Studying abroad is a challenging yet fulfilling experience for aspiring professionals in the computer and information technology sector. Hungary offers computer science programs at several well-established universities. By choosing this country as your study destination and its institutions for your studies, you can earn your degree and start your career anywhere.
Moreover, the country attracts international students with engaging campus life, high-quality education, and affordable fees. While travel costs money, students can still explore the country’s scenery, cities, and cultural experiences while planning around local living costs. Without further ado, here are some well-regarded computer science universities in Hungary.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Hungary
1. Budapest University of Technology and Economics
The direct predecessor of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics was founded in 1782 as the Institutum Geometrico-Hydrotechnicum, the first institute in Europe to train engineers in a university structure. The institution was elevated to university status in 1871 and has used its current name since 2000. Today, BME has eight faculties and more than 20,000 students.
As a technical university, BME offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in Computer Science Engineering through its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics. The bachelor’s program runs for seven semesters, carries 210 ECTS credits, and covers foundations such as programming, databases, software engineering, artificial intelligence, IT security, computer architecture, and communication networks. Students can later deepen their knowledge in Software Engineering or Infocommunication specializations. The master’s program is also taught in English, runs for four semesters, carries 120 ECTS credits, and includes specialization work plus a work placement of at least four weeks.
The university’s academic environment is one reason students choose BME. Arbenite Canaj, a student from Kosovo, said her degree at BME has given her the chance to “pursue my ambitions with confidence.” She also highlighted the value of exploring different fields before focusing on technology, noting that she eventually recognized a “stronger pull toward the world of technology and started focusing more intentionally in that direction.”
Arbenite’s experience reflects BME’s long-standing role in engineering education. Its direct predecessor was founded in 1782, giving students a strong institutional foundation for studies in computer science and engineering.
2. Eötvös Loránd University
At Eötvös Loránd University, or ELTE, you can study computer science at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Founded in 1635, ELTE is one of Hungary’s oldest and most prominent public research universities. It has nine faculties, about 40,000 students, and around 5,300 international students across its Budapest campuses.
ELTE’s English-taught BSc in Computer Science lasts six semesters, or three years, carries 180 ECTS credits, and accepts up to 120 new students. The program provides theoretical and practical training in software development, information systems, systems management, programming languages, data structures, operating systems, compiler design, and related areas.
The English-taught MSc in Computer Science lasts four semesters, or two years, carries 120 ECTS credits, and trains students in advanced computer science areas such as programming languages, cyber security, data science, web engineering, autonomous systems, and multimedia design. ELTE also offers an English-taught Doctoral School of Informatics lasting eight semesters, or four years, and carrying 240 ECTS credits.
3. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen is one of Hungary’s major research universities for computer science and informatics. Higher education in Debrecen dates to 1538, and the university describes itself as Hungary’s oldest continuously running higher education institution. Its current facts and figures list 34,000+ students, 7,800+ international students from 140+ countries, 13 faculties, and eight campuses.
The Faculty of Informatics offers an English-taught Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This undergraduate program requires at least B2-level English proficiency, lasts three years or six semesters, and carries 180 ECTS credits. Students must also complete an 8-week internship at the university through a research project or at a local or multinational company.
You can also take an English-taught Master’s in Computer Science at the University of Debrecen. The program takes four semesters, carries 120 ECTS credits, and is divided into 50% lectures/seminars and 50% practice. Main subjects include machine learning basics, algorithms, cryptography, advanced software architecture patterns, coding theory, and the theory of neural networks, and students complete a 6-week internship.
4. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is a strong option for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies in Hungary. Its roots trace back to the Academia in Cluj founded in 1581; the Hungarian Royal University was established in 1872, moved to Szeged in 1921, and the present integrated University of Szeged was formed in 2000. The university has 12 faculties spread across Szeged.
The university offers English-taught computer science programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. For the BSc, applicants need completed secondary education, English proficiency, and an entrance exam. At the master’s level, the MSc in Computer Science includes mandatory mathematical and fundamental computer science studies, mandatory computer science studies, elective core studies, a 30-credit thesis, and a 240-hour project-oriented internship at an IT company or research lab. Students take four semesters and complete 120 credits.
The Computer Science Ph.D. program is research-focused. Doctoral students complete theoretical coursework, participate in research seminars, and carry out research work evaluated by their supervisors. The current doctoral training framework requires at least five theoretical courses before the complex exam and a minimum of 240 credits over eight semesters.
5. University of Pécs
The University of Pécs is among Hungary’s historic universities. Higher education in Pécs dates back to 1367, when King Louis the Great initiated the first university in Hungary. The university’s current form was established in 2000 through the integration of several institutions, and it now has ten faculties.
Through the Faculty of Sciences, the university offers an English-taught BSc in Computer Science. The program takes three years or six semesters and prepares students to work in the IT sector as coders or software developers or to continue to MSc studies. After 90 credits of fundamental courses, students choose an academic or applied specialization; 70 credits are earned in the specialization framework, and 20 credits are for the thesis.
At the graduate level, the MSc in Computer Science Engineering is offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. This English-taught program lasts two years or four semesters and combines formal lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, and supervised work to build practical and theoretical knowledge in computer and information engineering.
Overall, Hungary offers well-established computer science degrees, and studying there allows international students to consider programs at several of the country’s recognized universities. With practical training, English-taught options, and opportunities to build technical skills, students can broaden their knowledge and prepare for future roles in computer science, software development, or the wider IT sector.
Hopefully, this article on the best computer science universities in Hungary was informative. Make sure also to check out the Hungary Page and Available Programs in Europe for International Students for more information about studying in this country or in Europe!
