Hungary is a landlocked country in Central/Eastern Europe. It is known for having several World Heritage Sites, and Budapest, its capital city, is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
In recent years, however, Hungary is visited not just for its natural wonders, but for its strong tradition in the sciences and innovation as well. So together with an interesting history and a welcoming culture, the country is becoming a popular study destination for international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Hungary for international students.
Is Hungary good for international students to study in?
Higher education in Hungary is internationally competitive, and foreign nationals will get to 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, aside from Hungarian.
Most institutions are long-standing universities, carrying knowledge and experience of many centuries. Hungarian universities are very physically accessible as well. There’s at least one university in major cities like Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs. International students will enjoy their stay in a modern and safe country that embodies diversity, multinationalism, and rich culture.
Tuition fees in Hungarian universities fall somewhere between 2500 – 3000 EUR (2950 – 3540 USD) a year. Engineering programs go slightly higher at 5000 EUR (5899 USD) a year, while programs in medicine are about 6000 – 8000 EUR (7079 – 9439 USD) a year. These are comparatively affordable rates in comparison to other European countries. Besides, living costs in the country are just as student-friendly, amounting to less than 600 EUR (707 USD) a month.
Can international students work in Hungary while studying?
International students can gain work experience, earn extra cash, and further immerse themselves in the country’s culture through part-time work. Fortunately, the Hungarian government allows this activity.
Students coming from an EEA-state (EU member countries, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein) can work alongside their studies without any limitation. They only need a registration card. Meanwhile, students who are not part of the 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 has plenty of opportunities for graduates from its many strong economic sectors, and foreign nationals are welcomed to stay in the country. EU/EEA and Swiss students can stay in Hungary without a visa or work permit. They will be eligible for permanent residence after five years of uninterrupted stay in the country.
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.
Best Universities in Hungary for International Students
1. Semmelweis University
For the last 250 years, the Semmelweis University, the best university in Hungary for international students, is the pride of Budapest and a leading biomedical institution in Central Europe. It isn’t found in a single campus, but facilities are scattered throughout Budapest, deeply intertwined with the community. The research-led university comprises six faculties and a doctoral school where it offers programs in health sciences and medicine. Besides academic aspirations, Semmelweis University is a national healthcare provider as well.
Today, the university welcomes an international community of students from over 70 countries, comprising almost a third of the whole population. Their programs are held in Hungarian language, German, and English. Furthermore, they also extend their teaching to international campuses in Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany.
2. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
The Eötvös Loránd University is the oldest seat of higher education in Hungary established in 1635. The time-honored university is the nation’s most prestigious and has honed 5 Nobel laureates, as well as winners of the Abel, Fulkerson, and Wolf mathematical prizes. Today, it comprises eight faculties across a variety of disciplines, including law, education, humanities, science, and informatics. It aims to cultivate knowledge for the sake of society, and it shows in the excellence of its programs.
This top university in Hungary offers a great environment for international students, where degree programs are globally acknowledged and even taught fully in English. It is an active member of the Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network, and many other prestigious academic networks.
3. University of Pécs (UP)
The University of Pécs is one of the best universities in Hungary for international students, with its roots dating back to 1367, while the modern university was established in 1912. Today, the university accepts over 20,000 students, including about 4,500 from different countries. Students can choose across nine faculties focusing on, among others, business, engineering, humanities, and music. Most of these programs are held in English and German, making it easier for international students to communicate.
Besides these faculties, the UP manages a Medical School with International Studies Center (ISC) to meet the needs of international students. The center arranges language courses and more to prepare them for their individual fields of study.
4. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen is a time-honored institution located 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 is recognized worldwide. The university is particularly known for English language programs, especially in the medical field, which they were the first one to introduce in Hungary in 1986.
Today, this top university in Hungary for international students welcomes nearly 6,000 international students across 13 faculties, including agriculture, pharmacy, and informatics, among others. Its two major campuses host modern facilities apt to international standards, such as the largest library and biggest computing cluster in Hungary.
5. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is one of Hungary’s best institutions when it comes to research, innovation, and industry collaboration. It manages one of the most advanced laser research units in Europe. Furthermore, the university comprises twelve autonomous faculties and nine doctoral schools scattered throughout the city of Szeged. Through this urban campus, they maintain close cooperation with the city’s industry sectors.
As a collegiate institution, the university has a lot to offer to international students. Each faculty offers globally competitive degrees, as well as broad opportunities for research. To become most accessible, the programs are held in Hungarian, German, and English.
I hope that this article on the best universities in Hungary for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
