Hungary has become an attractive destination for international students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. The country offers high-quality education at comparatively favorable tuition fees, and Hungarian institutions offer many foreign-language programs, including English-taught options. Many universities in Hungary welcome international students, and there are generous scholarships in Hungary to support them. Programs like the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship offer tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance for eligible students. 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 for 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 school-leaving 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 of 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 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, proof of language proficiency, and a copy of your valid passport or ID.
Keep in mind that you should submit certified English or Hungarian translations of any documents that are not originally in English or Hungarian. Some programs may have additional requirements; for example, art and design programs may request a portfolio of your work, while other programs may ask for a medical certificate, an entrance interview, or proof of specific coursework depending on the field.
Entrance Exams and Other Requirements
Some Hungarian universities require an entrance examination or interview as part of the admission process, especially for selective programs in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, engineering, or social sciences. 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 and interviews assess your subject knowledge, motivation, communication skills, and readiness for university-level study.
Aside from academic exams, universities in Hungary pay attention to your overall profile. Admissions decisions vary by institution, but academic performance, language readiness, motivation, program fit, and interview results can all matter. 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 excellent academic record but also because of 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 is not usually a core requirement for bachelor’s applicants, additional qualifications can help differentiate you, especially if you are 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 Hungarian government scholarship program coordinated by Tempus Public Foundation. If you aim to study under this scholarship, you will need to meet both the university’s admission criteria and the scholarship’s eligibility conditions. Eligible study fields are determined by cooperation agreements between Hungary and each applicant’s sending partner, so you should always check whether your country, degree level, and chosen program are supported. Generally, the academic requirements align with university admission rules, but you may face additional steps such as nomination by your sending partner, a separate scholarship application, or additional documentation.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Bachelor’s Studies
English Language Requirements
Many international programs in Hungary are taught in English. Therefore, proving your English proficiency is a crucial step unless you are exempt under the university’s rules. Most Hungarian universities accept internationally recognized English tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. Each university sets its own minimum score requirements, and the required score can vary by program. In many bachelor’s programs, a B2-level command of English is common, but applicants should always check the exact program page. For example, the University of Debrecen’s Health Care and Disease Prevention (Public Health) BSc lists B2 English proficiency, equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL PBT 513, while several University of Pécs BA program pages list IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, Duolingo 115, Cambridge B2, TELC B2, ECL B2, or Pearson PTE Academic 59. Higher-ranked or more selective programs may expect higher scores. Many successful students choose to aim above the minimum. For example, Zhibek prepared for the IELTS and scored 7.5, which strengthened her application for both the university and the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Likewise, Sodalay Uth secured 7.5 on the IELTS 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, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test, TELC, ECL, or an approved university interview. 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 IELTS or TOEFL score. Some universities accept an official certificate confirming that your previous studies were taught in English, while others grant exemptions only for specific countries, qualifications, or exam systems. For example, the University of Debrecen says non-medical applicants can prove English proficiency in several ways and may upload an official certificate if their previous studies were taught in English. However, policies vary, and some institutions may still ask for an interview or official documentation even if English was the language of instruction. Meshack Nyagwencha Bosire from Kenya, for example, did not take IELTS or TOEFL and instead obtained an English proficiency letter from Kenya’s Department of Basic Education. Always confirm the exemption policy with the university before assuming that nationality or English-medium schooling is enough.
While English is the main language for many international programs, some programs are offered in German, French, Hungarian, or other languages. If you plan to enroll in a program taught in Hungarian, you will need to demonstrate Hungarian language proficiency or complete a preparatory year of language study. However, many 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 64 accredited higher education institutions and 4 foreign higher education institutions operating with a license, ranging from universities of applied sciences to research universities. 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 each university’s program pages. Look at what programs are available in English, the curriculum and course content, tuition fees, admission requirements, entrance exams, 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 Public Health BSc program and affordable living conditions in Debrecen. Importantly, she verified that Debrecen was one of the universities eligible under the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, since studying under a full scholarship was her goal.
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 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 information 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, usually online. Each university in Hungary may have a 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, such as your diploma, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, passport, language proof, and any program-specific documents. For example, Semmelweis University uses the SEMAPHOR application system for several international admissions processes, and some Semmelweis programs require applicants to submit a medical certificate when accepting an offer. At many universities, including the University of Debrecen, you will also need to pay application-related fees when you apply. Debrecen lists a non-refundable application fee of 150 USD and, for many programs, an entrance fee of 350 USD for applicants admitted for the 2026/27 academic year. Some admitted students may also need to pay tuition, a deposit, or a seat reservation fee before receiving visa-supporting documents, depending on the program and applicant category.
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 exams can often be administered online for international students. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, engineering, and other selective programs may hold their own exams or interviews. Other programs might assess you through an online 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-racking, 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 usually have a dual application process. You must complete the scholarship application through the official Stipendium Hungaricum online system and follow any separate process required by your sending partner or home-country nominating body. 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 through her government’s scholarship website, then through Hungary’s centralized scholarship system, 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 official scholarship award. The key point is that scholarship applications 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, if applicable, your scholarship award letter, the next major step is obtaining the right immigration permission. For most non-EEA international students, this means a residence permit for the purpose of studies. If you are a visa-required third-country national and you are applying from outside Hungary, you normally submit the residence permit application at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission. A separate visa application is not usually required in that case, because the residence permit application also includes the entry visa needed to collect the permit after arrival. You should start the process as soon as you have your admission documents in hand, because official processing can take time and missing documents may delay the decision. Check the Hungarian embassy, consulate, or immigration authority instructions for your country before applying.
Typically, you will need to complete the application form and gather supporting documents. These may include your university admission certificate or proof of student status, proof of the required language knowledge, proof of tuition payment where applicable, proof of financial means such as bank statements or a scholarship certificate, proof that you have access to health insurance or can cover healthcare costs, a valid passport, proof of return or onward travel capacity, a facial photograph, and parental consent if you are a minor. The Hungarian immigration authority may request additional documents, so always follow the official checklist for your situation.
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary can give international students access to foreign-language degree options, recognized European qualifications, and scholarship opportunities. Because admission and scholarship rules vary by institution, program, nationality, and funding route, you should check the current program page and the Stipendium Hungaricum call before applying. We hope the information above helps you prepare a stronger application and enrollment plan.
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!
