Hungary operates and provides a universal healthcare program, meaning the population receives healthcare services. The country has excellent hospitals, research programs, facilities, and healthcare professionals in the urban areas, however, not all regions have access to these resources.
Unfortunately, some hospitals are outdated in terms of technology, some are understaffed, and some lack testing capabilities and research. Healthcare in Hungary suffers from an unequal distribution of equipment and human resources. The number of healthcare professionals in the country is not as high compared to other EU countries. That’s why the government has been building programs to attract more professionals to practice and work in Hungary and channel funds to its healthcare.
It includes increasing nurses’ compensation and even offering scholarships to students to make it more attractive and desirable and increase the number of interested applicants. The number of practicing nurses in Hungary has increased over the past years and is still increasing. Due to the different terminology around the country, it is very complex to identify the exact number of nurses working and practicing the profession in Hungary.
Check the steps below for additional information about the nursing profession and how to become a nurse in Hungary.
How to Become a Nurse in Hungary
Step 1: Find a Nursing Program in Accredited Institutions
It’s best to research the higher education providers offering nursing programs to better prepare for admissions once you have decided. A full-time bachelor’s degree in nursing in Hungary consists of eight semesters. Some famous Hungarian universities that offer nursing programs include Semmelweis University, the University of Pécs, and the University of Szeged. Other institutions also offer nursing courses, in choosing schools, look for the ones that provide quality education and training.
Step 2: Get a Language Proficiency Certificate
Like other EU countries or areas, some universities and institutions in Hungary also require a B2 level (Intermediate) English language proficiency certificate. Nursing programs are taught in English. Applicants must also be ready to prove their proficiency in the language to become nurses in Hungary, especially those whose mother tongue or native language is not English.
The applicant can get an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, but you can also check your chosen university’s website to see if they accept other language proficiency tests.
Step 3: Prepare the Requirements and Pay for the Necessary Fees
University requirements vary from institution to institution, and some documents are usually requested in English. Suppose the applicant’s records are written in another language. In that case, it is advisable to get the official translation of the document and submit both a copy of the original and the English-translated documents. The most basic requirement every university will require the applicant to submit is as follows:
| ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
- Official copy of the secondary school certificate or diploma (in English or with official translation
- Transcript of academic records
- B2 level (Intermediate) English proficiency certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Medical documents
- Passport or identification card
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On average, the tuition for a bachelor’s degree in nursing in Hungary usually costs around €2,500 to €3,500. Aside from tuition fees, universities may also charge additional fees like application fees. Academic costs like this are expected to be paid after the official admission to the chosen university or college.
Step 4: Take the University Entrance Examination
For foreign or international students who want to study nursing in Hungary, some universities may require applicants to pass the entrance examination before admission. This exam is necessary, especially for specialized programs like nursing. In addition, some universities may invite students or applicants for an interview as part of the application process.
Step 5: Obtain a Student Visa After Application
International students should apply for a student visa before arriving in the country. It usually takes 15 days or more to process, so it is best to apply as soon as possible. The responsible authority will validate the necessary documents and they will decide if the applicant will be issued a visa or not.
Since requirements vary on the applicant’s country of origin, the basic requirements include but are not limited to the following:
| STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS |
- Receipt or any evidence showing the applicant’s paid tuition fee
- A letter of admission from the chosen Hungarian university
- Visa application form
- A valid passport (and a copy of the passport photo page)
- Passport-sized photo not more than six months old
- A bank statement or any proof of funds showing that the applicant can cover living expenses
- Proof of health insurance
|
Step 6: Finish and Obtain the Nursing Course/Program Diploma
To apply for a nursing license in Hungary, local and international students must finish the nursing program at their chosen university and obtain a bachelor’s degree. It usually takes four years or eight semesters to finish. The four years of the program will include the students’ theoretical and clinical practice and training.
International students who have obtained a nursing degree in Hungary will be more advantageous than those who received their nursing education elsewhere.
Step 7: Register to the National Healthcare Service Center (AEEK)
After obtaining the bachelor’s degree, the university will report your diploma to the AEEK’s Department of Registration so that you can be listed in the National Basic Register of Healthcare Professionals. Once registered, you shall receive a registration number, and you are one step closer to becoming a nurse in Hungary.
Step 8: Apply for a Valid Operational Registration and a Professional Chamber Membership
To provide healthcare professional services unsupervised, you must obtain a professional chamber membership and a valid operational registration. You can visit the National Healthcare Service Center Application Forms to apply for a professional chamber membership. Please see the Department of Registration and Training for further information about operational registration.
Step 9: Find Work in Hungary After AEEK Registration
After registration with the AEEK, you can now become a nurse in Hungary. The nurses in this country can also work as self-employed or as specialists in Hungary. If the applicant has plans to work as a specialist, it is advisable to take further education or postgraduate programs.
Make sure to contact your employer for more details and ask them if you need to submit additional requirements before starting your new work.
There’s no question that nurses have an important role in providing better healthcare for the community. Hungary which is in need of healthcare professionals has opened its doors to international students. Aspiring nurses have the opportunity to access top-notch Hungarian education and get job opportunities after graduating. So, we hope the information we’ve provided can guide you on how to become a nurse in this country!
We hope you found this article on the steps to becoming a nurse in Hungary informative and helpful. To learn more about studying in Hungary or in Europe, make sure also to check out the Hungary Page and some of the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
