Hungary, often called the heart of Europe, offers attractive landscapes and a wide range of academic opportunities. From Budapest and Debrecen to Szeged, several universities welcome international students. Many institutions accept the TOEFL exam as evidence of English proficiency for admission to their programs.
Universities in Hungary that accept TOEFL scores give international students an opportunity to demonstrate their English proficiency through a widely recognized test. This article covers six universities in Hungary and Central European University, which is now based in Vienna, Austria, but has historical ties to Budapest. Because English-language requirements often differ by program and degree level, applicants should always check the current requirements for their chosen program.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Hungarian Universities
Several universities in Hungary accept TOEFL scores as evidence of English-language proficiency. However, most do not publish one minimum score that applies to every program. The table below summarizes current requirements and representative program-level scores.
For TOEFL tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, ETS reports TOEFL iBT scores on a 1–6 scale. During the transition, score reports also include a comparable score on the previous 0–120 scale. Many university pages still display requirements using the previous scale, so applicants should check how their current score will be assessed.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| Eötvös Loránd University | Program-specific; 46–59 for several programs | Program-specific; requirements range from 46–59 to 95 or higher |
| Central European University | 4.5 on the current scale; 88 on the previous scale | 4.5 on the current scale; 88 on the previous scale |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics | 72 for many BSc programs; program-specific | 72 for many MSc programs; some programs require more |
| University of Debrecen | No university-wide minimum; program-specific | No university-wide minimum; program-specific |
| Semmelweis University | Program-specific; 50 or higher for several health-science programs | Program-specific; check the individual program |
| University of Szeged | Program-specific; commonly 72, but some programs require 87 | Program-specific; commonly 72, but some programs require 95 |
| Corvinus University of Budapest | 72 on the previous TOEFL iBT scale | An English certificate is generally not required; an exception applies to the integrated CEMS program |
1. Eötvös Loránd University
Eötvös Loránd University, also known as ELTE, is a public research university in Budapest, Hungary. It offers programs in fields including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, informatics, law, and psychology. Its English-language admission requirements vary by faculty and program.
ELTE does not have one TOEFL score that applies to all undergraduate and graduate programs. Several programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences accept a TOEFL iBT score within the 46–59 range as evidence of B2-level proficiency. More language-intensive programs may require substantially higher scores. For example, the English Studies MA lists a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 95. Applicants should consult the page for their specific degree program.
2. Central European University
Central European University is a private university based in Vienna, Austria. Although it was founded in Budapest and maintains historical ties to Hungary, it has been based in Vienna since 2019. It offers programs in fields such as international relations, public policy, business, environmental sciences, legal studies, and the humanities.
For TOEFL tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, CEU lists a minimum score of 4.5 for most bachelor’s and master’s applicants. For valid tests taken under the previous TOEFL scoring system, the listed minimum was 88 on the 0–120 scale. Individual departments may impose additional requirements, so applicants should review the admissions page for their chosen program.
3. Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- TOEFL Requirement
- TOEFL iBT Score: 72 for many bachelor’s and master’s programs; higher scores may apply to specific programs
The Budapest University of Technology and Economics, commonly known as BME, is a technical university in Budapest. It offers English-taught programs in engineering, technology, architecture, natural sciences, economics, and management.
BME’s general international admissions information lists a TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition score of 72 as one way to demonstrate B2-level English proficiency for many BSc and MSc programs. However, requirements can vary by faculty and program. Some engineering and doctoral programs publish higher minimum scores, so applicants should verify the requirement for their selected degree.
4. Univeristy of Debrecen
The University of Debrecen offers programs in fields such as medicine, engineering, business, agriculture, the humanities, and the natural sciences. It accepts several forms of evidence of English proficiency, but the applicable requirement depends on the program.
For many non-medical programs, an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is not compulsory because applicants may demonstrate their English ability through prior education or an admissions interview. Some current program pages still list legacy TOEFL paper-based scores, frequently 513, alongside IELTS requirements.
5. Semmelweis University
Semmelweis University is a medical and health-sciences university in Budapest. It provides education and research in medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, health sciences, and related fields, attracting students preparing to become healthcare professionals.
Semmelweis University does not publish a university-wide TOEFL minimum for all undergraduate and graduate programs. Several bachelor’s programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, including programs in nursing and physiotherapy, list a TOEFL iBT score above 50 as an accepted form of English-language evidence.
6. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across fields including science, engineering, humanities, medicine, business, and the social sciences. Each program establishes its own admissions and English-language requirements.
Several bachelor’s programs list a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72, including the Biochemical Engineer BSc and Computer Science BSc. However, the BA in English and American Studies requires at least 87, with a minimum of 20 in each section. Graduate requirements also vary: many programs list 72, while some programs require 95. Applicants should use the requirement published for their specific degree.
7. Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest is a university in the Hungarian capital that specializes in business, economics, and the social sciences. English proficiency is required for students entering English-taught programs, but the method used to demonstrate proficiency differs by degree level.
For bachelor’s admission, the university accepts a TOEFL iBT score of 72 as evidence of B2-level English proficiency under the previous TOEFL scale. Master’s applicants are generally not required to submit an English-language certificate because their English proficiency is assessed during the entrance examination. An exception applies to applicants to the Management and Leadership master’s program with the integrated CEMS option, who must provide the required language evidence.
Hungary offers international students a wide range of academic opportunities, and the institutions listed above accept TOEFL results for at least some programs. Because requirements can vary considerably by faculty, degree, and admissions cycle, students should consult the current official program page before applying.
We hope this article about Hungarian universities that accept TOEFL scores was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Hungary Page and the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
