Application deadlines at universities in Hungary

If you are planning to study in Hungary in 2026, getting familiar with university application deadlines should be at the top of your to-do list. Hungarian universities follow specific admission calendars that can vary depending on the institution, the degree level, and whether you are applying through a scholarship programme or as a self-funded student.

Unlike countries where deadlines are highly standardized, Hungary offers several admission rounds and different timelines for international applicants. This makes it especially important to know when each application window opens and closes, and which deadlines apply to your situation.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear overview of application deadlines at Hungarian universities, how they differ by intake and applicant type, and what you need to consider to avoid delays.

Study in Hungary: Find Bachelors & Masters now

📝 Hungary’s University Application System:

Hungary follows a two-semester system with a main September (fall) intake and a smaller February (spring) intake. Exact deadlines vary by university, programme, and whether you are an EU/EEA or non‑EU applicant. Most degree programmes offer September start dates; February intakes exist but cover fewer programmes and are more common at institutions that actively target international students.

Hungary’s higher education system includes two broad types of institutions:

• Public universities, with structured admission rounds and fixed annual deadlines.
• Private universities and colleges, which may offer more flexible or rolling admissions.

Most students submit applications directly through the university’s own online portal or via dedicated application platforms used by that institution, such as DreamApply. While portals help you compare programmes, they do not process applications or issue admission decisions. These are handled only by the universities. 

⏰ General Application Deadlines at Austrian Universities:

Hungary does not use one unified deadline for all universities, but there are clear patterns most institutions follow, especially for English‑taught programmes.

 

Public universities

• Fall / September intake (main intake):
  • Non‑EU/EEA students: Application periods are typically from January to 31 May, with many universities setting main deadlines between February and April so there is enough time for entrance exams and visa procedures.
  • EU/EEA students: Deadlines are often later, usually between May to 30 June. Some programmes may accept applications during summer if places remain.
• Spring / February intake (secondary intake):
  • • Non‑EU/EEA students: Many universities that offer a February start accept applications roughly between September and November of the previous year, with common cut‑offs in October or November to allow time for visas. 
    • EU/EEA students: Deadlines may extend into November or even early December for programmes that keep places open longer.
• Examples: University of Szeged, University of Pécs, Széchenyi István University.

 

Private universities

Private and international colleges in Hungary tend to be more flexible and may work with later deadlines or rolling admission until all spots are filled.  

• Fall semester: Non‑EU applicants often have deadlines in June and July, while EU applicants may apply into late summer if visa rules do not apply. 
• Spring semester: Non‑EU deadlines usually fall in November and December, with some flexibility for EU students. 
• Examples: Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), Corvinus University of Budapest.

 

If anything feels unclear or confusing, don’t hesitate to email the university’s admissions team. Helping applicants is part of their job and it’s completely free! They can clarify admission requirements, deadlines, tuition fees, and next steps so you don’t make avoidable mistakes. 

⌛ Special Deadlines and Scholarships:

On top of general university deadlines, some programmes and scholarships have their own, earlier timelines. 

• National scholarships such as Stipendium Hungaricum work with a fixed mid‑January deadline for studies beginning the following academic year, which is earlier than many regular university deadlines. 
• Competitive programmes in fields like Medicine, Engineering, or Business at top universities may expect applications in the early part of the window (often between February and April for fall entry) and can include entrance exams or interviews around May and June. 
• Art, design, and architecture programmes: Creative fields at places like MOME or Budapest Metropolitan University demand portfolio submissions and aptitude tests, with deadlines typically between January and March for the fall intake. 

Because of these layered timelines, it is very helpful to check both the programme page and any scholarship or funding pages separately for up‑to‑date dates and additional requirements. 

Study.eu Tip: Studying in this country is generally more affordable than in many other parts of Europe, but it’s still important to take some time to review the tuition fees in Hungary so you know what to expect. If you are worried about the financial cost, consider student cities such as Pécs or Szeged, as prices tend to be lower than in Budapest and other major metropolitan areas.

🏛️ Are there application fees at Hungarian universities?

Yes, most Hungarian universities charge an application or registration fee for international degree applicants, particularly in English‑taught programmes. This fee is usually paid when you submit your online application and is non‑refundable, even if you are not admitted or decide not to enrol. 

Typical amounts can range from 100€ to 300€ per application, depending on the institution. This fee covers document checks, entrance exam arrangements (if any), and administrative processing; tuition payments are made only after admission and enrolment. 

Private universities and international colleges in Hungary are more likely to charge higher application or registration fees and may also require an enrolment or seat‑reservation deposit after admission. Always check the “Admission” or “Fees” section of each university’s official website so you can budget realistically and avoid surprises. 

💭 What Happens If You Miss the Deadline? 

If you miss an official application deadline to study your Bachelor’s degree in Hungary or a Master’s degree in Hungary, you will usually not be able to start your studies in that intake and will have to wait for the next one. Public universities and most applied sciences institutions treat their dates strictly, especially for non‑EU/EEA students who need a visa, which often takes several weeks or months.

Some private universities and international colleges with rolling admission may still consider late applications if places are available, so it can be worth contacting them directly to ask about remaining spots or waiting lists. However, even in these cases, non‑EU students should still aim to apply early to stay ahead of visa and relocation timelines. 

To stay on track, it’s a good idea to create a personal deadline list for each university, set calendar reminders several weeks in advance, and prepare your documents early. This way, you will also be able to look into funding options, get advice from students who have already gone through the process, improve your English results, and increases your chances of starting your degree in Hungary on time.

 

355 Programmes in Hungary