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How to Apply to Universities in Hungary

Q: Is Budapest really as affordable as people say?

Yes — Budapest is one of the most affordable capitals in the EU for students. Monthly living costs run approximately €600–€900, covering accommodation, food, transport, and social activities. The city offers outstanding cultural life, excellent public transport, and a thriving international student scene.

Q: How competitive is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship?

Competition varies by country. Hungary has bilateral agreements with around 80 countries. Some countries with strong bilateral ties (Nigeria, India, China, Jordan) receive higher quotas. The scholarship is highly competitive in countries with large quotas. Check the official studyinhungary.hu for quota numbers by country.

Stipendium Hungaricum, direct applications, and Budapest university admissions.

Back to Hungary

Scholarship Route Stipendium Hungaricum

Direct Application University portals

Language Options Hungarian & English

Visa Required Non-EU: Yes

Hungary offers two main routes for international students: the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship (covering tuition and living costs) and direct university applications. Budapest's universities have strong medicine, engineering, and business programs with well-established English-medium tracks.

Decide: Stipendium Hungaricum or direct application

The Stipendium Hungaricum covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Applications go through your home country's nominating authority (Ministry of Education) by January 15. Direct applications go straight to universities and have later deadlines (February–May).

Both can be pursued simultaneously — apply for Stipendium Hungaricum first and submit direct applications as backup.

Stipendium Hungaricum: apply through your home country

Register at scholarship.hu between December 1 and January 15. Your application is submitted to Tempus Public Foundation through your home country's nominating authority. You choose 2 programs and 2 universities from the partner list.

Direct application: use the university portal

ELTE uses felvi.hu; Corvinus uses uni-corvinus.hu/en; BME uses bme.hu/en; Semmelweis and Pécs use their own portals. Submit your application form with uploaded documents.

Prepare and upload documents

Required: certified copies of all diplomas and transcripts (with official English translations), proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), passport, motivation letter, CV, and — for medicine — proof of biology/chemistry study.

Entrance exam or interview

Medicine programs (Semmelweis, Pécs, Debrecen) hold entrance exams in biology and chemistry in Budapest or online in April–May. Some BME engineering programs require a mathematics test. ELTE social science programs may require an interview.

Receive admission decision

Decisions are issued in June–July. Accept your offer and pay the enrollment fee or first tuition installment.

Apply for a Hungarian student visa (non-EU)

Apply for a Hungarian National Visa type D (student) at the Hungarian embassy. Required: acceptance letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation, and application fee. Processing: 30–60 days.

On arrival, complete enrollment at the university. Register your address at the local Government Office (Kormányablak) within 3 days. Apply for a Residence Permit at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).