Hungary is a landlocked country in Central and Eastern Europe. It’s known for several World Heritage Sites, and Budapest, its capital city, is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Moreover, the country has been visited in recent years not just for its natural wonders but also for its strong tradition in the sciences and innovation.
Together with an interesting history and a welcoming culture, this European nation is becoming a popular study destination for international students. In this article, we will look at the best universities in Hungary for international students, so make sure to read carefully!
Top Universities in Hungary for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
|---|
| 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
For the last 250 years, Semmelweis University, the best institute in Hungary for international students, has been the pride of Budapest and a leading biomedical institution in Central Europe. It isn’t found on a single campus, but its facilities are scattered throughout Budapest and are deeply intertwined with the community.
The research-led institution comprises six faculties and a doctoral school, offering health sciences and medicine programs. In addition to academic aspirations, it is also a national healthcare provider. Today, the university welcomes an international community of students from over 70 countries, comprising almost a third of the population.
Its programs are held in Hungarian, German, and English. Furthermore, it extends its teaching to international campuses in Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany.
2. Eötvös Loránd University
Eötvös Loránd University, established in 1635, is the oldest seat of higher education in Hungary. The time-honored institution is one of the nation’s most prestigious schools and has produced five Nobel laureates and winners of the Abel, Fulkerson, and Wolf mathematical prizes. Today, it comprises eight faculties across various disciplines, including law, education, humanities, science, and informatics.
This top university in Hungary aims to cultivate knowledge for the sake of society, which is evident in the excellence of its programs. It offers an excellent environment for international students, where degree programs are globally acknowledged and even taught entirely in English. It is an active member of the Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network, and many other prestigious academic networks.
For international students seeking a high-quality education in Hungary, ELTE offers a highly engaging academic experience with a strong focus on English-taught programs. Zhibek from Kyrgyzstan, a Bachelor’s student in International Relations, attests that her “experience at ELTE has been mostly positive,” highlighting that “all of my classes are conducted in English.” She further commends the academic rigor, stating that “The curriculum in International Relations is thoughtfully structured, giving students a solid foundation in theory and practice. Most professors are highly experienced and passionate about their fields, which makes learning more dynamic and meaningful.”
ELTE is also committed to supporting its diverse international student body, ensuring a smooth transition and integration into university life. Zhibek notes that academically, students “will be fine academically” even without knowing Hungarian if their program is in English, as “Budapest is very international, and most people speak English.” The university provides helpful services like the International Office, Student Council, and Mentorship Programs, ensuring that if students “reach out, most of the time you’ll find what you need.” This supportive and multicultural environment makes ELTE an appealing choice for international students looking to pursue their education in Hungary.
3. University of Pécs
The University of Pécs is one of the best universities in Hungary for international students. Its roots date back to 1367, while the modern institution was established in 1912. Today, it accepts over 22,000 students, including almost 5,000 international learners from different countries. Students can choose from 10 faculties focusing on business, engineering, humanities, music, and other studies.
Most of these programs are in English and German, making communicating easier for international students. In addition to these faculties, the University of Pécs manages a medical school with the International Studies Center (ISC) to meet the needs of international students. The center arranges language courses and more to prepare them for their fields of study.
For international students, the University of Pécs offers a supportive and high-quality educational experience. Ayesha, a psychology master’s student from Pakistan, found the university to be her “top choice because of its reputable psychology department and multicultural student environment.” Her program, like many others at the university, is designed for international learners, ensuring a smooth academic journey. The university’s dedication to its students is evident in its provision of resources that facilitate learning and integration for a diverse student body.
The welcoming atmosphere and comprehensive academic offerings contribute significantly to the positive experience of international students at the University of Pécs. Ayesha Javaid’s account underscores the university’s commitment to supporting its global community, allowing students to focus on their academic and personal growth within a dynamic international setting. This strong emphasis on a multicultural environment and academic excellence makes the University of Pécs a highly attractive option for international students seeking to pursue higher education in Hungary.
4. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen is a time-honored institution in the city of the same name. It is one of the most global-oriented universities in the country, with competitive degree programs in line with European qualifications and recognition worldwide. The school is particularly known for its English language programs, especially in the medical field, which was the first to be introduced in Hungary in 1986.
Today, this top university in Hungary welcomes over 7,000 international students across 13 faculties, including agriculture, pharmacy, and informatics. Its two significant campuses host modern facilities that are qualified to international standards, such as Hungary’s most extensive library and most significant computing cluster.
For international students, the University of Debrecen provides a supportive and academically rigorous environment. Shahla, a master’s student in Food Safety and Quality Engineering from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, chose the University of Debrecen for her studies, noting that her program aligns closely with her prior academic background. Her experience highlights the university’s commitment to delivering specialized, English-taught programs that cater to the needs of international learners, allowing them to build upon their existing foundations in their chosen fields.
The university’s international focus ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically. Shahla’s experience underscores the emphasis on academic progression and career development, as her program provides a “strong foundation for developing my career in food science.” This dedication to fostering specialized knowledge and practical skills, within a welcoming international setting, makes the University of Debrecen a compelling choice for global students seeking quality higher education in Hungary.
5. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is one of Hungary’s best research, innovation, and industry collaboration institutions. It manages one of the most advanced laser research units in Europe. Furthermore, this school comprises 12 autonomous faculties and nine doctoral schools scattered throughout the city.
Through this urban campus, they maintain close cooperation with the city’s industry sectors. As a collegiate institution, the university has much to offer international students. Each faculty provides globally competitive degrees and broad opportunities for research. Its programs are held in Hungarian, German, and English to become most accessible for overseas learners.
FAQs: Study in Hungary
Is Studying in Hungary a Good Option for International Students?
Higher education in Hungary is internationally competitive, and foreign nationals can study across diverse academic disciplines. The country is most notable for its medical and dental schools, which universities tailor for international students. Degree programs follow the European Bologna scheme and are taught in German and English, in addition to Hungarian.
Most institutions are long-standing universities, carrying knowledge and experience accumulated over many centuries. Moreover, Hungarian higher education providers are also very physically accessible. There’s at least one university in significant cities like Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs. So, international students will enjoy their stay in a modern and safe country that embodies diversity, multinationalism, and rich culture.
Tuition fees in Hungarian universities range between €2,500 and €3,000 per year. Engineering programs are slightly higher, at €5,000 annually, while medicine programs are about €6,000 to €8,000 yearly. These are comparatively affordable rates compared to other European countries. Besides, living costs in the country are just as student-friendly, amounting to less than €600 per month.
Can International Students Work in Hungary While Studying?
Fortunately, the Hungarian government allows part-time work so that international students can gain work experience, earn extra cash, and further immerse themselves in the country’s culture. Students from an EEA state (EU member countries, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein) can work alongside their studies without any limitation.
The mentioned countries’ citizens will only need a registration card. Meanwhile, students who are not from EEA states can still work part-time for up to 24 hours a week or four to six hours a day.
Can International Students Stay in Hungary After Graduation?
Hungary offers plenty of work opportunities for graduates from vital economic sectors, and foreign nationals are welcome to stay there. EU/EEA and Swiss students can stay in Hungary without a student visa or work permit. After five years of uninterrupted stay, they will be eligible for permanent residence.
On the other hand, non-EU/EEA nationals can extend their stay up to nine months to look for a job through the study-to-work visa. After securing employment, they can apply for an official work permit valid for three years.
Hungary is an ideal country for international students to study in Europe because of its vibrant culture, unique, rich history, and high-quality education on par with that of other renowned universities worldwide. Moreover, what’s exceptional about them is the opportunity to explore the distinctive Hungarian communities while pursuing their academic goals. So, consider enrolling in this country’s institutions to experience unforgettable adventures and gain a global degree while you’re at it!
We hope this article on the best universities in Hungary for international students was helpful. Also, if you want to learn more information about studying abroad, you can check out our Hungary Page and the Available Programs in Europe!
