About Hungary
Hungary has quietly become one of Europe's better value study destinations, hosting 49,458 international students in the 2025/2026 academic year across more than 60 accredited institutions. Its medical, dental and veterinary schools have taught in English for decades and draw students from across the world, while its engineering and business faculties are increasingly delivered in English too. As a European Union and Schengen member, a Hungarian degree is recognised throughout Europe, and tuition runs well below Western European levels. The government also funds the Stipendium Hungaricum programme, which awards around 5,000 scholarships to international students each year, covering tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend. Graduates may stay on for up to nine months to look for work.
Institutions
60+
Tuition fees
EUR 1,200 to EUR 5,000 a year, EUR 12,000 to EUR 16,000 for medicine and dentistry
International students
49,458+
Work rights
The Hungary advantage
Tuition at Hungarian institutions typically runs between EUR 1,200 and EUR 5,000 a year, against many times that in Western Europe, and living costs are lower again. The degree is still a European Union qualification, recognised across the bloc.
Hungarian medical and dental schools have taught in English for decades and are a well trodden route for international students. Medicine and dentistry cost more, around EUR 12,000 to EUR 16,000 a year, but remain far below the equivalent in the United Kingdom, Australia or the United States.
The Stipendium Hungaricum programme, funded by the Hungarian government, awards roughly 5,000 scholarships to international students annually. Awards cover tuition in full, provide dormitory accommodation or a housing contribution, a monthly stipend and medical insurance.
Academic specialties
The journey ahead
Confirm the degree is taught in English and that your qualifications meet the entry requirements. Most institutions ask for IELTS or an equivalent, and medical programmes usually add an entrance examination in biology and chemistry.
You can apply directly to the institution, or through the Stipendium Hungaricum programme if your country has an agreement with Hungary. The scholarship route has its own deadlines, normally in January, and applications go through your home country's sending authority.
Pay any deposit and gather proof of funds. Since 2025 non European Union applicants have been asked to show roughly EUR 1,200 a month for living costs, a significant increase on the previous requirement, so budget for this early.
Apply for the national Type D visa at the Hungarian mission in your country, allowing 30 to 60 days for processing. After arriving you must obtain your student residence permit within 30 days. It is issued for one year and renewed annually for the length of your course.
Common questions
Yes. Hungary has offered English taught degrees for decades, particularly in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, and increasingly in engineering, information technology and business. You do not need Hungarian to study, though learning some makes daily life easier.
Most programmes run between EUR 1,200 and EUR 5,000 a year. Medicine and dentistry are the exception at roughly EUR 12,000 to EUR 16,000 a year. Living costs add about EUR 500 to EUR 800 a month depending on the city, with Budapest at the higher end.
Yes. A student residence permit allows up to 30 hours of work a week during term time, and full time work for up to 90 days a year outside term. Part time work will help with living costs but should not be relied on to cover tuition.
The main one is Stipendium Hungaricum, a Hungarian government programme awarding around 5,000 scholarships a year. It covers tuition in full, accommodation or a housing contribution, a monthly stipend and medical insurance. Individual universities also offer their own partial awards.
Yes. Graduates of Hungarian institutions can apply for a study to work residence permit and stay for up to nine months to find employment. You must apply no later than 15 days before your student residence permit expires, so plan it before you finish.
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