Hungary has several private, church-maintained, and foundation-maintained higher education institutions. Their legal status, degree locations, tuition fees, and available programs vary, so prospective students should confirm the details on each institution’s official website. Students comparing higher education in Hungary can also review the advantages and disadvantages of the Hungarian education system, affordable universities in Hungary, and affordable universities elsewhere in Europe.
In this article, we review several institutions commonly included in guides to private universities in Hungary. Because their legal status differs, the descriptions below identify whether an institution is private, church-maintained, foundation-maintained, or, in the case of Central European University, primarily degree-granting outside Hungary.
Top Private Universities in Hungary for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | FEATURED PROGRAMS OR ACADEMIC AREAS |
|---|
| Central European University | Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology and Social Anthropology, and Public Policy |
| Edutus University | Business Administration and Management, Marketing, and Engineering |
| Budapest University of Economics and Business, formerly Budapest Business School | Business Administration and Management, Finance and Accounting, and Tourism and Catering |
| Debrecen Reformed Theological University | Reformed Theology, Teacher of Ethics, and Primary School Teacher Education |
| Budapest Metropolitan University | Commerce and Marketing, Tourism and Catering, and Business Administration and Management |
| Andrassy University Budapest | International Relations, European and International Administration, and Comparative Constitutional and Legal Studies |
1. Central European University
Central European University (CEU) was founded in Budapest in 1991. It is now a private university based in Vienna, Austria, and is accredited in Austria and the United States. Its Budapest facilities serve primarily as a research and outreach site, so applicants should confirm the teaching location of their chosen program before applying.
CEU offers English-taught graduate programs across the social sciences, humanities, public policy, law, data science, and related fields. One current option is the Master of Arts in Public Policy, a one-year, 60-ECTS program. CEU also has active departments and programs in Political Science, Philosophy, and Sociology and Social Anthropology.
2. Edutus University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Featured Programs: Business Administration and Management, Marketing, and Engineering
Edutus University is a private university based in Tatabánya. Its predecessor, the College of Modern Business Studies, was established in 1993. The institution has since expanded its range of business, economics, and technical programs.
The university emphasizes practice-oriented education and offers programs intended to connect academic study with professional and industry needs. Its current international offerings include undergraduate programs as well as graduate study in fields such as Marketing and Engineering.
Program availability, language of instruction, admission requirements, and tuition fees may differ by intake. International applicants should therefore use the university’s current admissions and fee pages when preparing an application.
3. Budapest University of Economics and Business (BUEB)
- Admissions | Programs
- Featured Programs: Business Administration and Management, Finance and Accounting, and Tourism and Catering
Budapest University of Economics and Business (BUEB) describes itself as Hungary’s largest business university, and its professional history traces back to the Pest Academy of Commerce, founded in 1857.
BUEB is a state-recognized institution maintained and owned by a public-interest asset-management foundation. It should therefore be distinguished from a conventionally owned private university, even though it is sometimes included in guides to non-state higher education institutions.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, economics, finance, management, tourism, and related areas. Its career services and online career platform provide information about internships, employment opportunities, career events, and employer connections.
4. Debrecen Reformed Theological University
- Academic Programs
- Featured Programs: Reformed Theology, Teacher of Ethics, and Primary School Teacher Education
Debrecen Reformed Theological University traces its roots to Debrecen Reformed College, which was founded in 1538. The university is a church-maintained institution with a longstanding focus on theological education, ecclesiastical training, and teacher preparation.
Its current academic portfolio includes Reformed Theology, Reformed Theology–Ministry, Teacher of Reformed Religious Education, Catechist and Pastoral Assistant, Teacher of Ethics, Organist of the Reformed Church, and Primary School Teacher programs.
Students should confirm the language of instruction for the complete degree they intend to pursue. The university publishes information about selected courses in English, but this does not necessarily mean that every full degree program is offered entirely in English.
5. Budapest Metropolitan University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Featured Programs: Commerce and Marketing, Tourism and Catering, and Business Administration and Management
Budapest Metropolitan University is a private higher education institution whose predecessor was established in 2000; teaching began in 2001. The university offers programs in business, communication, tourism, and the arts.
The university emphasizes practical and project-based learning in many of its programs. Students interested in marketing can consider the Commerce and Marketing BSc. Business Administration and Management BSc is a separate program rather than a marketing specialization within the same degree.
6. Andrassy University Budapest
- Admissions | Programs
- Featured Programs: International Relations, European and International Administration, and Comparative Constitutional and Legal Studies
Andrássy University Budapest was founded in 2001 and is a state-recognized, private nonprofit university under Hungarian law. It describes itself as the only university outside the German-speaking region where all degree programs are taught in German.
The university is supported by Hungary, Austria, Germany, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. Its current programs include International Relations, European and International Administration, International Economy and Business, Management and Leadership, Central European Studies–Cultural Diplomacy, and Comparative Constitutional and Legal Studies.
AUB is accredited in Hungary and has also undergone accreditation according to German standards. Its designation as a University of National Excellence in Hungary further reflects its specialized academic role. Applicants should note that German proficiency is generally central to studying at the university.
Hungary offers international students a varied higher education landscape, including private, church-maintained, and foundation-maintained institutions. Students researching education in Hungary and affordable study options should compare current tuition fees, program languages, accreditation, and teaching locations before applying. Central European University requires particular attention because its degree campus is in Vienna, while its Budapest site primarily supports research and outreach.
This article provides an overview of several institutions associated with private or non-state higher education in Hungary. If you are interested, check out the Study in Hungary guide and explore Available Programs for International Students!
