Guide: How to study in Hungary in English
Photo by Dominika Gregušová
Hungarian is known for being one of Europe’s more complex languages, particularly for students who have never encountered it before. However, if you’re planning to study in Hungary and don’t speak Hungarian yet, there’s no need to worry. Universities across the country offer a wide selection of programmes taught fully in English.
From Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to Doctoral studies, Hungarian higher education institutions provide hundreds of English-taught programmes. This means international students can obtain a recognised European university degree without needing Hungarian language skills at the application stage.
In this guide, you’ll find an overview of what to expect when applying to universities in Hungary, including common admission requirements, English language test expectations (such as IELTS or TOEFL), and other practical details international students should be aware of.
Study in Hungary: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
Yes! As long as you apply for a programme that is delivered entirely in English, you can study in Hungary without speaking Hungarian. English-taught degrees are widely available, particularly at the postgraduate level, and most of them do not require any prior knowledge of Hungarian.
In addition to full degrees, universities in Hungary offer many other options in English, such as exchange courses, foundation and preparatory programmes, MBAs, summer schools, and introductory Hungarian language courses designed for international students.
While Hungarian is not required for your studies, learning some basic phrases can make life outside the classroom easier. Simple language skills can be useful when dealing with housing, part-time work, or everyday interactions; especially outside major student cities like Budapest.
Hungarian universities offer a large and diverse range of English-taught programmes in fields such as technology, business, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts. Below are some of the most popular fields of study for international students:
Hungary is home to several well-regarded universities that are popular with international students, many of which offer a wide range of programmes taught entirely in English. Hungarian universities regularly appear in global rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education, reflecting solid teaching standards and growing international recognition.
Among the best-known public universities are the University of Szeged and the University of Pécs. Both institutions have a long academic tradition and are especially popular for fields like medicine, health sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities. They are located in lively student cities with relatively affordable living costs, which makes them an attractive choice for international students.
If you’re looking for a more practical and career-focused study experience, universities outside the capital also offer great options. Széchenyi István University, based in Győr, is known for its strong links to industry, particularly in engineering, technology, and business. Many programmes focus on real-world applications and cooperation with companies, which can be a big plus when entering the job market.
Most Hungarian universities have a lot of experience welcoming international students and provide dedicated support services, including orientation programmes, student mentors, and international offices that help with visas, accommodation, and settling in.
If you’re applying for an English-taught degree in Hungary, universities will usually ask you to show that your English level is good enough to follow lectures, write assignments, and take exams in English. IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted language tests, but they’re not always required.
In many cases, Hungarian universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, such as:
It’s important to check the admission requirements of each university and programme individually, as policies can vary. Some universities may waive the English test if you meet one of the criteria above, while others may still request a language certificate or invite you to an interview to assess your English skills.
Hungarian universities generally accept the main international English tests, including TOEFL iBT (usually 72–95+ overall, with section minimums), IELTS Academic (5.5–7.0 overall), PTE Academic (around 58–68+), Cambridge exams at B2–C1 level (FCE, CAE, CPE), and increasingly the Duolingo English Test (typically 100–120+).
Exact score requirements depend on the university and programme: As an example, studying medicine in Central Europe is incredibly popular among international students due to its world-class programmes, affordable tuition (around €10,000-€18,000 per year), and EU-recognized degrees. At leading medical schools in Hungary English proficiency requirements are notably higher: Expect IELTS 6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90-100+ (with 20+ per section).
If you’re unsure which test to choose, contact the International Office or Admissions Office at your target universities. They can clarify accepted tests, minimum scores, and can also advise on waivers, scholarships, accommodation options, cost of living, and tuition fees in Hungary.
Study.eu Tip: Book your English test at least 2 to 3 months before the application deadline so you have time to get your results, retake the test if needed, and submit everything without last‑minute stress.
The table below shows the English proficiency requirements of the most popular Hungarian universities:
| University | Required IELTS score | Required TOEFL iBT score |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest Metropolitan University | Bachelors: minimum 5.5; Masters: minimum 6.0 | total of 69-79 |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) | minimum score 6.0 | minimum total of 80 |
| Corvinus University of Budapest | minimum score 6.0 | total of 72-87 |
| Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) | 6.0-6.5 overall | total of 80-95 |
| MOME Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design | 5.5-6.0 overall | total of 72-80 |
| Semmelweis University | minimum score 6.5 | total of 80-90 |
| Széchenyi István University | minimum score 5.5 | Bachelors: minimum 66; Masters: minimum 72 |
| University of Debrecen | 5.5-6.0 overall | total of 72-80 |
| University of Szeged | minimum score 6.0 | total of 72-80 |
| University of Pécs | 5.5-6.0 overall | total of 72-80 |
Admission to English-taught degrees depend on whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Hungary or for a Master's degree in Hungary.
For a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll usually need a recognised secondary school qualification that allows you to enter higher education in your home country. For a Master’s degree, universities typically require a relevant Bachelor’s degree, often equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits.
Along with your diploma, most universities will ask for academic transcripts, a copy of your passport, and sometimes supporting materials like a motivation letter, CV, or letters of recommendation. Some programmes (especially in fields like medicine, engineering, or business) may include entrance exams or interviews as part of the selection process.
If you’re applying from outside the EU/EEA, you will need to attach additional documents, such as officially verified or recognised educational documents, proof that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your studies, and a valid health insurance.
Applications are usually submitted directly through the university’s own online application system. Since application deadlines in Hungary vary by institution and programme, it’s important to check the dates carefully. Many degrees have only one or two intakes per year, and late applications are rarely accepted, so planning ahead and preparing your documents early can make the process much smoother.
Ready to find your programme in Hungary? You can find Bachelors, Masters or PhDs with our search function.
355 Programmes in Hungary
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