Applying for a Master’s degree in Hungary (2025)
Parliament in Budapest by Kamil Porembiński, CC BY-SA 2.0, modified
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| 13 | universities offer Masters in Hungary in English |
| 180 | Masters are available |
With great universities and high-quality teaching at modest tuition fees and low cost of living, Hungary has been evolving into a hidden gem among student destinations in Europe.
Hungarian universities offer a large selection of Masters fully taught in English, in virtually any subject. Read on to learn how to get your MSc, MA, MBA, or LLM in Hungary:
There are more than 200 Masters in Hungary that are taught completely in English.
Universities in Hungary charge tuition fees. The official currency is the forint (currency code: HUF) - but many universities list and charge their tuition fees in euros and sometimes even US dollars, making it easier for international students to compare costs. On university websites, tuition fees are often displayed per semester, so remember to multiply by two to know the annual amount.
Tuition fees typically vary depending on whether you are a student from an EU/EEA country, or a non-EEA student. Tuition fees for Masters in Hungary usually fall in these ranges:
Private institutions tend to have higher fees, with rates starting at €10,000 per year for EU students and going up to €24,000 per year for non-EU students.
Hungary is already a very affordable destination country, with comparably modest tuition fees. But it doesn’t hurt to explore scholarships and grants in Hungary as a source of funding.
Two very popular options are the Stipendium Hungaricum as well as the Diaspora Scholarship:
These two and other scholarships are managed by TPF. Inquire with them and also ask your university which scheme may be worth looking into.
Getting started with your Master’s application in Hungary is straightforward, but there are some things you should know. Important: Most Hungarian universities charge an application fee. With typically between 100 and 150 euros, these are higher than application fees in other countries. Therefore, consider carefully where you’ll apply.
When applying for a Master’s program in Hungary, there are several standard documents and requirements you’ll need to prepare. These include:
...and then there may be various programme-specific requirements.
You apply to the universities directly, through their own platform. Some of them work with a system called DreamApply (which is why you’ll notice a similar user interface), while some have their own custom application platforms.
In some cases you may be required to do an admissions test early in the process; some others may ask for something similar later (see below).
The autumn semester begins in early September. The exact application timeframes vary from university to university. Most open their application platforms between November (the preceding year) and February; and the application deadlines are usually between April and June. Check those details in time so that you’re not caught in a rush.
Only few options exist for starting Master’s programmes in the spring semester; then they usually commence in early February.
After your application, a university might invite you to an entrance exam. That’s commonly the case for any medical degree programmes. The university will provide guidance on what to expect, and how to prepare.
For some subjects, such as Philosophy, there can also be less formal entrance interviews. Again, the university will let you know how these are conducted.
Note that for an entrace exam or entrance interview you are likely to have to pay a non-refundable fee of, in some cases, up to €250.
Once you’ve accepted an offer from a university, it’s time to look for accommodation. If you are required to apply for a visa (see below), you also need to have proof of accommodation as part of your visa application.
Most universities provide at least some guidance on how to find a place to live. Doing so from abroad is not easy - which is why some Hungarian universities recommend staying in a student hostel, at least in the beginning. Dormitories / student residences as well as private housing are also options. Hungary is cheaper than many other countries in Europe and this is also true for housing.
If you’re a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa to study in Hungary for your Master. But if your stay exceeds 90 days - which it almost certainly will - you are required to register with the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) by the 93rd day, in order to get your Registration Certificate.
Students from other countries need a study visa for Hungary. You apply for one at one of Hungary’s embassies and consulates; diplomatic representations can be found in most countries around the world, although there are some gaps in Africa and Latin America.
Typically, you’ll need:
Expect a visa processing fee of 60 euros.
All done and ready to go? Exciting! Then it’s time to plan your move. Hungary is well-connected via train, bus and plane. If you fly, you’ll most likely opt for Budapest, and if that is not where you’ll study, travel onward from there. Good luck with your studies!
Most Masters at Hungarian universities are 2-year programmes, with a few options lasting 1 or 1.5 years. General Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmaceutics programmes (in which you enrol without a previous degree, straight from school) last 5 or 6 years.
Students from EU or EEA countries should expect to pay between €5,000 and €10,000 per year for their Master in Hungary; students from other countries should expect tuition fees of €6,000 to €12,000 per year.
Ready to study in Hungary?
