Let’s start with an interesting fact. The Hungarian alphabet has 44 letters, compared with 26 in the basic English alphabet. However, international students applying to English-taught programs do not normally need to learn Hungarian before pursuing higher education in Hungary.
English is widely used in international higher education in Hungary, and many universities offer academic programs in English. Applicants to these programs generally need to demonstrate English proficiency when applying to Hungarian universities. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one accepted option, but universities may also accept other tests, previous education in English, interviews, or internal language assessments.
Keep reading for an overview of the published IELTS requirements and English-proficiency policies at selected Hungarian universities. Because requirements can vary by program, applicants should always check the official page for their chosen degree before applying.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Hungary
Hungarian universities do not have one national IELTS requirement, and several institutions do not publish a single university-wide minimum. Depending on the university and program, applicants may use TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE Academic, proof of previous education in English, an admissions interview, or another approved method. The table below summarizes current published examples rather than universal requirements for every degree.
1. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is a public university offering a broad selection of international programs in English. Its academic history includes Albert Szent-Györgyi, who received the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research conducted in Szeged.
English requirements at Szeged vary considerably by program. The B.S. in Agricultural Engineering program lists intermediate B2 proficiency, equivalent to IELTS 5.0, and states that a certificate is not required because applicants’ English is assessed during the entrance interview. In contrast, the Educational Science degree lists IELTS 6.5 or an accepted equivalent. It may accept official proof of previous higher education taught in English instead of a test result.
Here is what University of Szeged scholars say about IELTS:
“I also had a solid IELTS score (Band 7), which proved my English proficiency.”
Nominzul
“To prepare for my university applications, I took the IELTS exam, which I used for the Stipendium Hungaricum application, and the SAT (though I didn’t end up using the SAT score).”
Danjuma Favour Dan
2. University of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen, located in eastern Hungary, offers more than 80 degree programs taught in English across undergraduate, graduate, foundation, and doctoral levels.
English requirements are set by individual programs. For example, Business Administration and Management BSc lists B2 proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5. At the graduate level, Applied Mathematics MSc lists IELTS 6.0, while Crop Production Engineering MSc lists 5.5. These program pages also state that applicants are not strictly required to hold a language examination certificate because their English can be assessed during the entrance interview.
Here is what University of Debrecen scholars say about IELTS:
“To meet admission requirements, I took the IELTS test early in the process and earned a 7.5 band score, which gave me a strong academic profile for English-taught programs.”
Sodalay Uth
“No, I was not required to take TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE for this specific scholarship, as my program accepted a certificate proving English proficiency from my previous university (University of Khartoum).”
Mohammed Abduelhamed Abboh Adam
“Since my bachelor’s was taught in English, I was exempted from submitting IELTS scores.”
Sajith Wickramanayake
3. Eötvös Loránd University
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) was established in 1635 and describes itself as Hungary’s oldest continuously operating and largest university. Situated in Budapest, ELTE offers English-taught programs across numerous disciplines.
There is no single IELTS score covering every ELTE degree. Many current program pages, including Applied Economics BSc and International Relations MA, list B2 proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5. Some faculties may assess applicants during an admissions interview when they do not have a certificate, and previous education completed entirely in English may also be accepted when properly documented.
Here is what Eötvös Loránd University scholars say about IELTS:
“- TOEFL/IELTS – I was exempted from taking these tests since English is Kenya’s official language and the primary medium of instruction in schools. Instead, I obtained an English proficiency letter from Kenya’s Department of Basic Education.”
Meshack Nyagwencha Bosire
“Since English proficiency was mandatory, I also registered for and took the IELTS exam, ensuring I met the required score for my application.”
Maryam Gazeran
4. Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) offers more than 50 English-language degree programs in engineering, natural sciences, economics, and management for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Applicants should not assume that one score applies to every BME faculty. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics lists IELTS 5.0 as recommended for BSc applicants and required for MSc and PhD applicants. It also accepts TOEFL, Cambridge English, and PTE scores as alternatives. Applicants should check the requirements published by the faculty offering their chosen program.
Here is what Budapest University of Technology and Economics scholars say about IELTS:
“The whole program is taught in English, and though an English certificate was not required, I went ahead to register and took the IELTS exam as well.”
Nene Abayateye
5. University of Pécs
The University of Pécs traces its roots to the first university founded in Hungary, which was established in Pécs in 1367. Its present form developed through later institutions and university integrations.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the university’s general language-proficiency document lists IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual skill below 5.5. Selected programs—including the MA in American Studies, MA in English Studies, MA in the Instruction of English as a Foreign Language, and the listed English-language PhD field—require C1 proficiency. The university’s document lists an IELTS Indicator score of 7.0 for those specified programs.
Here is what University of Pécs scholars say about IELTS:
“I personally did not take any English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, as many Hungarian universities accept students without them, although having one can be an advantage.”
Muhammad Usama
“Some asked for English proficiency tests like IELTS or Duolingo, while others evaluated language skills during interviews.”
Phyo Thatar Linn
“Regarding language proficiency, requirements depend on the university and program. Some institutions accept proof of previous education in English, while others may require tests like IELTS or TOEFL.”
Noor Aldeen Al-Hammadi
6. Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) draws on the history of Georgikon, founded in Keszthely in 1797 and described by MATE as Europe’s oldest regular agricultural higher education institution. The university currently operates five campuses in five Hungarian cities.
MATE’s current accepted-language-certificates page lists a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, not 6.0. It also accepts several B2-level alternatives and may consider an officially signed and stamped document confirming that an applicant’s previous education was completed in English. MATE explicitly states that the Duolingo English Test and EF SET are not accepted under this procedure.
Here is what Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences scholars say about IELTS:
“Since my undergraduate degree was taught in English, I didn’t have to take additional language tests like TOEFL or IELTS.”
Brian Lemus
“Master English: Strong proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo) are crucial. Practice consistently.”
Alaa Al Jarf
7. Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest focuses on economics, business, management, and social sciences. Its current general admissions page lists a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, equivalent to B2, for the covered bachelor’s programs. It also accepts alternatives such as Cambridge English, TOEFL, TOEIC, Duolingo, certain school-leaving qualifications, and approved preparatory programs.
Master’s requirements are program-specific and should not be summarized as a single 6.0 minimum. Corvinus uses in-house written and oral assessments for a number of master’s programs. The English-language Management and Leadership CEMS program has a separate advanced English requirement and lists IELTS 7.0 or an approved equivalent. Therefore, applicants should consult the current page for their chosen master’s degree.
Here is what Corvinus University of Budapest scholars say about IELTS:
“Most Hungarian universities and the scholarship itself require proof of English proficiency. I took the IELTS exam and scored 7.5, which exceeds the typical minimum requirement (6.0–6.5). I prepared independently over two weeks using official IELTS books and YouTube tutorials.”
Zhibek Batyrgaliyeva
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in Hungary
The following results were self-reported by the students in the linked scholarship profiles. They illustrate individual experiences and should not be interpreted as official admissions requirements or representative scholarship cutoffs.
FAQs: IELTS Acceptance in Hungary
Do Hungarian universities require IELTS?
Not always. Universities generally require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency, but IELTS is only one possible method. Depending on the institution and program, applicants may use TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE Academic, Duolingo, previous education completed in English, an admissions interview, or an internal test. For example, Stella Murugi at ELTE reports that her Kenyan KCSE and a ministry letter were accepted as evidence of English. Likewise, Ayesha Javaid at the University of Pécs says she did not need IELTS because her previous university education was in English. The exact policy must be checked on the chosen program’s official page.
If IELTS isn’t available to me, what else can I use?
Accepted alternatives vary by university and program. They may include TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE Academic, an official medium-of-instruction document, or an admissions interview or internal test. Duolingo is accepted by some institutions, including Corvinus and the University of Pécs under their published policies, but MATE’s current self-financed application procedure explicitly states that Duolingo is not accepted. Applicants should verify the exact list for their chosen degree. Stella Murugi and Ayesha Javaid describe using evidence of previous English-medium education.
What IELTS target should I set for Hungary?
There is no single IELTS target for Hungary. The published examples in this article range from 5.0 for certain programs to 6.5 or 7.0 for programs with higher language requirements. A score of 6.5 may provide a useful margin for many applications, but it will not satisfy every specialized program. Always follow the current requirements for the exact degree. The linked students, including Hasan, Elina, and Sodalay, self-reported scores of 7.0–7.5, but these personal results are not official minimums.
English-language requirements at Hungarian universities are generally achievable, but they vary by institution, faculty, program, and accepted form of evidence. Published IELTS examples in this article range from 5.0 to 7.0. Some applicants may instead qualify through another approved test, previous education in English, an interview, or an internal language assessment. Always confirm the current requirements on the official page for your chosen program before applying.
We hope that you found this article on the IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Hungary helpful! If you are interested, check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in Hungary Page!
