The experience of pursuing education can vastly differ from country to country across the globe. European countries have upheld a namesake for quality education and affordable tuition fees against the backdrop of some popular and beautiful cities. Hungary is one such country that is especially known for its safe and modern cities.
Recently, the country has become a popular study destination for international students, as Hungarian cities offer a perfect blend of academic and personal experiences. The multicultural nation sets the perfect environment for students complete with a bustling environment for social and extra-curricular activities. Hungary has built an entire scholarship ecosystem that lets international students study with full tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance. The flagship is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which is how students like Elina Sultanbekova at Corvinus University of Budapest, Andrea Bergula Saises at Semmelweis University, and Zaina Ahmad at the University of Debrecen are completing their degrees in Hungary with their costs almost entirely covered. In this article, we look at how you could benefit from all these perks of studying in Hungary for little to no charge.
How to Study in Hungary for Free with Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with Hungary’s Government Scholarships (Not Just Stipendium Hungaricum)
If your goal is “Hungary for free,” you should first map out the big government-funded options and see which ones you qualify for. The most well-known is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. It is funded by the Hungarian government, managed through Tempus Public Foundation, and available in over 90 partner countries via official “Sending Partners” such as ministries of education or scholarship boards. It usually covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a housing contribution, and health insurance for bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and PhD programs.
Real students show how powerful this route is. Zhibek from Kyrgyzstan used Stipendium Hungaricum to study International Relations at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, with her tuition, insurance, and monthly stipend all paid for. Andrea from the Philippines is finishing her BSc in Nursing at Semmelweis University, also on a fully funded Stipendium Hungaricum award, and even received the Stipendium Hungaricum Student Excellence Award for her performance and community work.
Besides Stipendium Hungaricum, there are other Hungarian government schemes. The Bilateral State Scholarship and Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship (for people with Hungarian roots) can also provide full tuition, stipend, and medical insurance in Hungary; many students discover them through their national scholarship offices or the official Study in Hungary site.
If you are interested in multi-country programs that include Hungary, look at the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship. For example, Zewdie Habtie Sisay from Ethiopia received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS) program, which includes a study period at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary as one of the partner institutions.
Step 2: Target Hungarian Universities That Work Well with These Scholarships
Once you know which scholarship fits you, the next move is to choose a Hungarian university and program that align with that funding. Stipendium Hungaricum alone can be used at dozens of institutions, including Eötvös Loránd University, Semmelweis University, Corvinus University of Budapest, the University of Debrecen, and the University of Szeged.
Each of these has different strengths. ELTE is Hungary’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities, especially strong in humanities, sciences, and law, and offers many English-taught programs. Corvinus University of Budapest is a top choice for economics, business, and public policy and has multiple Stipendium Hungaricum scholars in International Relations and Public Policy. Semmelweis University is Hungary’s leading medical university and hosts scholars like Andrea in Nursing through Stipendium Hungaricum and other medical scholarships.
You can see how students combine their degree choice with the right institution. Elina wanted to study International Relations with a regional focus, so she chose Corvinus and applied through Stipendium Hungaricum; Zaina, a dentist from Pakistan, pivoted to public health and picked the University of Debrecen, which is strong in health sciences and is fully covered by Stipendium Hungaricum for her Master’s in Public Health.
Hungary also has relatively moderate tuition fees compared to many Western European countries, often between about 1,500 and 8,000 EUR per year at public universities, so even if you miss a full scholarship, university discounts or partial funding at places like the University of Debrecen or University of Szeged can significantly reduce your costs.
Step 3: Build the Kind of Profile Hungarian Committees Actually Fund
Hungarian scholarships, especially Stipendium Hungaricum and Erasmus Mundus, are competitive but predictable: they reward solid grades, clear academic direction, and proof that you will use your degree well. You can see this pattern in almost every Hungary-based scholarship story. Zaina entered Debrecen as a Chancellor’s Gold Medalist in Dentistry and showed how a Master’s in Public Health would help her scale impact beyond individual patients. Andrea combined good grades in Biology with leadership and volunteering and later won an excellence award from Stipendium Hungaricum itself. Elina came with a 3.9/4.0 IB Diploma GPA plus a perfect national high-school GPA, which positioned her well for Corvinus’s International Relations program.
Beyond grades, Hungarian selectors look for “story plus strategy.” Nominzul at the University of Szeged connected her Food Science and Technology master’s to improving Mongolia’s food industry, backing it up with strong prior GPAs and a focused motivation letter. Brian at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences matched his agriculture background with an Agricultural Biotechnology master’s on Stipendium Hungaricum, showing how the program aligned with his work experience and long-term goals.
Many successful scholars also build portfolios of activities: volunteering, research, competitions, or campus leadership. Minahil Mustafa, who is doing her MA in Media and Communication Studies at ELTE, came with a strong creative portfolio and professional experience in visual communication, which helped her stand out when applying for the fully funded scholarship to study in Budapest.
When you draft your own application, think the way Hungarian reviewers think: Are your grades solid enough for the program level? Do your experiences naturally lead to this degree and university? Is it clear how spending several years in Hungary (instead of another country) makes sense for your goals?
Step 4: Prepare for Language Proof, Entrance Exams, and Interviews the “Hungarian Way”
Most fully funded scholarships in Hungary require that you meet both scholarship and university admission requirements. For English-taught programs, universities often ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test unless your previous degree was in English. For instance, many Hungarian institutions accept IELTS scores around 5.5–6.0 for bachelor’s and master’s programs, with universities like ELTE, the University of Debrecen, and the University of Szeged publishing their minimum bands openly.
However, several Hungary-based scholars were exempt from additional language tests because their previous degrees were fully taught in English. Brian notes that his undergraduate program in Belize was in English, so his Stipendium Hungaricum application accepted a medium-of-instruction letter instead of IELTS. Zaina and other Debrecen scholars also relied on their English-medium backgrounds or strong IELTS scores to satisfy admission requirements.
Hungarian universities often add their own entrance exams or interviews, especially in medicine, nursing, and competitive programs. Applicants to Semmelweis University and the University of Szeged frequently sit written tests and online interviews with professors, as described by students like Danjuma and Zhibek in their Hungary bachelor’s stories
For Stipendium Hungaricum specifically, some applicants must also pass a national pre-selection process run by their country’s Sending Partner before universities even review their files. Arbenite Canaj explains that this scholarship is unique because you cannot apply directly; you are nominated by your home government and then evaluated by the Hungarian side.
Finally, remember that living in Hungary means adjusting to some very Hungarian systems. Once you enroll, you will likely use the “Neptun” online student portal for course registration, exam booking, and tuition or scholarship administration, just like local students. Knowing this ahead of time makes the transition smoother when you arrive in Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen, or another university city.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Hungary
Hungary offers multiple opportunities for incoming bachelor’s students to fund their studies without a hassle. Offered by the government, one such initiative is the Stipendium Hungaricum Program discussed above. This fully funded scholarship can be claimed by eligible bachelor’s students from some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Debrecen, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and Eötvös Loránd University.
Here are some of the students who were able to study a bachelor’s degree in Hungary for free!
- Sodalay Uth from Cambodia earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at University of Debrecen, covering full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation or housing allowance, health insurance, and student visa support to study a Bachelor’s in Public Health Sciences.
- Danjuma Favour Dan from Nigeria earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at University of Szeged, covering full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend to study a Bachelor’s in Nursing.
- Arbenite Canaj from Kosovo earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), covering full tuition support, a monthly stipend, housing aid, and health insurance to study a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering.
Here is what Bachelor’s Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“which fully covers my tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, free dormitory accommodation, and medical insurance coverage, including medical allowances.”
Muhammad Shayan
“My advice is simple: just apply. Even if you feel unsure or think you’re not qualified enough, send that application anyway.”
Andrea Bergula Saises
“I didn’t discover the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship myself. My friend found it in her email spam folder.”
Glyssa May Bosquit
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Hungary
External scholarships like Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and the Stipendium Hungaricum are also popular among international students who are planning to pursue master’s studies in Hungary. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship is tailored for master’s students who come from a select few nations to study in universities across Europe
Here are some of the students who were able to study a master’s degree in Hungary for free!
- Ayesha Javaid from Pakistan earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at University of Pécs, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and accommodation support to study a Master’s in Psychology (School Psychology and Counseling).
- Nominzul from Mongolia earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at University of Szeged, covering tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly stipend to study a Master’s in Food Science and Technology Engineering.
- Shahla Jalil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at University of Debrecen, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend, free dormitory housing or a housing allowance, and comprehensive health insurance to study an MSc in Food Safety and Quality Engineering.
- Meshack Jepter from Kenya earned the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), a fully funded program that waives tuition and provides health insurance while he pursues an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology in the Danube Region, with study periods in Hungary and Croatia.
Here is what Master’s Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“It supports students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels and covers tuition, accommodation, and a contribution to living expenses.”
Hafsa Iqbal
“I would therefore advise interested applicants to first check the call for applications by the sending partner in their country.”
Stella Murugi
“Hungary stood out because of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which didn’t require standardized test scores like GRE or IELTS for applicants from English-medium universities.”
Ayesha Javaid
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Hungary
Like bachelor’s, and Master’s students, Ph.D. students can benefit from the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a government scholarship for international students.
Other than this, descendants of Hungarian nations also have the option to apply for a popular Hungarian scholarship called the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship. This scholarship allows students from around the world to study at prestigious universities in the country for affordable tuition rates. The Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship applies to students of all levels of higher education.
Here are some of the students who were able to study a PhD in Hungary for free!
- Alaa Al Jarf from Syria earned the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), covering full tuition, a doctoral stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance to study a PhD in Plant Science.
Here is what PhD Scholarship Recipients in Hungary Say:
“I was awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for the academic year 2024/2025, offered by the Hungarian Government. It fully covers my tuition and provides a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance, enabling me to focus on my doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), in the Doctoral School of Plant Science at the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology in Gödöllő, Hungary.”
Alaa Al Jarf
FAQs: Studying in Hungary as an International Student
Are there Opportunities for International Students to Study in Hungary for Free?
Even though most universities in Hungary charge some tuition fees for international students, they are relatively affordable compared to universities in the Western world. Hungary itself offers the benefits of low-cost education and affordable living expenses, making life as a student infinitely easier.
However, if you wish to further cut down on expenses during your stay in the country, consider enrolling at a public university. Hungarian public universities are extremely affordable and students can even try their luck at full and partial scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship for international students to help minimize costs potentially to a zero.
How Much is the Annual Academic Cost in Hungary?
The annual academic cost in Hungary is relatively lower compared to many other countries around the world and in Europe. The average annual tuition fee in Hungary varies between 4,500 and 16,000 EUR. As a general rule, undergraduate courses are usually on the lower end of the spectrum, and postgraduate programs may be slightly expensive.
Course fees vary from university to university. Public institutions in the country are known to cost way less than private institutions in the country. The University of Szeged, one of the best universities for international students offers programs that could cost anywhere between 3,000 and 16,000 EUR per year. The most expensive programs offered at the university are General Medicine and other Ph.D. programs.
Hungary is one of the best study destinations in the world for affordable and high-quality education. While international students might not directly benefit from the country’s free education policy, there are many opportunities for international students to study tuition-free in the country.
We hope this article helped find your way through some of the country’s most recognized educational scholarships and grants. For more study options, check out our Open Courses for programs you can enroll in.
