Several of Hungary’s universities offer English-taught master’s programs in data science or closely related fields.
Eligible international students from participating countries and territories may apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program. For bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and non-degree programs, the scholarship currently provides tuition-free education, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700, either a dormitory place or a monthly accommodation contribution of HUF 40,000, and medical coverage. Eligibility depends on the applicable bilateral agreement and the current call for applications. The stipend and accommodation support are contributions and may not cover all living expenses.
Program availability, fees, deadlines, and admission requirements can change. Let’s take a look at these. top universities to study data science in Hungary.
Top Schools Offering Data Science in Hungary
1. Eötvös Loránd University
Founded in 1635, Eötvös Loránd University, commonly known as ELTE, is a public higher education institution in Budapest. Its official international admissions page reports approximately 40,000 students, including 5,300 international students from more than 100 nationalities. It also reports nine faculties and six Nobel Prize-winning alumni.
ELTE’s English-taught Data Science MSc is a four-semester, two-year program worth 120 ECTS credits. It covers areas such as large-scale data analysis, data management, data visualization, machine learning, and distributed data-processing systems. Applicants must hold a BSc in Computer Science or have completed at least 60 ECTS credits in informatics and mathematics during a bachelor’s program related to computer science. ELTE requires B2-level spoken and written English. English examination certificates are preferred but are not mandatory.
2. Óbuda University
Óbuda University traces part of its institutional history to the Public Secondary Industrial School of Budapest, which was established in 1879. The present university was established on January 1, 2010, as the legal successor of Budapest Tech. An official university overview reports more than 12,000 students, seven faculties, two education centers, and three doctoral schools.
The university’s English-language MSc in Data Science is a four-semester program requiring 120 credits. It prepares students to analyze complex data sets, transform raw data, model real-world processes, and draw conclusions from data. The program also includes a professional internship of at least six weeks, or 240 working hours.
The separate eligibility page states that applicants need relevant bachelor’s-level coursework in natural sciences, economics and humanities, and information technology, with at least 30 relevant credits completed by enrollment. However, the page states a total requirement of 65 credits while its listed subject categories add up to 60 credits. Applicants should therefore confirm the exact prerequisite-credit requirement directly with the university.
3. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen traces its historical roots to the Reformed College of Debrecen, founded in 1538. The Hungarian Royal University of Debrecen was established by legislation in 1912 and opened in 1914. The present integrated University of Debrecen was established on January 1, 2000.
The university’s English-taught MSc in Data Science is a two-year program consisting of four academic semesters and 120 ECTS credits. It focuses on analyzing and interpreting complex data, statistical methods, programming, machine learning, data visualization, and data-oriented applications. Graduates are also prepared to continue their studies in PhD programs.
Applicants must have a relevant bachelor’s degree in information technology and Upper-B2 English proficiency. The university lists IELTS 6.0 and a paper-based TOEFL score of 547 as equivalent examples. A formal language certificate is not strictly required because English proficiency may be assessed during the entrance interview. The program currently has September and February intakes.
4. International Business School
International Business School opened in 1991 and moved to its current Budapest campus in Graphisoft Park in 2014. IBS collaborates with the University of Buckingham, and the current MSc in IT for Business Data Analytics is awarded by both institutions.
IBS introduced its MSc in IT for Business Data Analytics in 2020. The program is an English-taught conversion master’s degree designed for students and professionals who want to develop data analytics and business skills. Its curriculum covers subjects such as Python, data mining, machine learning, databases, business intelligence, data visualization, and business decision-making.
The study period lasts three semesters. Applicants need a first- or second-class bachelor’s degree in any field, at least one completed semester of mathematics, statistics, or computing or information technology, and a successful online orientation interview. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 or an accepted equivalent, such as TOEFL 79 or Duolingo 120. Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings, while classes involving coding are delivered online. IBS states that the program’s launch is subject to a minimum enrollment of 15 students.
These programs differ in their prerequisite coursework, schedules, delivery formats, curricula, and admission procedures. Applicants should compare the official program pages carefully and confirm the latest requirements, fees, and deadlines before applying.
We hope this article on the best universities for data science in Hungary was helpful. You can explore our Hungary Page for more articles or check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
