- Population: 10,000,000
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- University Students: approximately 283,500
- International Students: 28,000
- English-taught Programs: 526
Bordered by central European countries like Austria, Slovakia, Serbia and Romania, Hungary is a highly developed country, a member of the European Union and a member of NATO.
In 1989, Hungary’s government adopted principles and laws governing traditional democratic parliamentary republics. This is a young but exciting country to study in as an international student.
Universities in Hungary
Most Hungarian universities offer higher education programs free to Hungarian students. Before enrolling in a Hungarian university, students must pass the “Matura”, a Latin term referring to a secondary school exit exam.
Hungary is also home to some of the oldest universities in the world, such as the University of Pecs (1367 A.D.) and the Obuda University (1395 A.D.)
- University of Debrecen
- University of Dunaújváros
- Eszterházy Károly University
- University of Miskolc
- University of West Hungary
- John von Neumann University
- Széchenyi István University
- Szent István University
- University of Szeged
Business Schools in Hungary
There are also a number of established business schools in Hungary, including:
- Budapest Business School
- International Business School (Budapest)
- Wekerle Business School
- University of Dunaújváros
- Budapest Metropolitan University
- Corvinus School of Management/Corvinus University of Budapest
- CEU Business School
- Central European University Department of Economics and Business
Study in English in Hungary
Universities in Hungary are popular among foreign students because they provide a superior education at lower than average tuition fees.
To meet the demand of thousands of international students enrolling in Hungarian universities, the government is rapidly adding business and other degree programs in English.
High-ranking universities that currently have courses taught in English include the Central European University (founded by George Soros) and the International School of Business.
The International School of Business in Hungary provides English language Master’s and Bachelor’s programs in finance and management. The ISB also allows students with any kind of Bachelor degree to enroll in their Human Resource Management or International Management programs if they are considering a career change.
Tuition Fees in Hungary
Every year, Hungary’s Education Department selects a number of people they refer to as “state-funded students” who don’t have to pay tuition or registration fees. European Union students residing in countries having agreements with Hungary regarding educational requirements may qualify for being appointed a state-funded student.
Students not living in Hungary or an EU country will pay an average of $1,200 (USD) or 1,000 Euros for each academic year they spend at a Hungarian university. In addition to tuition, non-EU students will pay registration fees between $50 to $1,000 USD or 50 to 900 Euros.
Tuition and registration fees are subject to change. Prospective students seeking to earn a business degree in Hungary should always contact the university of their choice to find out the exact cost of their tuition, registration and other applicable expenses.
Scholarships in Hungary
There are several scholarship opportunities for students interested in studying in Hungary.
Bilateral State Scholarships: these scholarships are based on educational and scientific cooperation agreements between Hungary and another country’s government. To learn more about this scholarship, contact the Tempus Public Foundation operated by the Hungarian Ministry of National Resources.
Stipendium Hungaricum: Last year over 4,000 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships were awarded to international students. The goal of this scholarship program is to attract international students while encouraging Hungarian universities to reach out to top international students wishing to earn their degree in Hungary.
Cost of Living in Hungary
The cost of living in Hungary is below that of most countries in the European Union and the United States. Students living in Budapest while enrolled at a Hungarian university may find their expenses higher than living in a smaller city.
Students electing to live in dormitories will find accommodation costs much cheaper than if they rented an apartment. Students who work while going to school in Hungary can take advantage of Hungary’s highly subsidized health care system.
For unemployed students, universities offer different types of medical insurance to help pay for health care expenses while they are studying in Hungary.
Students may also consider buying private healthcare in Hungary since it is much more affordable than private healthcare offered in western countries.
Internships and Company Placements in Italy
Student organizations help students achieve placements in Hungary. For example, the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience finds students summer replacements for engineering and science positions.
The International Association for Students in Economic and Commercial Science facilitates information exchange among recent graduates and students globally. The Leonardo Da Vinci program assists students in business placements and vocational training.
Business entities, student organizations and Hungarian universities organize placements for university students in Hungary. They plan internship programs and work to develop agreements with host companies.
Working in Hungary
Non-EU students will need to apply for a work visa and permit before they can legally accept employment in Hungary. Most of the paperwork involved in getting a work visa is handled by employers.
Essential documents include health certifications, proof of qualifications and citizenship status.
Applying for a Student Visa to Study in Hungary
Students living outside the EU will need to obtain a residence visa if they plan to study in Hungary. Information requested to get a residence visa includes type of education program, host organization, scholarship details and how you plan to support yourself while attending school. Further details on applying for a student visa to study in Hungary can be found on the official website bmbah.hu.