Study Master’s in Hungary (with Real-Life Examples)

Hungary is a country with an impressive educational system that caters to the academic goals of international students. The country has several universities offering various disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels. However, it is more popular among students who are looking to pursue their master’s degrees as it offers affordable programs and opportunities to broaden their global connections.

Applying for a master’s degree in Hungary can be confusing to international students. Hence, this guide will provide the needed requirements and a guided application process for the master’s program in Hungary. Ensure you read it till the end.

Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and Academic Qualifications

International students aiming for a master’s in Hungary must have a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Hungarian universities follow the Bologna Process, so a completed undergraduate degree (usually 3 or 4 years) in a relevant field is the primary requirement. Strong academic performance in your prior studies is important, and some programs may expect a related field of study or prerequisite coursework. Meeting the academic qualifications ensures you are prepared for advanced study in Hungary’s master’s programs.

For example, Sajith Wickramanayake from Sri Lanka built on his engineering background to gain admission into a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at a Hungarian university. His successful entry illustrates how having the appropriate undergraduate degree and solid academic foundation is crucial for acceptance into Hungarian master’s programs.

Language Proficiency

Most master’s programs in Hungary are taught in English or Hungarian. If you choose an English-taught program (common for international students), you will need to prove your English language proficiency. Universities typically accept tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test, and often require scores equivalent to at least B2 or C1 level in the European framework (for instance, an IELTS score around 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT around 80–90, depending on the university and program). For programs taught in Hungarian, proficiency in the Hungarian language is required, exams such as the ECL or Origo Hungarian language tests can demonstrate this. (Many international students opt for English programs unless they have strong Hungarian language skills.)

Aside from test scores, some universities might conduct an interview to assess your communication skills and academic preparedness. The language requirement is a key part of admission: it ensures you can follow lectures and coursework. In the case of Shahla Jalil from Iraq, she had to demonstrate excellent English skills to pursue her Master’s in Food Safety Engineering in Hungary. By meeting the language criteria and other requirements, she also earned the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, allowing her to study in Hungary on a fully-funded program.

Required Documents for Application

When applying for a master’s program, you must prepare a set of documents to support your application. While specific requirements can vary by university, common admission documents include:

• Academic transcripts and diploma: Official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree and a copy of your diploma (with English or Hungarian translations if originally in another language).
• Proof of language proficiency: Test score reports for English (or Hungarian, if applicable) demonstrating you meet the program’s minimum language requirements.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated CV or résumé detailing your educational background, any relevant work experience, research, or extracurricular activities.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically 2 or 3 reference letters from professors or professional supervisors who can attest to your abilities and suitability for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter: An essay explaining why you want to study that particular program in Hungary, your academic and career goals, and how you can contribute to the university community.
• Copy of passport: A valid passport or ID for identification purposes.
• Other materials (if required): Some programs might ask for additional items like a research proposal (for research-focused degrees), portfolio (for design/architecture fields), or entrance exam results.

It’s essential to check the specific requirements of each Hungarian university and program. Providing complete and well-prepared documents strengthens your application. Many successful applicants, such as Mariam Gordeladze from Georgia, emphasize that tailoring your personal statement and ensuring all documents meet the university’s criteria can make a significant difference. Mariam’s careful preparation of her documents helped her secure admission into Corvinus University of Budapest for her Master’s in Public Policy, with full funding through a scholarship.

Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies

English Language Tests

As an international student in Hungary, proficiency in English is often a must-have if your program is taught in English. Hungarian universities accept a range of English language tests. The most common exams and their typical minimum scores are:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Usually an overall band of 6.0 or 6.5 is required for master’s programs. Some competitive programs might ask for higher (7.0), especially in fields like literature or communications.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A score around 80–90 is commonly required, though top programs may prefer 95+. Ensure you send official TOEFL scores using the university’s institution code.
• Duolingo English Test: An increasing number of universities accept Duolingo due to its convenience. A typical minimum might be around 105–115 on the Duolingo scale for graduate studies.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Some institutions list PTE; a score equivalent to IELTS/TOEFL requirements (e.g. around 58–64) may be needed.
• Cambridge Exams (C1 Advanced/ C2 Proficiency): Less commonly required, but if you have C1 or C2 certificates, those are usually accepted as proof of high-level English ability.

It’s important to prepare for these tests well in advance and ensure your scores are valid (most tests are valid for two years). If you previously earned a degree with English as the medium of instruction, some universities in Hungary might waive the test requirement, but this often must be documented by a letter from your prior institution. Always check the program’s specific language policy.

Many students who succeed in Hungarian programs have invested time in meeting language criteria. For instance, scholarship winner Shahla Jalil mentioned that achieving a strong IELTS score was a key factor in her acceptance. Once you have the required scores, you can confidently include the results in your application packet, just as Shahla did on her way to a fully-funded master’s in Hungary.

Hungarian Language Requirements

While numerous graduate programs are offered in English, some international students choose to study in Hungarian (especially if aiming for fields like Medicine or Arts taught in the local language, or if they are of Hungarian descent or otherwise proficient). If you plan to enroll in a Hungarian-taught program, you will need to demonstrate Hungarian language ability. Hungary has specific language exams such as:

• ECL (European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages) – Hungarian: A standardized test for Hungarian. Universities may require a B2 (intermediate) or C1 (advanced) level certificate depending on the program.
• Origo Hungarian Exam: Another recognized language examination system in Hungary for foreigners. Similarly, a B2 level (also known as “upper intermediate”) is often the minimum to start a Hungarian-language degree program.

If you are not already fluent, some universities offer preparatory language courses or foundation years to help international students reach the required level. Keep in mind that studying in Hungarian can be challenging, but it may open doors to programs that are not available in English and can deepen your integration into local life. However, the vast majority of international master’s students in Hungary opt for English-taught programs, making English proficiency the more common pathway.

Master’s Degree Application Process

General Steps to Apply for a Master’s in Hungary

The application process can vary slightly between universities, but the overall steps are similar across Hungarian institutions. Below is an overview of the general process:

1. Research programs and universities: Begin by finding the master’s program that fits your academic interests and career goals. Look at university rankings, course content, faculty profiles, and location. Hungary has a range of universities—from large research institutions in Budapest to specialized colleges—so compare options to see what suits you best.
2. Check admission requirements: Once you shortlist programs, review their specific entry requirements and application instructions. This includes academic prerequisites (required bachelor’s degree or background), minimum GPA (if stated), language test scores, and any program-specific needs (like portfolios or interviews). Make sure you meet or have a plan to meet each requirement before the deadline.
3. Prepare your documents: Gather all the documents as outlined in the requirements. Get transcripts officially issued (and translated if needed), have your recommendation letters written and ready, write your motivation letter, and secure your language test results. It’s wise to have both scanned copies for online submission and original hard copies (you might need to show originals during enrollment).
4. Submit the online application: The majority of Hungarian universities use an online application system (some use a central portal, while others have their own system). Create an applicant account, fill in your personal and educational information, and upload the required documents. Double-check that everything is uploaded in the correct format. You will also typically pay an application fee at this stage (commonly around 30–150 EUR, depending on the university).
5. Entrance exams or interviews (if required): Some programs may invite you to an online interview or ask you to take a subject-specific test after reviewing your application. This is more common in fields like art (where you might have an art exam) or when applying for scholarship programs. If you’re contacted for an interview, treat it professionally: be prepared to discuss your motivation and academic background. This is also an opportunity for the faculty to get to know you beyond your documents.
6. Wait for the admission decision: Admission results are usually released a few weeks to a couple of months after the deadline (the timeline can vary by university and how many applications they process). You will receive an official acceptance letter if you are admitted. Offers might be conditional (e.g., “pending submission of original documents” or language test scores if you applied before having them), so read the letter carefully and fulfill any conditions listed.
7. Confirm your seat and arrange enrollment: If you are accepted, follow the instructions to confirm your enrollment. This might involve signing and returning a form, or paying a deposit (for self-funded students). As an international student, you’ll also begin the student visa application process after receiving your acceptance (the university will often send guidance on this).

Throughout the application process, keep organized records of all communications and submissions. It helps to have a checklist for each application so you don’t miss any step. Being thorough and attentive at this stage pays off when you get that acceptance letter!

Many scholarship recipients stress the importance of persistence during the application phase. Mariam Gordeladze, for instance, noted that researching the program well and customizing her application to fit the university’s expectations helped her stand out. Another student, Shahla Jalil, shared that she prepared for her interview by practicing with mentors, which boosted her confidence. Following these steps diligently will put you on the right track to join a Hungarian master’s program.

Scholarship Applications and Funding

While applying for admission, it’s wise to concurrently explore scholarship opportunities. Hungary offers various scholarships specifically aimed at international students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of graduate studies. The flagship scholarship program is the Stipendium Hungaricum, a government-funded scholarship that covers tuition (and often provides a stipend and housing support) for selected international students in many Hungarian universities. Application to Stipendium Hungaricum is a separate process that usually runs parallel to university admissions. You typically need to apply through the official scholarship portal and list your chosen Hungarian programs. Students like Shahla Jalil and Mariam Gordeladze are real-life examples of Stipendium Hungaricum beneficiaries who successfully navigated both the scholarship application and university admission simultaneously.

If you are interested, check out the best scholarships in Hungary for international students!

After Acceptance: Student Visa and Arrival

Once you have an admission offer (and hopefully a scholarship offer, if you applied for one), the final steps include arranging your student visa and preparing for your move to Hungary. The student visa process for Hungary (for non-EU international students) involves applying for a long-term study visa (often referred to as a “D-visa” for study). You will need your university acceptance letter to start this process. The requirements typically include proof of enrollment, a valid passport, proof of health insurance, evidence of sufficient finances (scholarship award letters help here or bank statements if self-funded), and accommodation arrangements in Hungary. You will submit your visa application at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country and may need to attend an interview or provide biometric data.

It’s important to apply for the student visa as soon as you have the necessary documents, as processing can take several weeks. Meanwhile, begin planning your travel and accommodation. Many universities in Hungary have dedicated international student offices to assist you with dormitory placements or advice on renting privately. They can also guide you on airport pickup services or orientation programs.

Arriving in Hungary to start your master’s will be an exciting experience. Universities often hold orientation weeks to help new international students settle in — you’ll register for courses, get your student ID, and learn about campus facilities. Take advantage of these resources. Connect with fellow students (perhaps reach out to some via social media before you arrive) and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The transition to studying in Hungary will be smoother if you are well-prepared and open to the new culture and academic environment.

In summary, studying for a master’s in Hungary as an international student involves careful preparation: from meeting admission requirements and language tests to navigating the application and visa process. By following the steps outlined above and learning from the experiences of past scholarship recipients, you can confidently pursue your goal of obtaining a master’s degree in Hungary.

FAQs: Master’s Application Process in Hungary

Hopefully, this article will provide the needed information about applying for a master’s degree in Hungary. For more study options, check out the Available Programs for international students!