How do you feel about pursuing higher education in Hungary? International students may consider studying in Hungary for several reasons, including the possibility of paying lower tuition fees, receiving scholarships, and attending universities with English-taught programs. Hungary’s education system is nationally regulated. Basic education is mostly provided through eight-year schools for students ages 6 to 14. Afterward, students may continue at an upper secondary grammar school, vocational grammar school, technicum, or vocational school.
If you want to begin your studies in Hungary, this article provides general information about the country’s higher education system. Let’s get started!
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Hungary
1. University
Hungarian higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure. Bachelor’s programs generally last six to eight semesters and require approximately 180 to 240 ECTS credits, while master’s programs normally last two to four semesters and require approximately 60 to 120 ECTS credits. Integrated, one-tier master’s programs generally last 10 to 12 semesters and are common in fields such as teacher training, veterinary medicine, architecture, dentistry, pharmacy, law, medicine, and certain arts programs.
The history of higher education in Pécs dates to 1367, when Hungary’s first university was established in the city. However, the continuity of the medieval institution is uncertain, and the modern University of Pécs developed through later institutional integrations. Today, it offers a variety of degree programs to international students.
2. College
Some Hungarian institutions use the word “college” in their English names, but students should verify whether the provider is a recognized higher education institution and whether its programs lead to recognized degrees. The institution formerly known as the Hungarian Dance Academy is now called the Hungarian Dance University. It is an arts higher education institution offering preparatory, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, along with dance-related training and research.
Duna International College Budapest, located in Budapest, was established in 2010. According to its official website, it primarily operates preparatory programs for applicants who intend to continue their studies at partner universities. Prospective students should verify progression arrangements, admissions conditions, and recognition directly with the university at which they plan to complete their degree.
3. Vocational Institution
Secondary vocational schools are not higher education institutions. However, Hungary also offers short-cycle higher education vocational programs through recognized higher education institutions. These programs generally last four semesters and lead to a higher education vocational qualification rather than a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Hunfalvy is a secondary technicum rather than a higher education institution. Officially named the BGSZC Hunfalvy János Bilingual Economics Technicum, it has a history of approximately 140 years and provides secondary-level education and vocational training in economics and trade.
Types of Degree Levels in Hungary
Hungary’s higher education system includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as integrated one-tier master’s degrees and short-cycle vocational qualifications. Let’s examine the three main degree levels.
1. Bachelor’s Degree
In Hungary, earning a bachelor’s degree requires the completion of an undergraduate program. Bachelor’s programs generally last six to eight semesters, or approximately three to four years, and require about 180 to 240 ECTS credits. Longer professional programs in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law, and some teacher-training fields are usually offered as integrated one-tier master’s programs rather than bachelor’s programs. Bachelor’s degrees are available in fields such as business, computer science, nursing, accounting, engineering, and economics. Corvinus University offers several bachelor’s programs for international students. Applying for undergraduate study requires applicants to meet the academic, language, and program-specific requirements established by the institution.
2. Master’s Degree
In Hungary, admission to a master’s degree normally requires a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Master’s degrees generally take one to two years, or two to four semesters, and require approximately 60 to 120 ECTS credits. The structure, research requirements, and assessment methods vary by institution and program. The University of Szeged, for example, offers a range of full-time master’s programs in fields such as the arts, business, education, engineering, humanities, computer science, and natural sciences.
Hungary offers several funding opportunities for eligible international students. At Semmelweis University, eligible applicants may apply for programs such as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Depending on the applicable call and the applicant’s eligibility, this scholarship may provide tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and a housing allowance. Applicants should check the current scholarship rules, participating countries, eligible programs, and deadlines before applying.
3. Doctoral Degree
Doctoral programs in Hungary normally require four years of study and 240 ECTS credits. Students generally take a comprehensive examination at the end of the fourth semester before proceeding to the research and dissertation phase. Universities provide doctoral training in a wide range of academic and artistic fields.
For example, the University of Debrecen currently has 24 doctoral schools grouped into six disciplinary areas. Meanwhile, Eötvös Loránd University offers an English-taught Ph.D. program in Philosophy lasting eight semesters, or four years, and requiring 240 ECTS credits.
The information presented here is intended to help you understand your options for earning a degree in Hungary. Choosing a university can be a difficult but important decision. To make an informed choice, research each institution, confirm that your intended program is recognized, and review the current admissions, tuition, scholarship, and language requirements.
We hope you found this article about higher education in Hungary informative. Please explore these Available Programs in Europe to learn more about your study options. You can also read additional articles on the Study in Hungary Page to learn more about studying abroad.
