclaimed litterateurs and scientists Philipp E. A. von Lenard, Robert Bárány, Richard A. Zsigmondy, Albert von Szent-Györgyi, George de Hevesy, Georg von Békésy, Eugene P. Wigner, Dennis Gabor, John C. Polanyi, George A. Olah, John C. Harsanyi, Imre Kertész. Other prominent scientists who contributed to the enrichment of human knowledge include Loránd Eötvös, Leó Szilárd, Tódor Kármán and Edward (Ede) Teller. In the world of music mention should be made of Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály. Hungary has served testimony of her high intellectual potential in every walk of life.
And last but not least, Hungarian diplomas have a high prestige throughout the world. The programmes are of high standard with tuition fees quite favourable in international comparison, and the costs of living are much lower than in other countries.
The Hungarian higher education system has a great history. The first university in Hungary was established more than 600 years ago. The first Hungarian university was founded in Pécs in south Hungary over 600 years ago, in 1367. Today the number of universities and colleges, state and non-state (private and religious), are over ten in Budapest alone and many of them offer graduate (B.Sc., M.Sc.) and post graduate (Ph.D., DLA) studies in English. There are 71 higher education institutions in Hungary (18 state universities, 12 state colleges, 7 none state
Hungary is a member of the European Union and a Schengen state. Higher education is conducted according to the Bologna System enabling students to transfer from one EU University to another. Diplomas are consequently accepted everywhere in the European Union.
Pursuing studies abroad is always a challenge and an adventure at the same time. It is an experience that may have a determining impact on a student’s professional life and career as well as in their friendships and in general, the human relations they develop and expand.
In today’s knowledge-based society there is a strong trend of students spending one or more semesters at a foreign university or college in order to improve their knowledge and to gain new experience and information.
Studying abroad presents multifarious challenges. Not only will you have to cope with the country’s bureaucracy but also you will have to accommodate new cultural traditions and phenomena. This is by no means an easy job, but of course it is also an excellent opportunity for students to prove their adaptability and resilience – to themselves and to others. In the global competition young people’s future prospects are enhanced by studying abroad as the working environment is becoming increasingly international and companies demand intercultural skills and competence.
Hungary has been taking part in the Bologna Process since 1999, whose most important goal is the creation of the European Higher Education Area.
In addition to the degree programmes described above, higher education institutions offer non-degree programmes too, such as higher-level vocational trainings, postgraduate specialist training courses based on a first or second degree as well as summer universities and partial trainings in the framework of lifelong learning.
Higher education programmes may be offered in full-time training, part-time training or distance learning courses.
According to the Higher Education Act, admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes and unified, undivided, long-term Master’s degree programmes is selective, with the Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its foreign equivalent as a prerequisite for admission with a few exceptions where practical examinations or aptitude tests are also required.
The minimum requirement for admission to Master’s degree programmes is a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, to PhD and DLA doctoral programmes is a Master’s degree or its equivalent. Higher education institutions may link admission to Master’s and doctoral programmes to additional criteria.
The programmes of study offered in foreign languages include medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, economics, natural sciences, humanities, art and music. One of the strengths of Hungarian higher education lies in its PhD programmes offered in an equally large variety of subjects. The PhD and DLA doctoral degrees granted by Hungarian institutions – just as the Hungarian Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees – can easily get recognised in Europe.
The full range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD /DLA degree programmes offered by Hungarian higher education institutions can be found in this publication.
The obligatory use of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) compatible credit system was introduced in September 2003, but several higher education institutions have already been using it since the middle of the 1990’s. One credit corresponds to 30 hours student workload.
Those who successfully pass the entrance exam or get exemption based on their previous studies receive the Letter of Acceptance. It includes the important dates and deadlines of the further steps.
The homepages of institutions that offer programmes in foreign languages contain all the information you need about the conditions of application, together with the necessary application forms. You can choose the most appropriate form of study that suits your profile. You can find out about the conditions of entry into Hungary through the homepages of higher educational institutions or through the web site of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Hungary (http://www.mfa.gov.hu).
This page is intended to arouse your interest in pursuing undergraduate or graduate (Bachelor’s and Master’s as well as PhD) studies in Hungary. Besides giving an overview of programmes information is provided about the Hungarian higher educational system, the degrees awarded, and of course, about Hungary in general.
We wish that you, reader and prospective foreign student in Hungary find in this book the information which is most important for you; that you gain useful professional experience and fond memories during your studies in Hungary; while enjoying the hospitality of our country, and making the most of the opportunities offered by its rich culture and natural heritage.
Read on to find out more about the top universities in Hungary, the student cities you could be based on, and practical information about applications, costs and more.
Four universities in Hungary appear in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, while a total of eight are featured in the QS University Rankings: Emerging Europe and Central Asia (EECA) 2016.
| Ranked 601-650 in the world and 27th in the EECA region, Eötvös Loránd Univercity is located in capital city Budapest and is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Hungary. It’s also one of the oldest, having been established in 1635. Eötvös Loránd’s alumni include four Nobel Prize winners and many world-famous scientists. The university currently educates about 28,000 students in its eight faculties, including 2,000 international students. |
| Corvinus University of Budapest is ranked 701+ in the world and 41st in EECA. It had just under 11,000 students enrolled in the 2015/16 academic year, including over 1,400 students from outside of Hungary, many of whom are enrolled in a range of programs taught in different languages – including English, French and German. Corvinus University is currently ranked in the global top 200 for agriculture and forestry, and the top 300 for economics. |
| Though not featured in the world university rankings, Budapest University of Technology and Economics climbed 10 places to 22nd in the QS University Rankings: EECA 2016 – making it Hungary’s second-highest entry. It also features in QS World University Rankings by Subject six times, including a position among the global top 250 for mathematics. Like Corvinus University of Budapest, it teaches in a range of languages – Hungarian, English, German, French and Russian. |
| The University was founded in 1635. Semmelweis University was the first Hungarian higher educational institution that started to offer an international program. In 1955, Faculties of Dentistry and Pharmacy were incorporated into the University. 2014 is the 245th academic year at the Faculty of Medicine. In 1969, the name of the University was changed to Semmelweis University of Medicine. Today, Semmelweis University incorporates the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physical Education and Sport Sciences, and the Faculty of Health Sciences. |
| The historic city of Pécs is proud to house the country’s oldest University, which was founded in 1367 by King Louis the Great. The University of Pécs is a state University. The medical school is listed in the WHO’s directory of Medical Schools and is accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Board. The International Program started in 1984. Our students come from 39 countries all over the world. In the academic year 2013/14 151 general medicine, 41 dentistry and 23 pharmacy students were admitted to the medical school. |
| Hungary’s highest-ranked university, currently placed 501-550 in the World University Rankings and 15th in Emerging Europe and Central Asia. Keen to welcome international students, the university participates in the Erasmus exchange program and has scholarships available for international students across all subject areas. Most courses are taught in English, and some bachelor’s degrees include an English preparatory course. The University of Szeged also features in the global top 400 for seven subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016, including places in the top 200 for both pharmacy and linguistics. |
| The University of Debrecen is ranked 601-650 in the world rankings and 29th in the EECA region as of 2016. Its main campuses are in Hungary’s second-largest city, Debrecen, in the east of the country. The university is dedicated to welcoming international students, and offers a selection of courses taught in English. It features among the world’s leading institutions for six subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, including places in the global top 300 for agriculture and forestry, medicine, and modern languages. |
| The University of Miskolc is one of the oldest universities in Hungary. It was established by the Queen Maria-Theresia in 1735. It is the largest university of Northern Hungary. Now, it has 7 faculties (Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Materials science, Arts and Humanities, Economy, Law, Health Sciences). The number of students at the University is more than 15,000. |
Split in two halves (Buda and Pest) either side of the Danube River, and known for its attractive architecture, Budapest is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most aesthetically appealing cities. The city’s architectural and historic importance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, where it is described as “one of the world’s outstanding urban landscapes”.
Budapest doesn’t just look beautiful; it also offers plenty to do and explore, from world-renowned spas, art galleries and classical music, to trendy cocktail bars, bohemian cafés and outdoor clubbing venues. The best-known of Budapest’s cultural events is the huge Sziget music festival, held on Óbudai Island in the centre of the Danube every August – but there’s plenty going on all year round.
Two universities in Budapest feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 – Eötvös Loránd University (ranked 601-650) and Corvinus University of Budapest (701+). Both participate in Erasmus and various other student exchange programs. Other universities in Budapest include Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest Business School, Hungarian University of Fine Arts, Semmelweis University (medical), Óbuda University (technical) and Central European University, a postgraduate-only institution which ranks in the global top 50 for politics.
| The South-Western Hungarian city has a population about 156,000. The University of Pécs has 25,000+ students including foreign languages, IT and business administration. Pecs, the “Hungarian Mediterranean City”, was the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2010. There are some SSC/BPO companies in Pécs. The leading company is Unisys Global Services with 200 jobs. IT Services Hungary has the 3rd Hungarian service centre in Pécs, employing 100+ local staff. The Germany-based BUW also has a smaller call centre in the city. |
| Hungary’s third-largest city, located in the south of the country on the banks of the river Tisza. It’s nicknamed the ‘city of sunshine’, due to its warm climate and high number of sunny days. Szeged is also known as a cultural hub, and especially for its Open Air Festival, showcasing outdoor theatre performances throughout the summer. Szeged is a university town with a good nightlife, and it’s an ideal choice for foodies, offering great local and traditional food, including salami and fisherman’s soup (halászlé). The education centre of south Hungary, Szeged is home to the highest ranked university in the country – the University of Szeged. |
| Hungary’s second-largest city, although far smaller than Budapest, with 205,000 residents compared to the 1.7 million residents of the capital. Debrecen has briefly been the capital city of Hungary during two periods of history; the Hungarian revolution in 1848 and the end of World War Two in 1945. The city is the administrative, economic, educational, scientific and cultural centre of the eastern region of the country, and the usual range of activities are available, including theatre, live music, nightclubs and (in true Hungarian style) natural hot springs and spas. The city is also well known for its lively festivals, including the Flower Carnival in August, which involves millions of flowers being used to decorate a procession of floats. |
| In the North-Eastern part of Hungary, Miskolc always was a mine and heavy industrial centre. The city population is 166,000, and the University of Miskolc has 10,000 students. The collapse of traditional heavy industries resulted one of the highest unemployment in Hungary, and this fact plus the engineering profile attracted companies like Bosch or Remy Automotive to Miskolc. In recent years, BPO companies like HP or Vodafone created 1,000+ low-cost jobs in the city. |
Students from within the EU/EEA do not need a visa to study in Hungary, but do need to apply for a residence permit before of arriving. Students from outside of the EEA should apply for a student visa residence permit before arrival, via their nearest Hungarian embassy. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before departure, as the processing is likely to take at least a month.
All international students are required to register their place of residence with the local authorities, as soon as possible after arrival.
While tuition fees are not insignificant, they are much lower than charges in countries such as the US or UK. They vary between universities and courses, with some courses as low as US$5,500 per year at the University of Debrecen, going up to US$16,900 per year to study medicine.
Some scholarships for international students are available from the Hungarian government, covering tuition fees, medical insurance, accommodation and a monthly stipend for residents of partner countries to study in Hungary at all levels. Students from within the EU may also be able to apply for a state-funded place, under the same system as local students. These are awarded based on academic grades, but are highly competitive, with the number of places available having been cut over the past few years. Students from Eastern Europe can also apply for scholarships from the Visegrad Fund.
Living costs are relatively low in Hungary, with students likely to need about US$600-850 per month to cover everything from accommodation to nights out (~US$7,200-10,200 per year). Living costs will be more expensive in Budapest, than in other Hungarian cities, where rent will start from about US$300-340 per month.
Many universities offer dormitory accommodation, which is relatively cheap and likely to cost less than ~US$285per month. Prices can be similarly low in shared private accommodation if you share a flat with other students.
Students are allowed to work part-time while studying, but finding a job will be difficult without Hungarian skills. Wages are very low at around ~US$1.8-2.8 per hour for typical student jobs, so foreign students may find it more beneficial to return home during breaks to work instead.
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