Are you an international student seeking a high-quality European education? Hungary offers study options across a wide range of subjects and tuition levels. You may also wish to explore some of the country’s more affordable university options. Hungary is home to several well-established universities. According to the latest published data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, 40,167 foreign students were enrolled in full-time tertiary undergraduate and postgraduate training in Hungary during the 2024/2025 academic year.
If you want to advance your education in Hungary, read on as we discuss public universities that welcome international applicants. These institutions offer programs in a broad range of academic fields, including options taught in English.
Top Public Universities in Hungary for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED ACADEMIC FIELDS |
|---|
| University of Debrecen | Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences |
| University of Sopron | Economics, Pedagogy, and Forestry |
| University of Pécs | Business, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| University of Szeged | Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities |
| University of Miskolc | Engineering, Materials Science, and Natural Sciences |
1. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen traces its institutional roots to the Reformed College of Debrecen, founded in 1538, while the modern university was officially founded in 1912. It offers foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier, and doctoral programs, including more than 80 degree programs taught fully in English.
The university reports more than 34,000 students, including over 7,800 international students from more than 140 countries. With 13 faculties and programs across fields such as agriculture, business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, medicine, and natural sciences, it offers international applicants a broad selection of study options.
2. University of Sopron
The University of Sopron traces its academic traditions to the School for Training Mining Officers, founded in Selmecbánya in 1735. The basis for academic-level education was established by decree in 1762. The present university has four faculties covering pedagogy, forestry, economics, engineering, wood sciences, and creative industries.
The university offers a selection of programs taught in English, making it accessible to international applicants. Program availability, language of instruction, admission requirements, and tuition fees vary by degree, so applicants should check the current program page before applying.
3. University of Pécs
The University of Pécs traces its roots to the university founded in Pécs in 1367 by King Louis I of Hungary. It currently reports approximately 25,000 students, including more than 5,700 international students from over 146 countries. The university has 10 faculties.
The University of Pécs offers more than 300 training programs across a wide range of academic fields, including more than 100 full programs taught in English or other foreign languages. Application deadlines differ by program and intake, so prospective students should consult the official program page for the applicable deadline, entry requirements, tuition fees, and starting date.
4. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged traces its academic roots to an institution founded in 1581. Located in Szeged, the university has 12 faculties and offers more than 75 full-time international study programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, preparatory, and undivided programs. Its official figures list approximately 24,000 students, including nearly 5,000 international students from more than 130 countries.
The university is closely associated with Nobel laureates Albert Szent-Györgyi and Katalin Karikó. Szent-Györgyi’s research on biological combustion and vitamin C earned him the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Karikó, an alumna and research professor at the university, shared the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
The university’s research environment attracts students in fields such as molecular biology and food science. Nominzul from Mongolia, a master’s student in Food Science and Technology Engineering, said the university “stood out for its academic reputation and focus on molecular science.” Her previous studies in molecular biology and food science helped shape her interest in research and development.
Nominzul aims to publish scientific papers, contribute to food safety and molecular-biology research, and broaden her understanding of the world. Her experience reflects the opportunities available to students who want to combine graduate study with scientific research.
5. University of Miskolc
The University of Miskolc traces its academic traditions to the Mining and Metallurgy School founded in Selmecbánya, now Banská Štiavnica in Slovakia, in 1735. The modern higher education institution in Miskolc was established by an act of the Hungarian National Assembly in 1949, and its first academic day in Miskolc was held on September 18, 1949.
The university now has eight faculties and offers programs in engineering, materials and chemical engineering, earth and environmental sciences, law, economics, humanities and social sciences, health sciences, and music. It participates in international education and research programs, including Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Horizon Europe, and EIT RawMaterials. Applicants should consult the university’s current international program pages for available degrees, deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarship information.
FAQs: Studying in Hungary’s Public Universities
Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in Hungary?
Yes. International applicants may apply to Hungarian universities, subject to the academic, language, financial, and document requirements of the individual program. Many universities offer programs taught in English, although availability and admission requirements vary by institution and degree.
To begin, choose a program that suits your academic goals and confirm its language of instruction. You can also explore Hungarian universities offering programs in English.
Immigration requirements depend on nationality. Third-country nationals admitted to eligible full-time studies generally need a residence permit for the purpose of studies. For visa-required applicants applying from outside Hungary, the residence-permit application also includes the request for an entry visa, so a separate visa application is generally not required. EEA nationals staying in Hungary for more than 90 days must register their residence instead. Review the student visa guide and confirm current requirements with Hungary’s official immigration authority or the appropriate Hungarian diplomatic mission.
Hungary offers international students a broad selection of higher education programs across many academic fields. The Hungarian Central Statistical Office recorded 40,167 foreign full-time students in tertiary undergraduate and postgraduate training during the 2024/2025 academic year. The universities covered above offer international study opportunities, but applicants should always confirm current program availability, admission requirements, tuition fees, deadlines, scholarships, and immigration rules before applying.
We hope you found this article on universities for international students in Hungary useful. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs in Europe. You can also visit our Hungary Page to help you prepare for your academic journey.
