Top Universities in Hungary in 2024: Universities & Fees

Did you know that 11 universities from Hungary are included in the QS World University Rankings 2025 list? This indicates Hungary’s rich history in higher education and academic research. The country has a longstanding tradition of teaching foreign languages, particularly English. 

What’s more? Top universities in Hungary attract international students with their appealing blend of high-quality education offered at affordable tuition fees.

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Furthermore, the capital and largest city of the country, Budapest, is known for its aesthetic appeal and is home to some of the top-ranked universities in Hungary, such as Eötvös Loránd University, Corvinus University of Budapest, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

You’d also be delighted to know that you won’t feel alone, as in the academic year 2022-2023, the number of full-time international students in Hungary reached 34.8 thousand. The Hungarian government aims to more than double the number of foreign students at Hungarian universities by 2030, with the number potentially reaching around 65,000 by the end of 2024. 

All set to explore studying opportunities in Hungary? If so, this guide will help you find the top universities in Hungary for international students, top courses, tuition fees, different scholarships available, and so much more.

Key Highlights

In this table, you will find a snapshot of all the information you will read about the top universities in Hungary: their rankings, tuition fees, top courses that you should consider, and more. 

Why Study at the Top Universities in Hungary?

Fed up with the soul-crushing burden of student loans that would probably make a Hungarian paprika farmer weep? Then, ditch the worry and set your sights on Hungary’s top universities!

Not only is the education world-class, but the cost of living is significantly lower than in many other European countries. In fact, compared to countries like Spain, the cost of living in Hungary is 11.9% lower, with groceries being a whopping 14% cheaper!

If these aren’t reasons enough to make you pack your bags, here are some more compelling reasons. 

• The cost of living, including rent, in Hungary is 51.4% lower than in the United States and 73.4% lower than in the UK. This means as a student, you’ll enjoy significantly lower living expenses and a more affordable lifestyle in Hungary.
  
• Hungary offers exceptional education at significantly lower tuition fees compared to many other European countries. For instance, the University of Pécs offers a 6-year medical program that costs around INR 13.9 lakh (HUF 611k) annually. Hungarian university degrees are globally recognised, ensuring both prestige and value.
  
• Hungary provides substantial financial support for international students through various scholarships. For example, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, a prestigious program by the Hungarian government, fully covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend of HUF 47k (INR 10.5k).
  
• With over 298 study programs across 60 higher education institutions, ranging from small colleges to top research universities, you can find programs tailored to your interests and career aspirations.
  
• Hungary’s thriving start-up ecosystem offers numerous internships and job opportunities post-graduation. For example, Prezi, a cloud-based presentation software company was founded in 2009 and has grown to over 100 million users worldwide and has offices in Budapest, San Francisco, and Riga.
  
• Hungary ranks 14th on the Global Peace Index 2024, making it one of the world’s most peaceful countries, which means a safe and secure environment for you.

5 Top-Ranked Universities in Hungary for International Students

Did you know that Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) advanced its position by approximately 140 places from the previous year and now ranks 564th in the QS World University Rankings 2025? This places it ahead of the University of Szeged at 570th and the University of Debrecen at 574th. 

All three Hungarian universities have improved their rankings from last year and are now grouped within the 564-574 range. What’s more? ELTE is among the 3 top universities in Hungary in terms of international research collaborations.

Here is a tabulated snapshot of the best universities in Hungary for international students.

Check out the details below, which include the top courses offered, entry requirements, and the average tuition fees for international students at these 5 top universities in Hungary.

1. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)

Founded in 1635, ELTE is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in Hungary. The university provides over 60 degree programs in foreign languages across various fields, including Education and Psychology, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Social Sciences, and Science. 

What’s more? Approximately 2,400 international students are enrolled at ELTE, with the international student community expanding annually.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at ELTE, one of the top universities in Hungary.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at Eötvös Loránd University

• Must possess a university bachelor’s (BA) degree or an equivalent college degree in the fields you plan to study.
• Transcript of records
• Proof of application fee transfer
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including your previous achievements, such as scholarships received, publications, conference presentations, etc.
• Motivation letter (maximum of 500 words)
• Copy of the main pages of a valid passport
• Passport photo
• An internationally accredited language examination with at least a *B2 CEFR level or an equivalent result is required.

*Level B2 indicates an upper intermediate level of English proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

Please note: The score requirement may vary depending on the course. For instance, for admission to the Masters in Communication and Media Studies and American Studies programs, the IELTS score requirement is 6 and 7, respectively. So, ensure that you check the official pages of the top universities in Hungary where you want to pursue your studies.

2. University of Szeged (SZTE)

Did you know that more than 10,000 new students, including 1,200 international students, began their studies at the University of Szeged in 2023? SZTE offers comprehensive support to help you settle in quickly and find your place both at the university and in the city.

The University offers international study programs across 12 faculties, primarily instructed in English, with additional options available in French, German, and other foreign languages. 

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Szeged, one of the best universities in Hungary for International students. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Szeged

• Must hold a university bachelor’s (BA) degree or an equivalent college degree in the fields you plan to study.
• Copy of passport
• 2 recommendation letters from recognised academic sources.
• Recent medical certificate indicating satisfactory general health status.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of intent
• Non-refundable application fee
• An internationally accredited language examination with at least a B2 CEFR level or an equivalent result is required.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

3. University of Debrecen

Established in 1538, the University of Debrecen is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in Hungary. The University offers over 100 degree programs that are entirely taught in English across different educational levels, including Foundation Programs, Undergraduate Programs, Graduate Programs, and PhD/Doctoral Programs.

What’s more? The University has over 30,000 students, with 7,300 being international students.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Debrecen. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Debrecen

• To be eligible to apply for medical programs, you must have attained a minimum of 60% marks in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in your previous academic studies. 
• Completed online application form
• Graduates must demonstrate a certificate of education (such as a high school diploma or equivalent or university degree certificate, all in English or translated).
• Certificate or proof of citizenship and permanent residence (e.g., passport).
• Short Resume/CV detailing personal details, educational background, work experience, language skills, and additional skills.
• Bank receipt confirming payment of the non-refundable application fee of INR 12.5K (USD 150).

You should achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

Please note: The score requirement may vary depending on the course. Furthermore, an IELTS/TOEFL language certificate is not mandatory. You can demonstrate English proficiency through alternative means, such as other language certificates: GED, SAT, or ACT results. If the language of instruction in your previous degree program was English, you may upload an official certificate issued by your school/university confirming this, thereby exempting you from taking a language exam. 

4. Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)

Next on the list of top-ranked universities in Hungary is BME. It is the country’s foremost university of technology and is recognised as the world’s oldest institute of technology.

What’s more? More than 12% of BME’s enrollment comprises international students coming from over 30 countries. Additionally, numerous young students like you are studying at BME through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, designed to improve the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, one of the best universities in Hungary for international students.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics

• Must possess a university bachelor’s (BA) degree or an equivalent college degree in the fields you plan to study.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport copy 
• Transcripts of previous studies
• 2 letters of  recommendation
• Receipt confirming payment of the INR 13.5K (HUF 59,000) application fee.
• An internationally accredited language examination with at least a B2 CEFR level or an equivalent result is required.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

5. University of Pecs

Established in 1367, the University of Pécs is Hungary’s oldest institution. The university offers over 100 programs in English and German across diverse fields like medicine, natural sciences, engineering, art, political science, and law. 

Known for its secure environment, excellent teaching quality, affordable tuition fees, and low living costs, the University of Pécs is highly favoured by international students. 

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Pecs.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Pecs

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised university.
• Completed application form with a passport-size photograph
• CV

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

Please note: Having a language certificate is not mandatory for all study programs at the University of Pecs. Alternatively, the university can conduct a Skype interview during your application process to evaluate your English communication skills.

Now that you are familiar with the top universities in Hungary, read on to know about when and how to apply. 

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Intakes at the Top Universities in Hungary in 2024

Did you know that Hungarian higher education has been representing a tradition of academic excellence for over 650 years? 

Additionally, Hungarian higher education programs are structured into three levels: bachelor’s (6-8 semesters), master’s (2-4 semesters), and doctoral (4+4 semesters). This system is commonly known as the three-cycle system, following the European Bologna system.

Top universities in Hungary follow a bi-annual intake system: Autumn (September) and Spring (February). You can choose either of these intake periods. 

Here are the intake details you must know to study at the best university in Hungary. 

Popular Courses at Best Universities in Hungary for International Students

Did you know that a total of 3 universities in Hungary rank among the top 500 in the QS World Rankings in 2025? What does this mean for you? It means that studying the top courses from the best universities in Hungary for international students will make you a popular choice among top recruiters after you secure a degree.

In fact, Hungarian universities are part of the European Bologna scheme (a framework ensuring comparable standards and quality of higher-education qualifications across Europe) and are widely recognised across Europe and many countries of the world. 

This means your degree from a Hungarian university will be internationally respected, making it easier for you to pursue further education or employment across Europe and beyond.

Ready to find out the best courses you should invest in now? Have a look at this table. 

1. Data Science from Eötvös Loránd University

For admission to this programme, you must hold a BSc degree in Computer Science or should have completed a Bachelor’s program related to Computer Science with at least *60 ECTS credits in informatics and mathematical subjects.

*The Hungarian academic credit system, as per Hungarian law, adheres to the ECTS-compatible system. Credits are calculated based on the number of student working hours, with 1 credit representing an average of 30 student working hours.

Here are the jobs you can get after completing this course from one of the best universities in Hungary for international students. 

2. Computer Science from the University of Szeged

This course is ideal for you if you are interested in broad topics of computer science and applied mathematics and have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. The goal is to educate computer scientists with strong theoretical foundations, enabling long-term knowledge development. 

These are the jobs you can get after completing this course from top-ranked universities in Hungary. 

3. Archaeology from the University of Pecs

To apply for this programme at the University of Pecs, you need to provide a certified copy of your BA Degree in Archaeology, translated into English if the original documents are not in English. You must also include a transcript detailing the courses you have completed (title and credits).

These are the jobs you can get after completing this course from the top-ranked universities in hungary. 

4. Transport Engineering from Budapest University of Technology and Economics

The course aims to train graduates who can analyse, plan, organise, and oversee integrated transport processes, taking into account economic, safety, environmental, and human resource aspects. Specialisations of the transport engineering programs include Transportation Systems and Transportation Engineering Management.

These are the jobs you can get after completing this course from the top universities in Hungary for Indian students. 

5. American Studies from the University of Pecs

To be eligible for this course, you must provide a certified and translated (if the originals are not in English) copy of your BA diploma in English Studies (major or minor), along with your transcript of records. 

During the programme, you are required to take core courses in various subfields of American Studies and related areas such as cultural studies, cultural history, and social sciences. 

These are the jobs you can get after completing this course from the top universities in Hungary for Indian students. 

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Student Visa Application Requirements to Study in Top Universities in Hungary

International students who plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 consecutive days and are from a non-EU country (non-EU countries are all countries that are not members of the European Union, including India) must apply for a long-term student visa to stay in the country.

To get a student visa for Hungary, you must:

• Be accepted into an accredited secondary or higher educational institution as a full-time student or for a preparatory course organised by a higher educational institution.
• Must demonstrate adequate language skills required for your studies.
• Should have a travel document valid for the intended period of stay.
• Secure appropriate accommodation: if university-provided housing is an option, ensure it is mentioned in the invitation letter. Otherwise, if you choose to rent an apartment, provide a rental agreement with the owner and a property document issued within the last month.
• Ensure you have enough financial resources to support yourself (you must submit a translated bank reference and the bank statement from the last six months).
• Obtain health insurance amounting to INR 27L (HUF 1,18,52,430).

Here is some additional information you must know about when applying for a student visa to get admission to the top universities in Hungary. 

Cost of Living in Hungary

In addition to tuition fees at top universities in Hungary, understanding the cost of living there is important for managing your budget and finances effectively.

Living costs in Hungary are lower compared to many Western European countries. For instance, the cost of living in the UK is 48% higher than in Hungary. 

Accommodation, food, and transportation in Hungary are reasonably priced, which can significantly reduce overall expenses. In fact, the average monthly cost of living in Hungary is around INR 57K (HUF 2,50,868), excluding rent.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the basic living costs in Hungary.

Scholarships by the Government and Top Universities in Hungary

Did you know that tens of thousands of students from around the world apply for higher education studies in Hungary each year? The number of applicants for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, one of the most popular in Hungary, is steadily rising. Currently, over 12,000 Stipendium Hungaricum students are studying in Hungary.

If you’re concerned about the costs of studying and living in Hungary, don’t worry! There are numerous scholarships available for you, making studying in Hungary more affordable and accessible.

Here’s a list of various scholarship programs offered by the top universities in Hungary and the government to help finance your studies.

Top Jobs in Hungary to Breakdown the Study Cost of Top Universities in Hungary Soon

In April 2024, Hungary’s employment rate rose to 65.07%, up from 64.96% in March of the same year. This definitely indicates a positive trend in employment opportunities in Hungary, suggesting that finding a job can be relatively easy with the appropriate skills and experience.

The table below has listed the popular job roles with average pay.  

Top Recruiters

Hungary’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise steadily from 2024 to 2029, with a total increase of 79.1 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 35.41% growth. This makes Hungary one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe.

Here are some well-known companies in Hungary that are hiring and worth knowing about.

• Morgan Stanley
• IBM
• BT Group
• Schneider Electric
• Vodafone

Conclusion

Hungary has emerged as a compelling choice for students like you seeking quality education in Europe. The country offers a welcoming environment and a diverse range of academic opportunities. 

Whether your passion lies in medicine, engineering, art, or any other field, the top-ranked universities in Hungary, such as the University of Szeged, welcome you with open arms and abundant opportunities for academic and personal growth.

Various scholarships, such as the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum, are also available to support international students, providing financial assistance of up to HUF 43,700 (INR 10K) per month throughout your studies. 

Overall, Hungary is an excellent choice for you to study abroad. With thoughtful planning, you can make the most of everything the top universities in Hungary have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions