Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is known for several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its capital, Budapest, is a major cultural and educational center. The country also has a long tradition of scientific research and innovation.
Together with its rich history and culture, Hungary has become a popular study destination for international students. In this article, we will look at some of the best-known universities in Hungary for international students.
Top Universities in Hungary for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED FIELDS OF STUDY |
|---|
| Semmelweis University | General Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences |
| Eötvös Loránd University | Computer Science, Physics, and Law |
| University of Pécs | Business Administration and Management, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| University of Debrecen | Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences |
| University of Szeged | General Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities |
1. Semmelweis University
With more than 250 years of history, Semmelweis University is a leading Hungarian institution specializing in medicine and health sciences. It does not operate from a single enclosed campus; its educational, research, and clinical facilities are located across Budapest.
The university has six faculties and provides education, research, innovation, and healthcare services. It is also Hungary’s largest healthcare provider. Semmelweis has almost 16,000 students, and approximately one-third come from 129 countries.
Its programs are offered in Hungarian, German, and English. Semmelweis also participates in international off-campus programs in Germany, Romania, Switzerland, Serbia, and Slovakia.
2. Eötvös Loránd University
Eötvös Loránd University, commonly known as ELTE, traces its history to 1635 and is one of Hungary’s oldest continuously operating universities. Four Nobel Prize laureates have been associated with the institution as teachers or alumni. Today, ELTE has nine faculties covering fields such as economics, education, humanities, informatics, law, science, and social sciences.
This well-established university in Hungary offers a growing selection of degree programs taught in English. Its qualifications are accredited in Hungary, and the university participates in international academic networks, including the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network.
For international students seeking a high-quality education in Hungary, ELTE offers an engaging academic experience with a strong selection of English-taught programs. Zhibek from Kyrgyzstan, a bachelor’s student in International Relations, says that her experience at ELTE has been mostly positive and that all her classes are conducted in English. She also praises the program’s structured curriculum and the experience of its professors.
ELTE supports its international student body through services such as its international offices, student organizations, and mentoring programs. Students enrolled in English-taught programs may be able to complete their academic work without speaking Hungarian, although learning some Hungarian can make everyday life and local integration easier.
3. University of Pécs
The University of Pécs is one of Hungary’s largest and most internationally oriented universities. Its historical roots date to the establishment of Hungary’s first university in Pécs in 1367, while the modern institution traces its development to a university founded in 1912. The university has 10 faculties, more than 22,000 students, and over 5,000 international students.
The university offers programs across business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, medicine, music, science, and other fields. Many programs intended for international applicants are taught in English or German. Its International Studies Center also provides English-language, Hungarian-language, and subject-specific preparatory courses for students preparing to enter degree programs.
For international students, the University of Pécs offers a supportive and multicultural educational environment. Ayesha, a psychology master’s student from Pakistan, describes the university as her top choice because of its psychology department and multicultural student community.
The university’s broad academic offerings and substantial international population make it an attractive option for students seeking higher education in Hungary. Prospective applicants should review the requirements, tuition, and teaching language of their specific program before applying.
4. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen is a large multidisciplinary institution in the city of Debrecen. It offers programs aligned with Hungary’s higher education framework and has provided English-language programs since 1987. Its Faculty of Medicine began English-language MD training that year with an initial group of 49 students.
Today, the university has more than 34,000 students, including over 7,800 international students from more than 140 countries. It has 13 faculties, eight campuses, seven libraries, hundreds of research laboratories, and two teaching hospitals.
For international students, the University of Debrecen provides a broad selection of English-taught programs. Shahla, a master’s student in Food Safety and Quality Engineering from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, chose the university because her program closely matched her previous academic background.
Shahla says that her program provides a strong foundation for developing her career in food science. The university’s extensive program portfolio and large international community make it a notable option for students considering higher education in Hungary.
5. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is a major Hungarian research university with 12 faculties. It offers programs across a wide range of academic fields and works with research institutions and industry partners in Szeged. The nearby ELI ALPS laser research facility also collaborates with University of Szeged researchers on scientific projects.
The university’s facilities are distributed throughout the city rather than concentrated on a single enclosed campus. It offers numerous international study programs, including programs taught in English and German, although the available teaching language depends on the specific degree.
FAQs: Study in Hungary
Is Studying in Hungary a Good Option for International Students?
Higher education in Hungary includes universities offering programs across many academic disciplines. Hungary participates in the European Higher Education Area, and its degree system generally follows the Bologna structure. International programs may be taught in English, German, or another language, depending on the institution and degree.
Several Hungarian universities have histories extending back centuries, and major university cities include Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs. Students should compare each institution’s accreditation, curriculum, location, student services, and program-specific admission requirements before applying.
Tuition varies substantially by university and program. Official Study in Hungary guidance gives examples of approximately €1,700 to €3,300 per semester for Business Administration and Management and approximately €7,000 to €9,000 per semester for General Medicine. Students should verify the current fee on the official page for their chosen program. Living costs also vary considerably by city, accommodation type, and lifestyle, so applicants should prepare an individual budget rather than relying on a single nationwide estimate.
Can International Students Work in Hungary While Studying?
International students may be permitted to work while studying, but the applicable rules depend on their citizenship and residence status. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens generally benefit from free-movement rules, although registration requirements may apply for longer stays.
Third-country nationals holding a Hungarian residence permit for studies may work for a maximum of 30 hours per week during their study period. Outside the study period, they may work full time for no more than 90 days in a calendar year. Students should check the current conditions with Hungary’s immigration authority before beginning employment.
Can International Students Stay in Hungary After Graduation?
The rules for remaining in Hungary after graduation depend on the graduate’s citizenship and immigration status. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are covered by free-movement rules, subject to the applicable registration and residence requirements.
An eligible third-country national who successfully completes studies in Hungary may apply for a residence permit for the purpose of seeking a job or starting a business. The application must be submitted in Hungary while the study permit is still valid and at least 15 days before it expires. The job or proposed business must match the level of the completed studies. This permit may be valid for up to nine months and cannot be extended. During its validity, an eligible graduate may apply for an appropriate work or business residence permit if the relevant conditions are met.
Hungary can be an attractive European study destination because of its cultural heritage, established universities, and growing selection of programs for international students. Prospective students should compare programs carefully and confirm current tuition, admission, language, immigration, and living-cost information before making a decision.
We hope this article on the best universities in Hungary for international students was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, visit our Hungary Page and explore the Available Programs in Europe.
