Hungary has become a top-quality destination for international students, especially aspiring doctors. Located in the center of Europe, the country leverages its prime location to get the latest advancements in medicine and the sciences, producing top graduates in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, among others. It also allows for such high-level education to be accessible to most students, unlike the competitive yet restrictive recruitment in most countries.
Many universities in Hungary offer courses in English. However, education here is quite affordable, so students believe they can get the most out of Hungarian higher education. That’s why the country proudly takes in more than 30,000 international students each year. In this guide below, we will discuss how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary, so make sure to read the information carefully.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Students applying for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary would need a high school diploma or equivalent and a copy of official transcripts. Other requirements include the student’s most recent curriculum vitae, motivation letter, proof of English language proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a valid passport. Some universities may also require an entrance exam before admission.
It’s important to note that Hungarian institutions are ranked by GPA, which might also mean that some universities ask for work and/or research experience. The next requirement is a student visa. Students need a completed application form, valid photographs, the application fee, and other required country-specific documents.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Fortunately, Hungarian universities offer most of their courses in English. As such, English proficiency test scores are most valuable to those aspiring to study here. For undergraduate programs, you can submit an IELTS or TOEFL test result. For students with experience in English, high school certificates with final exam results may also be accepted. However, checking the desired university directly for any particular English requirement would be best.
Take, for example, the University of Pécs. The school shows a comprehensive list of English proficiency tests and their acceptable minimum scores. If you present a TOEFL or IELTS result, it has to be an iBT minimum score of 72 or an overall band score of 5.5, respectively. For other examinations, you also must have a B2 level in Cambridge ESOL, TELC, or ECL or an Oxford Online Placement Test score of at least 70.
However, students who are applying for an undergraduate degree in Hungary are exempt from submitting an English test score if this is part of their area of study (e.g., English literature), they have proof of study in an institution wherein English is the primary medium of instruction, or they are native-English speakers, as proven by their passports.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process in Hungary
Step 1. Find your Preferred Courses
Study in Hungary was an initiative by the Tempus Public Foundation (TPF), a non-profit organization set up by the local government to encourage more international students to apply for undergraduate studies in Hungary. One way to do this is by providing programs and services to make information on studying in the country accessible. Students can learn about Hungary and learn about available courses and scholarships across their top universities here.
Step 2. Apply Directly Through the Institution
If you have decided to apply to a Hungarian school, note that different universities have different application processes. For instance, the SEMAPHOR portal was created at Semmelweis University to accommodate all applications. Students must upload the requirements and a medical certificate indicating that they are fit to study abroad.
Moreover, specific training programs, such as general medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences, require a written exam and an interview. Still, exceptions apply for students with a bachelor’s degree in a related specialty where English was the primary medium of instruction on a case-to-case basis.
At the University of Debrecen, students must submit requirements online, with the option of interviews or entrance exams for select science courses. Students need a processing fee of US$150 to apply and a reservation fee of US$350 within two weeks of the acceptance letter to confirm the slot. Both payments are non-refundable.
Step 3. Apply for Student Visa
After confirming enrollment, students must apply for their student visa. According to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, the agency that oversees this process, all applicants must appear in person at the Hungarian Embassy in their country of residence. Exceptions apply to those with pre-existing health conditions that prevent them from attending an in-person appointment.
During the in-person interview, the applicants’ biometrics, a facial and fingerprint scan will be taken to be logged, corresponding to the residence permit. The visa will be processed in 15 days and delivered to the applicant by post. A corresponding administrative fee will be charged. Should the visa be denied, they have eight days to appeal the decision at the Hungarian Embassy or consular mission. An administrative fee of 20 EUR will be charged to process the appeal.
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.
