Hungary is becoming a popular study-abroad destination for international students seeking quality European education, English-taught programmes, and comparatively affordable study options. The country is particularly known for medicine, engineering, IT, business, and science.
Hungarian universities follow the European higher education framework and ECTS credit system, while scholarships such as the government-funded Stipendium Hungaricum can significantly reduce study costs.
If you’re planning to study in Hungary in 2027, here’s what you need to know.
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Why Study in Hungary?
Some key benefits include:
- Globally recognized European degrees
- Wide range of English-taught programmes
- Strong universities for medicine and engineering
- Competitive tuition fees
- Government-funded scholarship opportunities
- Central location in Europe
Top 5 Universities in Hungary
1. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Based in Budapest, ELTE is known for humanities, sciences, psychology, economics, and computer science.
Popular Courses:
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Biology
- Economics
- International Relations
Tuition Fees: Vary by programme; selected courses cost around €2,000–€4,700 per semester.
2. University of Debrecen
One of Hungary’s major universities, the University of Debrecen is particularly popular for medicine, engineering, IT, and health sciences.
Popular Courses:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business
Tuition Fees: For 2026/27, Medicine costs around US$16,900/year, while Computer Science costs around US$7,000/year.
3. University of Szeged
The University of Szeged is a leading research university with strong programmes in medicine, pharmacy, science, engineering, and business.
Popular Courses:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Business
Tuition Fees: Fees vary depending on the programme.
4. Semmelweis University
Located in Budapest, Semmelweis University is one of Hungary’s leading institutions for medicine and health sciences.
Popular Courses:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
Tuition Fees: Medicine and Dentistry cost around US$10,450 per semester for 2026 entrants.
5. Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
BME is a strong choice for engineering, technology, architecture, and mathematics.
Popular Courses:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architecture
- Finance
Tuition Fees: Vary by programme and study level.
Read More: Study in Poland: Top Universities, Fees, Courses & Benefits
Popular Courses in Hungary
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Engineering & IT
- Business & Finance
- Science
- Social Sciences
Cost of Studying in Hungary
Tuition fees depend on the university and programme. Living costs also vary by city, with Budapest generally being more expensive than cities such as Debrecen and Szeged.
Students should budget for:
- Accommodation
- Food and groceries
- Local transport
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by university and programme, but international students may generally need:
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- English language proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
- CV for selected postgraduate programmes
- Recommendation letters where required
- Entrance test or interview for certain courses
Scholarships
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of Hungary’s biggest scholarship programmes.
It can provide:
- Tuition-free education
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation contribution
- Medical insurance
The programme offers 600+ full-degree programmes across different fields and study levels.
Work Opportunities
Non-EEA students with a study residence permit can work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time for up to 90 days or 66 working days per year outside the study period.
Post-Graduation Work Options
Eligible graduates can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of seeking a job or starting a business.
- Valid for up to 9 months
- Cannot be extended
- Application must be submitted at least 15 days before the student residence permit expires
- Applications are submitted through Enter Hungary
Final Thoughts
Hungary offers a strong combination of European education, English-taught courses, scholarships, and career-focused programmes. Universities such as ELTE, the University of Debrecen, the University of Szeged, Semmelweis University, and BME provide opportunities across major fields.
If you’re planning to study in Hungary in 2027, start early, compare programme-specific tuition fees, check scholarship eligibility, and understand the admission and residence requirements before applying.
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