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Study in Hungary

by BuddyBee

Updated Apr 17,2022

Knock! Knock!
-Who’s there?
-Howdy! Remember your friend? Earlier, I saw that you were searching for information about the destination where you wish to further your education. Once you know the destination and a trustworthy person to ask about it, it will become easier. For your convenience, I have gathered useful information on studying in Hungary. Listen closely, it's worth your time!

⦁    Hungary
Hungary is a country in Central/Eastern Europe, bordering Austria in the west and Romania in the east. The majority of universities in the country offer English-taught programs. Students from all over the world can study English across a variety of academic disciplines. These degrees follow the Bologna scheme and are internationally recognized. The country offers international students a safe, diverse, and exciting educational experience. Hungary offers great universities, excellent quality of life, and affordable living costs.


-I knew this already, buddy!
-Alrighty. I will now move on to the 3Es. So, the 3Es are Education, Environment & Eligibility
-That's what I'm looking for.
-Let's get started.

                                                   
                      Education

⦁    Programs

Bachelor’s Degrees in Hungary:
⦁    Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): 86 programs
⦁    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): 58 programs [7]

Masters:
⦁    Master of Science (M.Sc.): 145 programs
⦁    Master of Arts (M.A.): 82 programs
⦁    Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.): 7 programs
⦁    Master of Laws (LL.M.): 8 programs [6]
Ph.D. Degrees in Hungary:
⦁    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): 92 programs [8]

 


⦁    University
These are some of the best universities in Hungary you should consider for your studies:
⦁    University of Szeged
⦁    University of Debrecen
⦁    Eötvös Loránd University
⦁    University of Pecs
⦁    Budapest University of Technology and Economics [6]


⦁    Entry requirements
Documents that you may have to submit when applying to universities include:

⦁    A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
⦁    A transcript/record of your previous courses
⦁    A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
⦁    Your CV
⦁    Testing scores
⦁    Evidence of scholarship or funding
⦁    Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
⦁    Portfolio and/or writing samples [6]


⦁    Language
There are almost 10 million people in Hungary, and Hungarian is the official language. Hungarian is spoken by 98% of the population. Magyar is the name of the language of the Hungarians. It is recommended that students learn a few key Hungarian words that may be useful in their daily lives in Hungary. You have several options for learning Hungarian online or face-to-face if you are interested.


⦁    Fees & Fundings
The tuition for studying in Hungary includes application, registration, and exam fees. International students can also apply for a variety of scholarships and grants to study in Hungary.

Tuition fees at public universities:
Tuition for international students varies according to the school and the program. Usually, medical and dental school tuition fees range from EUR12,000 to EUR16,000 and can become as low as EUR5,000 for other, less specialized programs.
Tuition fees at private universities:
Tuition fees at private universities are likely to be higher. Hungarian universities require students to pay an application fee, a registration fee, and an exam fee, each between EUR100 and EUR150. [2]


⦁    Scholarship
Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular host country for international students. A number of scholarships are offered for international students who choose to study in Hungary. As an international student, you can reduce your expenses by applying for one of the scholarships available in Hungary:

⦁    Stipendium Hungaricum is part of the Government of Hungary's "Global Opening Policy" which involves effective bilateral educational cooperation agreements between the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities and those of the countries with which Hungary cooperates. 
⦁    Erasmus + is the European Union’s program for education, training, youth, and sport. The aim is to give students the education, skills, and creativity they need to thrive in the knowledge-based economy.
⦁    Bilateral State Scholarships are awarded under an agreement between the governments of two countries.
⦁    CEEPUS is the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies, which aims to promote student and teacher mobility in Central and South-East Europe. [2]


⦁    Program length
The education system in Hungary is divided between colleges and universities:

⦁    College education: generally lasts for 4 years
⦁    University education: lasts for 4 to 6 years depending on the course undertaken.
⦁    University Ph.D. courses: usually take 3 years to complete.

The Hungarian academic year runs from September to June with long holidays in July and August. [2]


⦁    Grading System
There is a 5-point grade system in Hungary:

⦁    Excellent/very good (5, 90%-100%): the student’s knowledge covers the entire material and inner relationships within the same (outstanding with minor errors)
⦁    Good (4, 80%-89%): the student knows the material and is capable of applying that knowledge (generally sound work with a number of notable errors)
⦁    Satisfactory (3, 70%-79%): the student knows the essential parts of the material and is capable of applying that knowledge adequately (acceptable but with significant shortcomings) 
⦁    Pass (2, 60%-69%): the student knows the essential parts of the material and is capable of applying that knowledge at a still acceptable level (performance meets the minimum criteria)
⦁    Fail (1, 59%-0%): the student is unable to prove that he/she knows and is capable of applying the essential parts of the material (further work is required) [10]


⦁    Popular Disciplines
There are many English-taught degrees available. You can start with these popular options:

⦁    Engineering degrees  
⦁    Business degrees
⦁    Humanities degrees 
⦁    Medicine degrees 
⦁    Music degrees [6]


⦁    Popular Subjects
You can check these popular subjects to study in Hungary:

⦁    Architecture
⦁    Business
⦁    Chemistry
⦁    Communication
⦁    Computer Science
⦁    Economics
⦁    Engineering
⦁    Finance
⦁    Information Technology
⦁    Marketing
⦁    Mathematics
⦁    Media
⦁    Physics
⦁    Sociology [10]

                                                    
Environment

⦁    Accommodation
Before you start your studies in Hungary, you will also need to arrange accommodation. In Hungary, most universities have dormitories, which are usually the most affordable option. Living in dormitory accommodations may not meet your expectations, but you'll make plenty of new friends if you do it right. 

Another option for student housing in Hungary is renting an apartment, whether alone or with friends. Depending on the city (Budapest being the most expensive), and the area within the city, you can find apartments for rent from HUF $50-60,000 (EUR190-230). Obviously, sharing a room or a flat is cheaper.

When you sign an apartment rental contract, you may need to have two months' worth of rent ready in cash. If you move out of the apartment in good condition, the deposit will be returned to you. [2]


⦁    Health & Safety
As part of orientation, you will be taken to a health care center with a 24/7 emergency helpline and doctors and nurses who speak English. You can turn to them if you have any health issues during your stay. New students are presented with information and background on safety, health, environmental, political, cultural, and religious affairs in Hungary.

A recent change in immigration regulations requires every student in Hungary's higher education system to obtain health insurance from an insurer with a presence in Hungary. All international students will be enrolled and billed for the AIT-sponsored insurance plan to meet these requirements. After arrival, the insurance policy will be collected in cash in the amount of (approximately EUR 143) for one semester. [6]


⦁    Transport & Travel
Public transportation in Hungary is efficient, with buses in every city, trolleybuses, and trams in bigger cities, metro services, suburban rail lines, and boat services in Budapest.

Each mode of transport is covered by various passes (e.g. monthly). Tickets for public transportation can be obtained at stations and street kiosks. If you need to change trains, you need to purchase multiple tickets if you are taking a single trip without a transfer.
If you regularly use public transportation, a monthly or yearly pass is more economical. Reduced rates are available to students with valid student cards. [11] Students enrolled in higher education may get a monthly student pass (correspondence courses do not qualify), together with a valid Hungarian or foreign student ID. At the time of purchase, please provide the education ID or ID number as it will be printed on the slip. A valid ID must be accompanied by an original photo. [12]


⦁    Budget 
In comparison with other countries in Europe, tuition fees at Hungarian universities are very affordable. An average university degree costs between EUR 2,500 and EUR 3,000 per year; Engineering degrees can be a little more expensive, costing up to 5,000 euros per year. Tuition fees for studying medicine and dentistry usually range from EUR 6,000 to EUR 8,000 per year.
In addition, student life in Hungary is very affordable. In the capital, Budapest, you can get by on less than EUR 600 per month, but you'll need more in the smaller cities. [1]
                                                         

Eligibility

⦁    Student jobs
Hungary is a great place to find part-time employment if you are fluent in Hungarian or English. During study sessions, you can work 4 hours part-time, and during vacations, you can work full time.
There is no need to worry about a part-time job in Hungary if you have any general skills. There are a lot of restaurants and bars that hire international students part-time and pay them well. Several private companies pay their interns in Hungary. 

⦁    Getting Work Visa in Hungary
For people from outside the European Union to work in Hungary, they must have a work visa and permit. Before your work visa is issued, you must meet the following requirements:
⦁    Legal Work Permit
⦁    Worker agreement
⦁    Accommodation [5]


⦁    Communication
Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages to learn, so foreigners are not expected to speak the local language. Hungary's official language is Hungarian, but due to its proximity to many countries, many people speak several languages as well. Business in Hungary is dominated by English, which most Hungarian business people are able to speak. Getting a handle on a few Hungarian phrases will help you make friends and impress your host. [4]


⦁    Visas and Permits
After receiving an acceptance letter from a university, it's time to apply for a study visa in Hungary. Gather all the necessary documents and schedule an appointment well in advance. Visa processing usually takes 1 to 4 weeks after the appointment, so it is best to leave as much time between your application and degree start as possible. 

Your student visa for Hungary requires the following documents:

⦁    Proof of having paid the tuition fee
⦁    An acceptance letter from the university regarding your admission
⦁    Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
⦁    Copy of the photograph page of your passport
⦁    Passport photo no more than 6 months old
⦁    Proof of health insurance
⦁    Proof of address or housing in Hungary
⦁    Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the form of bank assurance/statement
⦁    Visa application form
⦁    3 stamped envelopes addressed to the applicant

The residence permit must be applied for within 15 days of your arrival in Hungary. The rule applies to non-EU citizens planning to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days too.
In order to apply for a residence permit, you must submit the following documents:

⦁    Proof of payment of tuition fees
⦁    Approval document of the host university in Hungary
⦁    Proof of health insurance [2]

Courses    Intake Period    Deadlines
Undergraduate/
Postgraduate Courses [Universities]    Fall Intake – September
Winter Intake – January    December – March
September – November
Academic Session Begin    January
May
September    August – September
January – February
February – April


⦁    Permanent Settlement
In order for a foreign student studying at a Hungarian university to remain in Hungary after graduating, you need to:

⦁    Apply for a “study-to-work” residence permit for fresh graduates.
⦁    Start a job or prepare to start a business within the next 9 months.
⦁    Apply for a residence permit based on gainful activity (your new job or the company you start) [3]

-That’s really cool. 
-Yes, Buddy! Do you want to hear more cool stuff?
-Yes, you bet, I do.

-There are many reasons why you should consider studying in Hungary- 
⦁    Hungary offers high-quality education at affordable tuition fees.
⦁    The cost of living is lower than most of Europe in Hungary, even though it is a modern and safe nation.
⦁    Foreign students will find plenty to do in Hungary because it is a diverse, multicultural nation.

-Thanks, buddy. It's time to get ready.
-Get your seat belts buckled.

It isn't always easy to decide which country you want to study in. The world we live in today makes it possible to earn a degree so easily that we have a hard time deciding what to do. During the conversation, I was trying to persuade you that Hungary might be an ideal place to study. As they say in Hungary - “Aki mer, az nyer” (He who dares, wins); surely it was worth the effort, wasn’t it?

Feel the buzz, buddy.

Written by

BuddyBee