Study in Hungary

Hungary may be a small landlocked nation, but that hasn’t stopped it from producing innovative thinkers.

For example, did you know that the Rubik’s cube is a Hungarian invention? Other Hungarian inventions include the tungsten lamp, ballpoint pen, carbonated water, and safety matches. The most recent inventions that help students and professionals worldwide are Word and Excel, invented by Charles Simonyi, a Hungarian programmer.

Hungary has a long tradition of academic excellence in the higher education sector. The University of Pécs, established in 1367, is the country’s first university and is over 650 years old.

In addition, Hungary welcomes international students every academic year for courses taught in English. As of the academic year 2022/2023, there were 37,500 international students in Hungarian universities.

Here is more information that we have compiled for you regarding the study experience of international students in Hungary.

• Study in Finland Statistics
• Why Study in Finland
• Top Universities to Study in Finland 2025
• Affordable Universities and Colleges in Finland 2025
• Scholarships in Finland
• Top In-Demand Careers in Finland 2025
• Grading System in Finland
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in Finland
• Study in Finland Application Process
• Important Timelines for Study in Finland
• Cost of Living and Studying in Finland
• Student Life In Finland
• Best Cities to Study and Live in Finland
• Top Jobs in Finland for International Students
• Temporary Graduate Visa in Finland
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Finland
• Conclusion

Study in Hungary Statistics

In the last decade, international students have been flocking to Hungary, which is quickly emerging as a favourable study destination. As of the 2023/2024 academic year, there were 37,500 international students in the country – the highest number so far. The only year with a slight decline in numbers was 2020/2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a graphical representation of the international student population since the academic year 2014/2015.

Other notable statistics related to studying in Hungary include:

• Recent data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office indicate that business and administration is the most preferred field of training for both international and local Hungarian students, with 48,529 enrolled students in 2023/2024.
• Other popular fields of study include Health and Welfare (36,107), Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction (35,310), social sciences (29,403), and Teacher Training and Education Science (28,723).
• Interestingly, more male students enrolled in engineering, manufacturing, and construction (26,060), and more female students enrolled in the business and administration field (26,788).
• Hungary has 64 accredited higher education institutions and 4 foreign institutions operating under a license. These range from small universities of applied sciences to leading research universities.

Why Study in Hungary

There are plenty of reasons why studying in Hungary is appealing to international students. You may love the fact that the country has 10 national parks and 145 nature reserves, or maybe you’ll like the country’s abundant thermal baths.

Here are more reasons why you should consider studying in Hungary.

a) Study in Top-Ranked Institutions

In Hungary, you can obtain a high quality of education with five universities in the country among the top 800 universities in the world, according to QS university rankings. These include Craydel partners University of Debrecen and University of Pecs.

b) Affordable Tuition

International students pay less to study in Hungary than other European countries like the UK. For example, in Hungary, tuition costs for undergraduate studies can be as low as €5,500, while in the UK, tuition costs start at £11,400, equivalent to €13,900.

Interestingly, the Hungarian government offers plenty of scholarships to international students, which further reduces tuition costs and the cost of studying in Hungary. 

c) Enjoy Hungary’s Unique Culture

Hungarian culture has a long history that was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire. With the increasing population of foreigners, Hungary has evolved to become a multicultural society over the years. This means that Hungary is welcoming to international students.

In addition, the city of Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region were named the European Capital of Culture in 2023, highlighting Hungary’s cultural influence in Europe.

You can get more acquainted with Hungary’s culture by visiting the Buda Castle District In Budapest. It has cultural sites such as the Hungarian National Gallery and Matthias Church. You can also choose to visit any of the 8 World heritage sites located in the country.

Hungary has an abundance of concerts, festivals, and outdoor events, which is good news for music lovers. Popular events with international students include the Campus Festival in Debrecen and the Sziget Festival in Budapest.

d) Opportunity to Work During and After Studies

A major part of the international student experience is the ability to supplement your living costs with a paying job. In Hungary, this is possible. International students can work up to 30 hours during school sessions and up to 40 hours during school breaks.

After your studies, you can remain in the country for up to 9 months under a study-to-work residence permit. The permit allows you to look for a job or start a business. Once you get a job, you change the permit to a full residence permit to continue working in Hungary.

e) Student Friendly Cities

Hungarian cities embody nearly all the essential qualities that one would expect from a vibrant student city.

For example, Budapest, the capital city, has the most prestigious universities, a high employment rate, and is also regarded as the safest city in the European Union. Gyor, Miskolc, and Szolnok, though relatively small in population, have lower living costs compared to other Hungarian cities.

Top Universities and Colleges to Study in Hungary 2025

Here are the top 10 universities in Hungary according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Affordable Universities and Colleges in Hungary 2025

While education in most higher learning institutions in Europe costs over €10,000 per year, tuition costs in Hungary can go as low as €4,000 in some institutions. Here is a list of affordable universities and colleges in Hungary. 

Scholarships in Hungary

International students in Hungary have access to the following scholarships:

• Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme – The Hungarian government offers this scholarship programme to international students with a track record of academic excellence. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for all degree levels and also caters to your accommodation costs.
• Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship – The Hungarian government offers this scholarship to students with Hungarian roots who live outside the European Union.

Top In-Demand Careers in Hungary 2025

The top-in-demand careers in Hungary represent a growing shortage of the required human resources in the country or a projected growth that is expected to increase demand for these professions. In some cases, the careers may also have high salaries, making them attractive and in demand. Here are the top 5 in-demand careers in Hungary.

1. Nurses

The nursing shortage has persisted in Hungary over the last decade. A report by the Hungarian Chamber of Healthcare Professionals (MESZK) indicates a 6% – 15% nurse shortage in most hospitals before the COVID-19 pandemic.

MESZK also reports that the number of practising nurses is approximately 53,000. This means there are 6.6 nurses for every 1,000 people, which is below the EU average of 8.5.

With these shortages, Hungary requires foreign talent to fill the gap in the nursing sector. International students can utilise this opportunity to study a BSc in nursing and patient care at a reputable institution such as the University of Debrecen. Afterwards, they can seek employment in any of the country’s health institutions, though learning Hungarian will be important to succeed in the healthcare field.

2. Social Workers

 According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, there are 3,600 vacant positions in the social services sector. More specifically, child protection services have a 25% – 35% vacancy rate, especially for roles such as child protection clerks and psychologists.

If you are passionate about serving other people, then this is a career that you can study and graduate from to gain employment in Hungary’s social services sector.

3. Information Technology Professionals

As of 2023, the Hungarian IT sector had a shortage of 30,000 professionals. Recent research indicates that this number will reach 44,000 job vacancies in the years 2024 and 2025.

The shortage is attributed to the development of some fields in the IT industry, like cyber security. For example, the cybersecurity subsector is expected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2029, which will add to the demand for IT professionals in Hungary.

In addition, IT professionals are well paid for their skills, with salaries reaching €5,000 per month or €60,000 per year. The high salaries and a clear shortage of IT professionals in the market are what make IT professionals in demand in the country.

4. Doctors

Hungary is in dire need of doctors, according to a publication by Euronews. The country only has 33,000 doctors for a population of 9.7 million (3.5 doctors per 1,000 people living in Hungary).

Another publication points to 7,510 vacancies in the sector with a need for specialists. This shortage is a result of an aging workforce. The Hungarian Chamber of Medicine shows the average age of doctors to be between 60 and 71. 

In addition, the salary of doctors in Hungary is quite attractive. The base pay for a new doctor in the market starts at €5,780 per month or €69,360 per year after recent increments by the Hungarian government in 2023.

Therefore, international students can enrol in English-taught medicine courses at Hungarian universities, with the prospect of getting a well-paying job after their studies. 

5. Engineering

Recent data by Statista indicate that Hungary’s manufacturing sector has the highest number of job vacancies (18,933), indicating a lack of engineering professionals in the country.

In addition, engineers are among the best-paid professionals in the country, earning up to €4,355 per month or €52,270 per year. This presents an opportunity for international students to enrol in mechanical engineering courses and enjoy lucrative salaries upon getting a job after graduation.

Grading System in Hungary

Higher institutions in Hungary use the 5-point grading system. 5 is the top grade, indicating an excellent score, and 1 is a fail. In addition, Hungarian institutions also implement the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This ensures that student grades are standardised and can be accepted in other European institutions outside Hungary.

Here is a table showing the Hungarian grading system and its equivalent ECTS score.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Hungary

Higher education institutions in Hungary follow the Bologna process when determining the eligibility criteria for study. The Bologna process ensures quality assurance and compatibility of Hungary’s education system in the European Higher Education Area.

In line with this, international students need to submit the following documents when making an application:

• A high school diploma or equivalent secondary-level qualification translated into English where needed. Some courses may require that you take an entrance exam even when you submit your high school certificates.
• If you are taking a Master’s degree, you need to submit a photocopy of your Bachelors certificate. An entrance exam may also be necessary in some cases.
• Academic transcripts
• A motivation letter
• Proof of language proficiency
• An updated CV
• Your passport photo
• Copy of your passport 
• 2 academic letters of recommendation

It’s important to note that while these requirements are applicable in most intuitions in Hungary, some universities may have differing eligibility criteria. It is therefore important to check with your Craydel counsellor for any varying conditions and regulations.

Do you need to speak Hungarian to study in Hungary?

The simple answer is no, you don’t need to speak Hungarian to study in Hungary.

However, there are instances when knowing the Hungarian language will be beneficial to you as an international student. For example:

• Learning Hungarian will be useful if you intend to immerse yourself in the culture and get the full Hungarian experience.
• If you wish to find a part-time job, especially outside campus, learning Hungarian is recommended as it will help you interact with the locals more easily.

Are you wondering where you can learn the Hungarian language? Our partner universities, such as the University of Debrecen and Budapest Business University, offer Hungarian classes for their international students at an affordable cost. Free classes are available if you enroll under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme.

Study in Hungary Application Process

If you’re wondering how to go about the admission process into a Hungarian university, worry no more. A Craydel counsellor will take you through the following process, explaining each step as they walk with you, ensuring you meet deadlines and are admitted into your dream university.

1. Choosing a suitable programme

The Hungarian higher education system has over 700 courses to choose from. To help narrow down on a desirable course, you can use Craydel’s industry-leading Career Match Assessment tool to get specialised feedback on the perfect course for you.

2. Preparing and Submitting Documents

Your Craydel counselor plays a key role in this stage by making sure that you understand and get the required documents needed to complete the application. This is important as universities or courses may have different or extra requirements that play a key role in your admission. For example, you may be required to take an entrance exam or do an interview for some courses.

Submission of the application is mainly done online on the university’s website. You will also be required to pay an application fee which averages about $150.

3. Getting your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Tuition Fee Payment

Your LOA contains crucial information, such as the start of your programme, the conditions of your acceptance into the university, and the full tuition fee that you’re required to pay for the first year.

Paying your tuition fee secures your spot in the university. The university may also send you a visa support letter, which helps you with the next step in the application process.

4. Applying for a Hungary Study Visa

With a Letter of Acceptance and a visa support letter from the university, you’re now ready to start your visa application process. Requirements to get the Hungary student visa are as follows:

• You are required to submit the visa application at a Hungarian consulate that is near you
• You need to have a valid passport
• You should have made arrangements for your accommodation in Hungary
• You must have adequate financial resources to cover your living costs. This means you will need to show bank statements with approximately $20,000 which includes tuition fee and living costs funds.
• You must have healthcare insurance

Processing your visa depends on the consulate’s workload. It may take as little as 3 weeks or up to 8 weeks. Therefore, it’s important to make your university application soon and many months before the enrollment date.

Fortunately, Hungary has a high visa approval rate (as high as 90% in Kenya), which is why it’s becoming a favourite study destination for many international students.

5. Travelling and Enrollment

This is the last step, and congratulations are in order for successfully choosing a course and university, getting a letter of acceptance, and acquiring a study visa. You’re now a flight away from landing in Hungary.

In this last step, there are a few things left to do, like buying your plane ticket. Some universities often provide airport pickups. It’s therefore important to check with the university to ensure you’re getting full support to settle in your new home.

Important Timelines for Study in Hungary

A big part of planning to study in Hungary is staying current with key deadlines that are crucial to your academic journey in the country. Your Craydel counsellor will often provide this information.

Here are the important timelines for study in Hungary.

Popular Intakes for Study in Hungary

The popular intakes in Hungary are as follows:

• September intake
• February intake

When Should You Apply?

For a smooth application process, you should complete your university application within the following timelines.

• September Intake – Applications for this semester start in February
• February Intake – Applications for this semester start in November

Course Duration for Study in Hungary

You can expect to complete your programme in a Hungarian higher institution within the following timelines:

• Bachelor (6 – 8 semesters): 3 – 4 years
• Master’s (2 – 4 semesters): 1 – 2 years
• Doctoral (4+4 semesters): 2+2 years

Cost of Living and Studying in Hungary

Tuition costs are relatively low in Hungary compared to other countries in Western Europe. Fees range from as low as €5,500 to €17,000 or more for courses like Medicine. It’s important to note that most institutions will require that you pay the first-year tuition fee before enrollment.

In addition, the living costs in Hungary are very affordable. For example, international students in Budapest spend about €500 to €700 monthly on living expenses. In Debrecen, living costs can start as low as €300 per month.

Student Life In Hungary

Settling in a new country may be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to expect. To help you get better acquainted with Hungary, here is what to expect in the different areas of your student life.

Academic Life

The academic calendar is divided into two semesters of about 14-15 weeks each. There are breaks in between the semesters. For example, for the September semester, there is a holiday break at the end of October and at the end of December. For the February semester, there is a break during Easter week.

If you want to know more about your institution, your university’s handbooks and brochures are usually a great place to start. Another great tip is to utilise the orientation week, usually organised by your university’s international students office. It serves as a helpful guide to know your way around the campus.

Hungarian Cuisine

Traditional Hungarian food is unique yet familiar, using recognisable ingredients such as meats, vegetables, cheese, spices, fruits, bread, and dairy products. Foods that you’ll love when living in Hungary include the famous gulyás soup, fisherman’s soup called halászlé, lángos, and the Hungarian Dobos cake.

Moving and Travel

Moving around Hungary’s cities is a breeze with a network of public transport systems, including buses, trams, trains, bikes, taxis, and even boat services in Budapest. In addition, students who have valid student cards can travel at reduced rates with their transport passes.

An interesting aspect of student travel in Hungary is that your student visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, provided your residence permit card is still valid.

Climate and Weather

Hungary experiences a temperate climate with 4 different seasons: summer, spring, autumn, and winter. Summers are warm, with temperatures of up to 26°C. Winter is cold, and you should prepare adequate warm clothing for this season, as temperatures can drop to -4°C.

However, in Hungary, you don’t have to worry about a severely harsh climate, as the country’s geographical location, consisting of the Alps, mountain ranges, and Carpathians, protects it from extreme weather.

Best Cities to Study and Live in Hungary

Although Hungary is a landlocked country without coastal cities, its urban centres are vibrant and appealing to students. In fact, the cities in Hungary are friendly and enjoyable places for foreigners to live. Here are two of the best cities in Hungary to study and live in.

Debrecen

Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city, with a population of 220,000. Here are some reasons why international students find it appealing to study there.

a) Study in a top-ranked institution

Debrecen is home to the University of Debrecen. According to QS rankings, it’s the 3rd best institution of higher learning in the country and ranks 574 worldwide. It particularly ranks well in International Research Work and International Student Ratios. 

Consequently, the university is dedicated to receiving international students from all over the world and offers a selection of English-taught courses. 

b) Job opportunities after study

A characteristic of a great student city is employability during and after study. Debrecen is a hotspot for the manufacturing, IT, and logistics industries. Students get employed in companies like BMW, Deufol, Krones, and Vitesco Technologies.

c) Plenty of fun festivals

If you want to harmonise your academic life with some exciting out-of-class activities, attending festivals is a fantastic way to achieve that balance. Luckily, Debrecen has plenty of festivals. For example, the Flower Carnival is a week-long event that takes place in August to celebrate nature and floral designs.

Other popular events include the Campus Festival in July, the Debreczeni Zamat Street & Classic Food Festival, the Debrecziner Gourmet Festival, the Debrecen Spring Festival & Art Exhibition and the Debrecen Autumn Festival.

d) Provides a more laid-back environment

If you’re a student who prefers the tranquillity of your study and living area, Debrecen may appeal to you. It has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the more metropolitan Budapest.

e) Has affordable housing

Compared to the capital, Budapest, Debrecen has more affordable housing. For example, monthly living costs in a dormitory is 36,000 Ft (€88) in Budapest and 18,000 Ft (€44) in Debrecen. A shared flat in Budapest is 140,000 Ft (€340) per month, while the same flat in Debrecen is 80,000 Ft (€195).

Private flats are the priciest accommodation and can cost 225,000 Ft (€547) in Budapest and 165,000 Ft (€401) in Debrecen.

According to Expatistan, the cost of living in Debrecen is generally cheaper (by 24%) than in Budapest.

Budapest

Budapest is the largest city in Hungary. It has a population of around 1.7 million people. Fun fact: The city has a river flowing through it (Danube River). In fact, the river splits the city into two halves, Buda and Pest regions, which merge to make up Hungary’s capital.

Apart from the appeal of living and studying in the capital, here are other reasons attracting international students to Budapest. 

a) Plenty of high-ranking universities in the capital

Budapest is truly a student city, as portrayed by the vast number of universities in the area. International students have access to universities like Budapest Business School and the Hungarian University of Sports Sciences (HUSS), which you can apply to through Craydel.

Other notable universities include Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, and MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which rank among the top 10 universities in Hungary.

b) The city has a rich history and cultural heritage

Budapest has such a rich cultural heritage that it is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Other sites and areas that make it a UNESCO site include the Banks of the Danube River, Andrássy Avenue, and Buda Castle Quarter, which have monuments and architecture from the Roman Empire.

c) Never get bored outside the classroom

Wondering what to do with your free time away from class? Head on over to the Hungarian National Museum or the Hungarian National Gallery and observe European art. If you fancy live music, then you’ll like attending the Sziget Music Festival held every August in Óbudai-sziget, in the Northern part of Budapest.

d) Budapest is safe for international students

Several publications often cite Budapest as being the safest city in the European Union. For example, Plant Cruise ranks Budapest as the 2nd safest in Europe after Prague and 7th safest city in the world.

e) Presence of thermal baths

Budapest is commonly referred to as the city of baths or the Spa capital of the world due to the presence of thermal baths throughout the city. In fact, some of them, like the Lukacs Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool, are free if you have a Budapest city pass card. When in the capital, take advantage of the thermal baths to get the full Budapest experience.

Top Jobs in Hungary for International Students

For most international students, getting a part-time job is a great way to supplement their living costs or simply to pass time during their free time. For whichever reason you wish to get a job, here are key points to remember to ensure you get the top jobs in Hungary for international students:

• International students who hold residence permits for full-time study at a Hungarian institution of higher learning are allowed to work during their studies.
• Students are allowed to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week during school sessions and 40 hours per week during school breaks for not more than 90 days or 60 working days.
• The current minimum wage in Hungary is 266,800 Ft (€650) per month for unskilled workers. Skilled workers get 326,000 Ft (€793) per month. It’s expected to rise by 9% in 2025, 13% in 2026 and 14% in 2027.
• Student job agencies like MÜISZ and Piktalent are great ways to kick-start your job search in Hungary. You can even get English-speaking jobs from platforms like Schönherz.
• You can also utilise career offices located in your institution of higher learning to find jobs or get career guidance from professionals.

Here are jobs that you can get as an international student in Hungary

On-Campus Jobs in Hungary

These jobs are located on the university premises. They include:

• Library assistant
• Event support
• Administrative assistant
• Cafeteria staff
• Student guide
• Technical support

Off-Campus Jobs in Hungary

These are jobs located outside the premises of the university. They include:

• English-speaking customer service representative
• Administrative support
• Cashier
• Delivery rider
• Store assistant
• Web and mobile developers
• Call centre customer service representatives
• Digital marketing specialists

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Hungary

International students often wonder whether they can remain in Hungary after graduation. The simple answer is yes, they can. So, what exactly is required of you to stay back in Hungary, and do you require a special permit?

Under Hungary immigration laws, you can get a study-to-work residence permit provided you have a degree from a Hungarian University. It involves changing your student visa to a study work residence permit. Requirements to make the application include:

• You must make the application 15 days before the expiry of your student residence permit
• You should start looking for a job or prepare to start a business within 9 months.
• You must have accommodation
• You must have an up to date health insurance
• You must not have a criminal record and must not be a threat to Hungary’s national security
• You must have an air ticket to leave Hungary in case the permit is denied.

After you get a job or establish a business, you should proceed to convert your interim permit to a full residence permit (Temporary residence card) at the National Directorate General of Immigration Police. This is based on gainful activity, which is defined as getting a job or starting a business in Hungary.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Hungary

Getting Permanent Residency in Hungary after study is possible. However, it’s not direct, as you will need to go through a process.

It begins with getting a study-to-work residence permit and then getting a job (gainful activity). Afterwards, you can change your permit to a temporary residence permit, which then leads to permanent residency (National Residence Card).

Requirements to get Permanent Residency for third-country nationals are as follows:

• You must have had a temporary residence card for 3 consecutive years before making the application
• You must have a stable source of income and have a residence in Hungary
• You must have health insurance
• You must not be a threat to public security
• You must pay a 25,000 Ft administrative fee equivalent to €60

The national residence card is processed in 70 days and is delivered by post to the address indicated on the application form. The permit has a validity of 10 years and can be extended for another 10.

With a National residence card, you have rights such as the right to vote, the right to employment on the same terms as an EEA national, and the possibility of getting bank loans.

Conclusion

Are you ready to study in a higher education system that meets European standards and is recognised worldwide? If yes, then get started on your dream of studying in Hungary with Craydel.

Here at Craydel, we’ll start on your application, visa, and travel arrangements so you can start experiencing the benefits of studying in a European country, such as getting a quality education at an affordable price, living in student-friendly cities, and experiencing the allure of a multicultural society.

All these benefits and more await you when Craydel works and walks with you on your dream of Studying in Hungary.