Hungary has become an attractive destination for international students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. The country offers high-quality education at relatively affordable costs and has a growing number of English-taught programs. Many universities in Hungary welcome thousands of foreign students each year, and there are generous scholarships in Hungary to support them. In fact, programs like the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship have enabled students from around the world to study in Hungary fully funded. For example, Sodalay Uth from Cambodia and Danjuma Favour Dan from Nigeria both received this scholarship to pursue their bachelor’s studies in Hungary. Below, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of studying a bachelor’s in Hungary, from admission requirements and language tests to the application process, enriched with insights from real scholarship recipients.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Academic Qualifications and Documents
To be admitted into an undergraduate program in Hungary, you must have completed secondary education. In practical terms, this means you need a high school diploma or equivalent certificate, along with your academic transcripts. Universities will look at your grades, and a strong academic record can significantly boost your chances. For instance, Danjuma Favour Dan, now a nursing student at the University of Szeged, graduated high school with an excellent GPA (she earned a 3.90/4.00), which made her a competitive applicant. Besides transcripts, Hungarian universities often ask for a resume/CV detailing your educational background and any relevant achievements, a well-written motivation letter explaining why you want to study that program, one or more letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, and a copy of your valid passport.
Keep in mind that you should submit certified English translations of any documents that are not originally in English or Hungarian. Some programs may have additional requirements; for example, art and design programs might request a portfolio of your work, while others could ask for proof of specific coursework depending on the field.
Entrance Exams and Other Requirements
Many Hungarian universities require an entrance examination or interview as part of the admission process, especially for competitive programs like medicine, dentistry, or engineering. The format varies by institution and field – it could be a written test in subjects related to your chosen program, an online interview, or both. For example, when Danjuma applied to her Bachelor of Nursing program, she had to take entrance exams for both Semmelweis University and the University of Szeged as part of their evaluation. Similarly, Zhibek Batyrgaliyeva from Kazakhstan, who was admitted to Corvinus University of Budapest for a BA in International Relations, underwent an online interview with professors after passing an initial test. These exams assess your knowledge in relevant subjects and your readiness for university-level study.
Aside from academic exams, universities in Hungary pay attention to your overall profile. They rank applicants by academic performance (GPA) and also appreciate extracurricular achievements. If you have awards, volunteer experience, or leadership roles, be sure to include them in your application. Zhibek’s application stood out not only because of her perfect high school GPA but also due to her involvement in programs like the FLEX exchange program and volunteer work, which demonstrated her commitment and skills beyond the classroom. While work or research experience isn’t a typical requirement for undergraduate applicants, any additional qualifications can help differentiate you, especially if you’re applying for competitive scholarships or specialized courses.
Scholarships and Funding Considerations
Hungary offers several scholarship opportunities that can influence the application requirements slightly. The most notable is the Stipendium Hungaricum, a fully-funded government scholarship program. If you aim to study under such a scholarship, you will need to meet both the university’s admission criteria and the scholarship’s eligibility conditions. Generally, the academic requirements align (good grades and language proficiency), but you may face additional steps like a nomination or separate scholarship application (more on this in the application process section).
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Bachelor’s Studies
English Language Requirements
The majority of international programs in Hungary are taught in English. Therefore, proving your English proficiency is a crucial step unless you are a native speaker or have completed your prior education in English. Most Hungarian universities accept internationally recognized English tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. Each university sets its own minimum score requirements. Typically, an IELTS score of at least 5.5–6.0 (overall band) or a TOEFL iBT score around 70–80 is required for bachelor’s admissions. For instance, the University of Pécs requires at least an IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 72 for undergraduate applicants. Higher-ranked programs or competitive scholarships might expect slightly higher scores. Many successful students choose to aim above the minimum. For example, Zhibek prepared for the IELTS and scored a 7.5, which not only met the requirement but also strengthened her application for both the university and the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Likewise, Sodalay Uth secured a 7.5 on her IELTS, highlighting her strong command of English when applying for a Public Health program at the University of Debrecen.
It’s important to check the exact language criteria of each university and program you’re interested in. Some universities accept other equivalent tests or certifications, such as Cambridge English exams (FCE/CAE), Pearson PTE, or even the Duolingo English Test, as long as they reflect the required B2 level or higher in the European framework. Usually, universities list all accepted tests and minimum scores on their admissions pages.
Exemptions and Other Languages
There are cases where you might not need to submit an English test score. If you are from an English-speaking country or your high school instruction was entirely in English, universities can waive the test requirement. For example, Meshack Nyagwencha Bosire from Kenya did not have to take IELTS or TOEFL because English is an official language in his country and the medium of his prior education. Instead, he provided an official letter from Kenya’s education authorities certifying his English proficiency. Always inquire with the university if you believe you qualify for an exemption. Policies can vary, and some institutions might still ask for some proof of English (such as a letter or an interview) even if you are a native speaker or have an English-taught diploma.
While English is the main language for international programs, a few programs might be offered in German, French, or Hungarian. If you plan to enroll in a program taught in Hungarian (which is less common for international bachelor’s students), you will need to demonstrate Hungarian language proficiency. This typically involves passing a Hungarian language exam or completing a preparatory year of language study. However, the vast majority of international students in Hungary pursue English-taught degrees, so focusing on meeting the English requirement is key.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process in Hungary
Step 1: Research and Choose Your Program
Before starting any application, spend ample time researching your options. Hungary has over 30 universities and colleges that welcome international students, so you’ll want to find the program and institution that best fit your academic interests and career goals. A good place to start is the official Study in Hungary website and the university rankings/offerings in your field. Look at what programs are available in English, the curriculum and course content, tuition fees, and the city where the university is located. It’s also wise to check if the university participates in scholarship programs like Stipendium Hungaricum, in case you plan to apply for funding. For example, when Sodalay was deciding where to apply, she compared universities across Europe and ultimately chose the University of Debrecen for its strong Public Health BSc program and affordable living conditions in Debrecen city. Importantly, she verified that Debrecen was one of the universities eligible under the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, since studying under a full scholarship was a goal for her.
It can be very helpful to reach out to current students or alumni of the programs you’re interested in. Many international students use social media groups, university forums, or even LinkedIn to connect with those already studying in Hungary. Zhibek, for instance, contacted students at Corvinus University to learn about their experiences and get tips on the application. Similarly, Meshack attended study-abroad info sessions in Kenya where he met Education Hungary representatives and past scholars, which gave him valuable insight into the Hungarian university system. Gathering first-hand information can guide you in choosing a program and clarify what each school is looking for in applicants.
Step 2: Apply to the University (and Scholarship, if applicable)
Once you have a shortlist of universities and programs, you will need to submit your applications – typically online. Each university in Hungary may have a slightly different application platform or portal. Most institutions have their own online application system where you’ll create an account, fill in personal and educational information, and upload the required documents (diploma, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendations, etc.). For example, Semmelweis University uses an online portal called SEMAPHOR for all its international applications, where students not only submit documents but also must upload a medical certificate proving they are fit to study. At many universities, including the University of Debrecen, you will also need to pay an application fee (often around 100–150 USD) when you apply. Debrecen, for instance, charges a non-refundable processing fee and even asks for a small deposit (reservation fee) once you’re accepted, to confirm your spot in the program.
After submitting the paperwork, be prepared for any entrance exams or interviews. The university will inform you of the schedule and format if an exam is required. These could be administered online for international students. Commonly, medicine and science programs hold their own exams in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics. Other programs might assess you through a Skype/Zoom interview to discuss your motivation and background. When Danjuma applied to her nursing program, she had to sit for an entrance examination and then wait for results before getting her admission letter. This step can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and passion directly to the admissions committee.
If you are also pursuing a scholarship like Stipendium Hungaricum, you will actually have a dual application process. You must apply to the university and apply for the scholarship separately (the scholarship application is usually through a government portal or sending your documents to a local scholarship agency). To illustrate, Zhibek had to submit one application through the Stipendium Hungaricum online system and another through her country’s nominating body. Likewise, Danjuma described her Stipendium Hungaricum journey in stages: first applying on her government’s scholarship website, then in Hungary’s centralized system (called DreamApply), after which she was nominated by her home country and proceeded to take the university’s entrance exam. Only after passing the exam and meeting all criteria did she receive her admission offer and the official scholarship award. The key point is that scholarship applications will typically run in parallel with university admissions. Keep an eye on both sets of deadlines and requirements
Step 3: Secure Your Student Visa
After you receive an acceptance letter from a Hungarian university (and hopefully your scholarship award letter, if applicable), the next major step is obtaining a student visa (residence permit for study). This is required for non-EU international students to legally enter and live in Hungary for the duration of their studies. You should start the visa process as soon as you have your admission documents in hand, as it can take several weeks. The first thing to do is to check the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country for their student visa application instructions. Typically, you will need to fill out a visa application form and gather a set of supporting documents. These usually include your university acceptance letter, proof of financial means (such as bank statements or a scholarship certificate proving that your tuition and living expenses are covered), proof of health insurance, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and any applicable visa fees.
A bachelor’s degree can provide international students top-notch education in Hungary. That’s why it’s best to learn the requirements and application process for admission to the country’s top universities. So, we hope the information above can help you in your enrollment, making it a highly well-liked study abroad option.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary was helpful. Feel free to check out the Hungary Page and some of the Available Programs in Europe for International Students to learn more about studying in Europe.
