Studying in Hungary 2026: universities, costs, medicine programmes and how to apply

Short answer: As a European Union country, Hungary offers many English-taught programmes, living costs are lower than in Western Europe, and it is known for medicine, dentistry, engineering and economics. The strongest route is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, but self-funded study is also widespread.

Why Hungary?

Budapest is a lively student city, and transport and dormitory costs are reasonable compared with the European average. The country is in the Schengen area, which makes travel within Europe easier during your studies.

Well-known universities

• Semmelweis University — medicine and health sciences.
• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) — fundamental sciences and humanities.
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) — engineering.
• Corvinus University — economics and business.
• Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs universities — medicine and broad-profile programmes.

Tuition and costs

In self-funded programmes tuition depends on the field; medicine and dentistry usually cost more than humanities and business. Living costs are lower than in Western Europe, but Budapest rents have risen in recent years. Check exact figures on each university's official page.

Stipendium Hungaricum

This Hungarian government programme can cover tuition and some living costs for bachelor's, master's and doctoral study. Conditions and quotas change every year. More: Stipendium Hungaricum Hungary.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor's: certificate, an entrance exam or interview for some programmes; medicine may require biology and chemistry knowledge.
• Master's: bachelor's degree, motivation letter, sometimes recommendation letters.
• Language: IELTS, TOEFL or the university's own test for English-taught programmes.

Application steps

• Choose the programme and deadlines on the university website.
• Prepare documents (certificate, transcript, language certificate, passport) and translate and apostille them if needed.
• Submit the online application.
• After receiving an admission letter, apply for a student residence permit.
• Sort out accommodation and insurance.

For documents: document translation and apostille.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know Hungarian?

Not for English-taught programmes, but learning basic phrases helps in daily life.

Can a medical degree be recognised in Azerbaijan?

Diploma recognition is a separate process. Ask the official bodies before deciding. More: medical education abroad.

Can I work part-time?

It may be possible within an hour limit on a student permit; check the rules from the official source.

Note: fees, quotas and admission dates may change. Check the websites of the university and official bodies before applying.

Since 2018, EDDE Global has helped students choose a university and prepare documents and visa applications. Book a free consultation or take the major selection test.