Hungary, located in Central Europe, is known for its striking architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. International students can explore its wide range of educational programs, lower-cost university options, scholarships for international students, and guides to student cities. Hungarian is the country’s official language, but Hungarian universities also offer hundreds of programs in English, German, French, and other languages.
International students can therefore pursue English-taught programs. Admission requirements vary by university and program, and applicants may need to submit academic credentials and proof of proficiency in the language of instruction. This article explains several language tests and proficiency requirements that students may encounter when applying to Hungarian universities.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Hungary
Hungarian is the official language of Hungary, but the country’s higher education institutions offer programs in English, German, French, and several other languages. Universities determine their own admission requirements, so there is no single language test or minimum score that applies to every institution. Applicants should check the current requirements for their chosen program rather than rely on a general national score range. Several standardized language tests may be accepted, depending on the institution and language of instruction.
Hungarian Language Tests for International Students
International students applying to Hungarian-taught programs may need to demonstrate an appropriate level of Hungarian. The required examination and CEFR level depend on the university and program.
1. Hungarian as a Foreign Language Exam (Nyelvvizsga)
Nyelvvizsga is the Hungarian term for a language examination rather than the name of one specific standardized test. Hungary has several accredited examination systems, and foreign applicants may take an accredited Hungarian-language examination where one is required.
The ECL examination system is one available option for Hungarian. It is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and is offered at the A2, B1, B2, and C1 levels. It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ECL has also announced that these skills will be treated as independent modules beginning in August 2026.
The required level is program-specific. For example, the University of Szeged’s Hungarian Studies MA requires C1 Hungarian and B2 English for applicants to the Hungarian as a Foreign Language specialization. This is a requirement for that particular specialization, not a general requirement for admission to every University of Szeged program.
2. TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language)
TestDaF is a standardized academic German examination intended primarily for international applicants seeking admission to higher education in Germany. It evaluates reading, listening, writing, and speaking and reports results at the TDN 3, TDN 4, and TDN 5 levels.
A TDN 4 result in every section is generally sufficient for admission to most degree programs in Germany. However, this does not mean that every German-taught program in Hungary automatically accepts TestDaF or uses the same score requirement.
Hungarian universities generally publish program-specific CEFR requirements. For example, Eötvös Loránd University requires CEFR B2 German for its German Studies BA. The University of Pécs also requires proof of B2 German for its German-taught programs. Applicants should ask the relevant admissions office whether TestDaF is accepted instead of assuming that a particular TDN level is automatically equivalent to the university’s CEFR requirement.
3. TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
The Test de connaissance du français, or TCF, is an official French proficiency test for non-native speakers. Depending on the version and purpose of the test, it evaluates listening comprehension, knowledge of language structures, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing. Results are reported in relation to CEFR proficiency levels.
However, applicants should not assume that every French-taught program in Hungary accepts the TCF. Universities may specify a CEFR level, conduct an interview, or accept only certain named certificates.
For example, the University of Debrecen‘s BA in Romance Philology and Cultures (French Studies) requires B2 French, although applicants are not strictly required to submit a certificate because their proficiency can be assessed during the entrance interview. Eötvös Loránd University requires C1 French for its French Language, Literature and Culture MA and specifically lists DALF and DHEF as accepted C1 certificates. For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Pécs lists DELF, ECL, and TELC at B2 for its French-taught programs. Students planning to submit a TCF result should therefore confirm its acceptance directly with the university.
English Language Tests for International Students
Here are three widely used English language proficiency tests that may be accepted by Hungarian universities. Test acceptance and minimum scores vary by institution, degree level, and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an internationally recognized English proficiency test. IELTS Academic evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking and reports an overall score and individual skill scores on a band scale from 0 to 9.
The minimum IELTS requirement depends on the university and program. It is not accurate to apply one score range to most Hungarian universities. Current examples include an overall IELTS score of 5.5 for Eötvös Loránd University’s International Relations BA and 6.0 for undergraduate admission at Corvinus University of Budapest. The University of Pécs generally lists 6.0, with no individual skill score below 5.5, for its English-taught programs, although certain English-language master’s and doctoral programs require C1-level proficiency and higher scores.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Another internationally recognized English proficiency assessment is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL iBT assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
TOEFL scoring changed on January 21, 2026. ETS now reports section and overall results on a scale from 1 to 6 in half-point increments. During a two-year transition period, test takers also receive a comparable overall result on the former 0-to-120 scale. As a result, university pages may temporarily display either or both scoring systems.
There is no universal minimum TOEFL score for Hungarian universities. The Budapest University of Technology and Economics Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics lists a legacy TOEFL iBT minimum of 80. Corvinus University of Budapest lists a legacy TOEFL iBT score of 72 for undergraduate admission, rather than 100. For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Pécs lists 4.5 on the new 1-to-6 scale or 90 on the traditional scale for its general English-language requirement. Applicants should always consult the current program page because requirements can differ substantially.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test. It reports scores from 10 to 160 and assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Its score report includes individual and integrated subscores.
DET acceptance and minimum scores are program-specific, so it is not possible to confirm that most Hungarian universities accept scores between 95 and 120. Current examples include a minimum DET score of 100 for undergraduate admission at Corvinus University of Budapest and 115 for the University of Pécs’s general English-language requirement for 2026/27. Applicants should verify that their chosen program accepts the DET before taking the test.
Hungarian universities offer programs in English as well as other languages, including German and French. International applicants may therefore need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. The accepted examination, minimum level, and possible exemptions depend on the university and program.
We hope this article about language tests in Hungary will help you begin your educational journey in the country. You can also visit the Hungary Page and explore the Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
