International students in Hungary: What you need to know

There are many international students in Hungary.

Often referred to as The Crossroads of Europe, Hungary is a central, cosmopolitan destination with some serious appeal. With its great educational establishments, there is an ever-increasing amount of international students in Hungary. If you are looking at furthering your studies in this central-European destination, read on to learn more about the basics that you need to understand.

What you need to know about international students in Hungary

For EU residents

EU residents can extend their original 90-day stay in Hungary if they enrol at educational institutions within Hungary that offer accredited programs. To do this, you need to register at the regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality before your 90-day pass expires.

To register to study in Hungary, you will have to submit admission papers verifying your student status. After this is done, you will receive a registration certificate, which together with your travel document, can be used to stay in Hungary for the duration of your studies.

For non-EU residents

Non-EU residents that wish to become international students in Hungary have to apply for the Residence Permit for Study.  You will have to submit proof of enrollment at a Hungarian university as well as your travel documents to apply for this permit.

If your studies in Hungary are part of a cooperation program, you may work 24 hours per week during your term-time. Outside of term-time, you are permitted to work for up to 66 hours per week.

Information on Hungary’s universities

Hungary’s higher education system as a rich history that dates back to 1367. The country’s first university was established in Pécs, which is still a Hungarian university today. Ranging from research universities to universities of applied science, there are 65 higher education institutions in Hungary, some of which are private and some of which are public. The university towns of Hungary are Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs, and Gvör.

Hungarian universities operate on the Bologna model which has a three0cycle structure: BA/BSc, MA/MSc, and PhD/DLA. All degrees obtained at Hungarian universities are of internationally recognized quality.

With the focus to increase international mobility and academic networks, most educational institutions in Hungary now offer joint degree programs and projects. The Hungarian government also aims to accommodate 40,000 international students by 2021.

Costs for international students in Hungary

Depending on your program, university, and study level, the costs of studying in Hungary vary. The costs might also vary depending on your nationality. It is safe to assume that studies within the Medicine fields (including Dentistry and Pharmaceutical studies) are the most expensive. Medical degrees can cost up to €8,500 per semester. On the other hand, degrees in fields like International Relations are much less costly and cost around €1,500 per semester in general. Obtaining a degree in more general fields such as Engineering and Computer Sciences can cost up to €3,300 per semester.

It would be wise to remember that international students in Hungary don’t stop paying once the tuition fees are settled. There are various other fees like application fees, exam fees and registration fees (typically €150 each) that also need to be settled.

What about scholarships?

Hungary’s robust scholarship program is called the “Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program”. The program was launched in 2013 and has accommodated thousands of international students every year. In 2018, there were 5,000 scholarships available, a number which is set to increase year on year.

Need more help?

As a team of dedicated immigration lawyers, we can assist international students in Hungary with applying for and obtaining all their legal documents to live and study in Hungary. Be sure to get in touch with us today to learn more about our range of services and pricing options.