Applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Hungary (2026)
Parliament in Budapest by Kamil Porembiński, CC BY-SA 2.0, modified
 |
|
|---|---|
| 12 | universities offer Bachelors in Hungary in English |
| 127 | Bachelors are available |
Consider doing a Bachelor’s in Hungary: This country is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most popular study destinations thanks to its mix of affordable tuition, good-quality universities, and plenty of English-taught programmes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need for your applications, from deadlines to costs, scholarships, and accommodation; so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
The official Study.eu database lists more than 100 Bachelors in Hungary that are taught completely in English. Find yours today!
Your study-abroad journey begins with finding the right Bachelor’s degree on Study.eu.
Tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees at public universities in Hungary range between €2,500 to €5,000 per year for international students. However, more specialised programmes such as Medicine and Dentistry are significantly more expensive, often falling between €12,000 and €16,000 per year.
Fees can also vary depending on whether you are an EU or non-EU student, as non-EU applicants may pay between 20% and 50% more. That said, there’s no fixed rule, so always check each university as some charge the same fees regardless of nationality.
Private universities and highly specialised fields tend to be at the higher end of the scale, with annual tuition fees often reaching €10,000 or more.
In addition to tuition, many universities also charge a non-refundable application fee of around €150 to €200 to process your application.
While Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), many universities list tuition fees in euros or US dollars, which makes it easier for international students to compare costs. Fees are also commonly shown per semester, so don’t forget to double the amount to calculate the full annual cost.
Overall, tuition fees in Hungary remain relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Combined with the low cost of living, it’s a strong option for students seeking quality education on a budget.
Luckily, Hungary offers a wide range of scholarship opportuinities for international students that help reduce or fully cover study costs.
The most well-known option is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a government-funded programme that covers tuition fees and often also includes a monthly living stipend, accommodation support, and health insurance. This makes it one of the most attractive fully funded study options in Europe for undergraduate students.
In addition to government scholarships, some Hungarian universities also offer their own merit-based or faculty-specific scholarships, which may provide partial tuition discounts or financial support based on academic performance.
One of the great advantages is that most scholarships are available for both EU and non-EU students. However, competition is usually strong, so it’s important to apply early and check the specific requirements of each programme.
When applying for a Bachelor’s programme to study in Hungary, there are several standard documents and requirements you’ll need to prepare. These include:
In addition, there may be programme-specific requirements for additional documents.
The application process requires the same core documents as most European universities. Depending on your country and the university, you may also need certified copies of your documents, and in some cases official translations or apostilles.
Most universities have their own application system, so you apply to them directly. If you apply to more than one, you may notice that their platforms look similar; that’s because many work with the same system called DreamApply.
The autumn semester starts in September. Universities set their own application timeframes. In most cases, their application platforms open some time between November (the preceding year) and February, with application deadlines in Hungary between April and June. Check university websites for reliable dates, and if in doubt, ask them.
Note that deadlines may be different based on nationality:
The spring semester starts in February, but it’s much less relevant for Bachelor applicants, with very few study options available.
Many English-taught Bachelor’s in Hungary require applicants to complete an entrance exam or interview as part of the admissions process. This is especially common for competitive fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, and Business.
Depending on the programme, entrance exams may include written tests in subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics, or English, while interviews are often used to evaluate your motivation, communication skills, and overall suitability for the course.
Universities that require an entrance exam usually charge an additional €250 to €350 on top of the application fee. These assessments are typically held in the spring and early summer (March to July) for programmes starting in September.
Many universities run them on a rolling basis, meaning you may be invited shortly after your application is reviewed. In many cases, these are conducted online, making it easier for international students to take part from their home country.
Once you have accepted your offer, it is time to arrange accommodation. Finding accommodation in Hungary is generally quite straightforward since most universities provide guidance on where to look.
If you are a non-EU student and need a visa, this step is extra important as you will also have to show proof of housing as part of your visa application.
The most popular and affordable option is university dorms, which offer a strong student community and low monthly costs, while shared flats are the most common choice for those who want more independence.
Private flats and shared apartments are also common options, but arranging housing from abroad can be difficult and availability can be competitive (especially in Budapest), so be careful with scams!
In Budapest, monthly accommodation typically ranges from around €200 to €300 for a dorm, €250 to €500 for a room in a shared apartment, and higher for private studios. Smaller university cities like Pécs, Szeged, and Győr are usually cheaper, making them good options for budget-conscious students.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you do not need a visa to study in Hungary. However, if you stay longer than 90 days (which is normal for Bachelor’s degrees), you must register your address in Hungary and apply for a registration certificate no later than 93 days after entering the country.
Students from outside the EU/EEA must apply for a long-stay student visa before arriving in Hungary. This is done at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country or, if there is no Hungarian representation there, at the nearest one responsible for processing applications for your region. The visa application fee is usually around €110.
To apply, you will typically need to show:
Visa processing can take several months, so it’s best to apply as early as possible to make sure everything is ready before your studies begin.
The easiest way to reach Hungary is by flying into Budapest, the country’s main international hub with the widest range of connections across Europe and beyond.
If flights are expensive or inconvenient, another good option is Vienna, as it has a larger airport with frequent international connections and it’s only a few hours away. From there, you can continue by direct train or long-distance bus to Budapest or other Hungarian major student cities.
Bachelor’s in Hungary typically last 3 years (6 semesters, 180 ECTS), with some degrees in e.g. Engineering or Agriculture lasting 3.5 to 4 years (210 to 240 ECTS).
Fees for Bachelor’s in Hungary range from €2,500 to €5,000 per year at public universities, rising to €10,000+ at private institutions and to €15,000+ for Medicine and Dentistry.
Ready to study in Hungary?
.svg "Central European University (CEU)")
