Hungary offers international students a broad selection of historic universities, technical institutions, medical schools, and specialized research programs. Many degrees are available in English, while major funding routes such as the Stipendium Hungaricum and Erasmus Mundus scholarships make the country especially relevant to students seeking affordable or fully funded study opportunities.
This guide introduces eight well-known universities in Hungary and features the application journeys and outcomes of scholarship recipients and graduates. Their experiences explain how applicants navigated national nominations, university entrance examinations, interviews, portfolios, language requirements, and motivation letters while connecting their academic records and extracurricular activities with specific career goals.
Their outcomes include securing a €57,000 Erasmus Mundus scholarship, obtaining a funded PhD position in the Netherlands, beginning internships with the United Nations Development Programme and the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, and building international careers in research, publishing, recruitment, and human rights. Alongside these stories, you can compare each university’s selected fields, admissions information, tuition fees, scholarships, and English-taught study options.
Top Universities in Hungary for International Students
| University | Selected Academic Areas |
|---|
| 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 |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics | Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture |
| Corvinus University of Budapest | Business and Management, Economics, and International Relations |
| Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, and Biotechnology |
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.
One student’s journey: Andrea Bergula Saises, a Filipino student pursuing a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Semmelweis University, earned the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Her selection involved submitting documents through both DreamApply and her country’s sending partner, a sending-partner interview, and a Semmelweis entrance examination; for Nursing, she took a written basic biology exam before her results went to the Tempus Public Foundation for final scholarship selection. She says her Medical Biology background helped with the exam, while she concentrated on communicating confidence, genuine interest in Nursing, and a clear sense of purpose during the interview. View More Semmelweis University recipients →
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.
One student’s journey: Meshack Nyagwencha Bosire, a Kenyan Computer Science student at Eötvös Loránd University, approached admission by using mentors from the Equity Leaders Program, attending Education Hungary information sessions, contacting current students and alumni, and preparing recommendation letters, certified documents and a focused motivation letter. He entered with an A (81/84) in Kenya’s KCSE and had ranked among the top 800 of 752,602 candidates nationally; he says academic excellence, financial need and a clear motivation for Computer Science helped his application stand out. His degree is supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, and he was able to use an official English-proficiency letter instead of TOEFL or IELTS. View More Eötvös Loránd University recipients →
- Outcomes of students who studied at Eötvös Loránd University: Syed Muhammad Adnan Aslam: after completing his ELTE bachelor’s with a 4.73/5.0 CGPA, secured a €57,000 Erasmus Mundus scholarship for a master’s in Advanced Research in Criminology; Elizaveta: completed her ELTE BA with First Class Honours and moved on to prepare for an MSc in Neuroscience and Neurolinguistics at the University of Glasgow; Minahil Mustafa: now works as a Public Information Consultant at the United Nations Human Rights Office; Maryam Gazeran: after graduating, spent two years in research and pharmaceutical work in Hungary and later became a scientific editor and content manager for a medical publisher in Tallinn; Usman Awan: after his ELTE MSc, worked in academic and pharmaceutical research and secured a funded PhD position in the Netherlands at the University of Groningen.
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.
Koussay’s path to University of Pécs: Koussay Farah entered a full-time Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering at the University of Pécs after building his architecture portfolio while studying locally in Tunisia. He brought roughly 93% in his national exam, a 106/120 TOEFL score and an optional 1480/1600 SAT, then mapped the application deadlines, refined his CV, motivation letter and portfolio, secured recommendations, and practiced interview questions published by the faculty. He credits his academic record, extracurricular profile and highly personalized motivation letter with helping him secure the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum. View More University of Pécs recipients →
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.
One student’s journey: Glyssa May Bosquit completed a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at the University of Debrecen on the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Her application ran in parallel with the scholarship process: she submitted academic documents and a motivation letter, was interviewed and nominated by the Philippines’ CHED-IAS, then prepared for university admission exams and interviews using her previous notes and the provided practice tests. She credits a clear motivation around advancing nuclear science, her first-generation story, and strong grades; after completing the degree, she began an internship at the CTBTO Preparatory Commission in Vienna. View More University of Debrecen recipients →
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.
Danjuma Favour Dan’s path to University of Szeged: Danjuma, who entered University of Szeged for a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a 3.90/4.00 secondary-school CGPA, is studying there through the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. In her full recipient story, she explains that she took IELTS, prepared in Biology and English for university admission exams, and progressed through the scholarship’s home-country application, DreamApply submission, national nomination, university examinations, admission, and scholarship selection. She attributes her successful application to combining strong grades with community service, public-health advocacy, additional skills, and a motivation letter grounded in her goals. View More University of Szeged recipients →
6. Budapest University of Technology and Economics
The Budapest University of Technology and Economics, commonly known as BME, traces its history to the establishment of the Institutum Geometrico-Hydrotechnicum in 1782. In 1871, one of its predecessor institutions became the first technical higher education institution in the world to include the word “university” in its name.
Today, BME has eight faculties covering civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, chemical technology and biotechnology, electrical engineering and informatics, transportation and vehicle engineering, natural sciences, and economic and social sciences. International applicants can choose from numerous English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across these fields.
For students interested in technology and engineering, BME offers an established academic environment in Hungary’s capital. Arbenite from Kosovo is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the university through the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. She chose BME as her first-choice institution after researching universities that combined strong technology programs with sufficient financial support.
BME hosts students from more than 100 countries and participates in international exchange and scholarship programs. Its location in Budapest, broad selection of technical disciplines, and growing portfolio of English-taught degrees make it a notable option for international students seeking an engineering- or technology-focused education in Hungary.
Arbenite Canaj’s path to Budapest University of Technology and Economics: Kosovo student Arbenite Canaj is pursuing a full Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering at Budapest University of Technology and Economics, funded by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Her route involved home-country nomination before university-specific entrance exams and admissions interviews; she submitted academic records, extracurricular and competition evidence, a motivation letter, and English scores of 100 TOEFL and 140 Duolingo, then committed to BME as her first choice after being accepted by both Hungarian universities she selected. She credits consistency between her academics, activities, future goals, and a specific, authentic motivation letter with strengthening her application. View More Budapest University of Technology and Economics recipients →
7. Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest is a specialized Hungarian university with roots extending to the establishment of the Royal Hungarian University of Economics in 1920. Located in Budapest, it is particularly known for education and research in business, economics, and the social sciences.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas such as business administration, economics, international relations, communication, public policy, and sociology. Numerous degree programs are taught in English and are designed for both Hungarian and international students.
For international students, Corvinus provides a multicultural academic environment with opportunities to study subjects connected to global business and public affairs. Zhibek from Kazakhstan is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a specialization in European Integration through the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. She selected the university because its curriculum and international partnerships aligned with her interests in policy and diplomacy.
Corvinus welcomes students from many countries and maintains partnerships with universities and organizations around the world. Its specialized academic focus and location in Hungary’s political and economic center make it a notable option for students interested in business, economics, international relations, and related social science fields.
One student’s journey: Zhibek Batyrgaliyeva, a Kazakh student pursuing a bachelor’s in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest, went through both Kazakhstan’s national nomination process and Corvinus’s own selection process for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. She entered with a 7.5 IELTS score, then submitted a motivation letter and interviewed online with Corvinus professors, scoring 95/100 after initially being placed on her country’s reserve list. She says her academic record, international and volunteer experience, personal motivation letter, and clear fit with Corvinus’s European and global-studies focus helped her stand out. View More Corvinus University of Budapest recipients →
- Outcomes of students who studied at Corvinus University of Budapest: Kumlachew: after his Erasmus Mundus joint master’s, stayed at his Budapest home university for a year supporting his internship supervisor’s book project, then returned to Ethiopia and worked in research institutions and private consulting; Aya: after completing her bachelor’s in International Relations, began an internship with the United Nations Development Programme in Copenhagen; Mariam Gordeladze: after earning her MSc in Public Policy and Management, became an Executive Recruiter working on international projects.
8. Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, commonly known as MATE, is one of Europe’s largest universities specializing in agriculture and related disciplines. The institution began operating under its current name in 2021, but its academic heritage includes the Georgikon, an agricultural institution established in Keszthely in 1797.
MATE has five main campuses in Gödöllő, Budapest, Kaposvár, Keszthely, and Gyöngyös, along with additional training and research locations. Its approximately 20 institutes cover fields such as agricultural sciences, biotechnology, environmental studies, food science, horticulture, landscape architecture, rural development, and wildlife management.
For international students interested in agriculture and the life sciences, MATE offers several degree programs taught in English. Brian from Belize is pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology with a specialization in Plant Biotechnology through the fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. He selected the program to acquire advanced knowledge that could support sustainable agricultural development in his home country.
The university has nearly 15,000 students and combines classroom instruction with laboratory research, fieldwork, and practical training. Its specialized academic portfolio, multiple campuses, and extensive research activities make it a notable option for international students interested in agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability, and the life sciences.
One student’s journey: Laide Rasaki, an Agricultural Science graduate with a 4.75/5.00 CGPA, studied the full Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Plant Breeding at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences and BOKU with a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship. He began checking the requirements about six months before applications opened, used internships and certifications to strengthen his profile, and had his essays reviewed by about 4–5 scholars before submitting. After passing the first selection stage, he prepared for the interview through several mock interviews focused on explaining the program and his career goals. View More Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences recipients →
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. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
