Hungary is becoming a top choice for students from around the world who want a great education without spending too much money. Right now, over 42,000 students from other countries study in Hungary because the schools are really good and the cost of living is low.
Hungarian universities teach over 500 programs in English, so you don’t need to know Hungarian to study there. The degrees you earn are accepted all over Europe and the world, which means you can work anywhere after you finish school. Plus, there’s a special scholarship that can pay for everything.
This guide will help you learn about the 8 best universities in Hungary. We’ll explain what makes each school special, how much they cost, and what it’s like to be a student there. By the end, you’ll know which university is right for you.
🏆 Quick Answer: Top 8 Universities in Hungary for International Students
| University Name | World Ranking | Best For | Yearly Cost | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. University of Debrecen | #563 QS 2026 | Most international students, medicine, many choices | €3,500-18,200 | Debrecen |
| 2. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) | #584 QS 2026 | Historic university, languages, computer science | €4,500-6,500 | Budapest |
| 3. University of Szeged | #597 QS 2026 | Best research, Nobel Prize winners, life sciences | €3,500-17,500 | Szeged |
| 4. Budapest University of Technology (BME) | #711-720 QS 2026 | Engineering, technology, computer science | €4,300-7,000 | Budapest |
| 5. University of PĂ©cs | #741-750 QS 2026 | Hungary’s first university, medicine, affordable | €3,500-18,200 | PĂ©cs |
| 6. Semmelweis University | #251-300 THE 2025 | Best medical school, doctors and dentists | €5,400-17,500 | Budapest |
| 7. Corvinus University | Top 2% Business Schools | Business, economics, high employment rates | €5,600-7,400 | Budapest |
| 8. Central European University | Graduate focused | Master’s and PhD programs only | Varies | Budapest/Vienna |
42,000+
500+
€2,500-16,000
€350-900
đź“‘ What You’ll Learn About Each University
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE): One of Hungary’s Most Famous Schools
- University of Szeged: Best for Science and Research
- University of Debrecen: Most International Students Choose Here
- Budapest University of Technology: Best for Future Engineers
- Corvinus University: Where Business Students Get Great Jobs
- University of PĂ©cs: Beautiful Old School with Modern Teaching
- Central European University: For Advanced Studies Only
- Semmelweis University: Hungary’s Best Medical School
- FAQs: Your Questions About Studying in Hungary
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE): One of Hungary’s Most Famous Schools
ELTE has a long history dating back centuries and is one of Hungary’s most prestigious universities! Today, it’s ranked #584 in the world and teaches 28,000 students. The school has 9 different parts called faculties, and each one teaches different subjects.
What makes ELTE really special is that it teaches classes in 70 different languages! Several Nobel Prize winners have been associated with the university, which shows its excellence in science. The university works with 956 other schools around the world, so you can study in other countries too.
What You Can Study at ELTE in English
- Computer Science – Learn to code and make apps (€4,500-6,500 per year)
- Psychology – Study how people think and feel
- Business – Learn how companies work
- Physics – Study how things work in nature
- English Studies – Improve your English and learn about books
- 128 different PhD programs if you want to become a professor
- Exchange programs to study in other countries
ELTE is in Budapest, Hungary’s biggest city. Budapest is really fun with lots of things to do, like museums, concerts, and cafes. You can take the bus or metro anywhere in the city. The QS World Rankings say ELTE is one of the best schools in Europe for studying languages and history.
đź’ˇ Good to Know: If you need to learn more before starting, ELTE has special classes to help you get ready for university.
University of Szeged: Best for Science and Research
The University of Szeged is Hungary’s top school for science research. It ranks #597 in the world and has 22,000 students total, with 5,000 coming from other countries. The school has 12 faculties where you can study 70 different programs.
Famous scientists have worked here and won Nobel Prizes! One discovered Vitamin C (the stuff in oranges that keeps you healthy). The university has the biggest library in Central Europe, which means lots of books to help you learn.
What Makes Szeged Special
Szeged is great at teaching science, medicine, and math. It was the only Hungarian school to get a Gold award for online teaching. This means they’re really good at teaching students on computers too, not just in classrooms.
Cool Fact: The University of Szeged works with other European schools on health research. This means students can work on important projects that help sick people get better.
| What You Study | How Long | Cost Per Year | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (to become a doctor) | 6 years | €16,900 | English or German |
| Dentistry | 5 years | €17,500 | English |
| Computer Science | 3 years | €4,400 | English |
| Business | 3 years | €3,500 | English |
The city of Szeged is called the “City of Sunshine” because it’s sunny most of the year. Living there costs only €270-350 per month, which is really cheap. You can ride bikes everywhere, and there are fun festivals all year. The Times Higher Education says Szeged is getting better every year.
University of Debrecen: Most International Students Choose Here
The University of Debrecen is Hungary’s #1 university according to QS rankings, sitting at position 563 in the world. It has the most students from other countries – 7,270 students from 130 different countries! The school has been teaching students since 1538, making it really old and experienced.
What’s great about Debrecen is that they teach more than 100 programs completely in English. They have 13 faculties spread across 8 different campuses. The school works closely with companies, so students learn skills that help them get jobs right after they finish school.
Why Students Love Debrecen
Living in Debrecen costs 40% less money than living in Budapest, but the education is just as good. The university has a special group called the International Student Union that plans fun events like parties and food festivals to help new students make friends.
The Campus is Like a Small City
Everything you need is in one place at Debrecen. The dorms where you sleep, the classrooms, sports fields, and parks are all close together. You can walk everywhere, which is different from most European universities where buildings are spread all over the city.
What You Need to Apply to Debrecen
- Your high school diploma (or college degree for Master’s)
- English test score: IELTS 5.5 or higher
- Application fee: €150
- Take an entrance exam for your program
- Write a letter about why you want to study there
- Doctor’s note saying you’re healthy (for medical programs)
- Copy of your passport
The Shanghai Rankings show that Debrecen is getting better at research every year, especially in farming sciences and medicine.
Budapest University of Technology: Best for Future Engineers
BME started in 1782 and is Hungary’s best school for engineering and technology. It ranks 711-720 in the world and has 21,000 students. The school has 8 faculties, all teaching different types of engineering like building bridges, making robots, or creating computer programs.
What’s really cool is that BME has 7 national labs and 67 company labs right on campus. This means students get to work on real projects that companies need. The school works with over 100 universities around the world, so you can study in other countries too.
Working With Big Companies
BME is in Budapest, where big tech companies like Microsoft, Nokia, and Bosch have offices. Students often work at these companies while studying, which helps them get jobs easily after they finish school. About 85% of final year projects are done with real companies!
Important: To study engineering, you need to be good at math and science. If you’re not ready yet, BME has classes to help you learn what you need to know first.
- Cost per year: €4,300-7,000 for engineering programs
- The school writes 1,500+ research papers every year
- 12 students for every 1 teacher (good for getting help)
- Works with 100+ universities around the world
- 85% of students work with companies on their final projects
BME shares its research in an English magazine called Periodica Polytechnica. The Webometrics Ranking puts BME in Europe’s top 500 schools for research.
Corvinus University: Where Business Students Get Great Jobs
Corvinus is Hungary’s best business school and one of the top 2% of business schools in the whole world! Many students get job offers before they even finish school. The university works with big companies like PwC and Morgan Stanley.
Corvinus is the only Hungarian school in a special group called CEMS, which has 34 of the world’s best business schools. This means you can study at famous schools in London or Paris for part of your degree and get two diplomas!
Special CEMS Program
The CEMS Master program is really special. You study at Corvinus and also spend time at another top school like the London School of Economics. This program helps you:
- Study for 2 years and get 2 degrees
- Learn at 34 different top schools
- Work with 70+ big companies
- 95% of students get jobs within 3 months
Programs and Prices
| What You Study | Cost Per Year | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| Business (Bachelor’s) | €5,600 | 3.5 years |
| International Relations | €6,400 | 2 years |
| Finance (Master’s) | €7,400 | 2 years |
| MBA (for managers) | €12,000 | 1.5 years |
If you apply early, Corvinus gives you a discount on fees. The CEMS Alliance says Corvinus is one of Europe’s best places to study business.
University of PĂ©cs: Beautiful Old School with Modern Teaching
The University of PĂ©cs is Hungary’s first university – it opened in 1367, over 650 years ago! Today it ranks 741-750 in the world and has 24,000 students. What’s special is that 23% of students come from other countries, making it very international.
PĂ©cs teaches over 100 programs in English and German across 10 faculties. Even though the buildings are old and beautiful, the classrooms have all the newest technology. They’ve been teaching international students for 40 years, so they really know how to help students from other countries.
💡 Living in Pécs: The city has beautiful old buildings that UNESCO says are special world treasures. Living costs only €600 per month including your room, which is half the cost of Budapest!
Great Medical School
PĂ©cs has one of Europe’s best medical schools for students who speak English. The World Health Organization and medical boards everywhere accept degrees from PĂ©cs. Students practice in a huge hospital with 1,600 beds, so they see lots of different sick people and learn how to help them.
Popular Programs at PĂ©cs
- Medicine (6 years, €18,200 per year)
- Dentistry (5 years, €17,000 per year)
- Architecture (4 years, €5,500 per year)
- Psychology (3+2 years, €4,000 per year)
- Business (3 years, €3,500 per year)
- Pharmacy (5 years, €11,000 per year)
Near PĂ©cs are the Mecsek Hills where you can hike and enjoy nature. The city is small, so you can walk or bike everywhere. Study in Hungary says PĂ©cs gives you the best education for the least money.
Central European University: For Advanced Studies Only
CEU is different from other schools because it only teaches Master’s and PhD programs – no Bachelor’s degrees. If you already finished university and want to keep studying, this is a great choice. The school has students from over 100 countries, and 85% of students come from outside Hungary!
What makes CEU special is that each teacher only has 7 students. This means you get lots of help and attention. The teachers here write more research papers than almost any other school in Europe when you count how many teachers there are.
What Makes CEU Different
CEU teaches like American universities but gives European degrees. All classes are in English and are small, like having a discussion with friends instead of sitting in a huge classroom. This helps students learn better and ask more questions.
Remember: CEU doesn’t have Bachelor’s programs. If you’re just finishing high school, look at the other universities. But if you already have a Bachelor’s degree, CEU is a great choice!
- Democracy Institute: Studies how countries can be fair to all people
- Special Archives: Has lots of old papers about history
- Brain Development Center: Studies how children learn and grow
- Media Center: Teaches about news and the internet
CEU has campuses in both Budapest and Vienna (in Austria). The school really cares about freedom and letting people study whatever they think is important for making the world better.
Semmelweis University: Hungary’s Best Medical School
Semmelweis is Hungary’s best university according to THE rankings, sitting at position 251-300 in the world. This makes it one of the top 1% of all universities! It started in 1769 and only teaches medicine and health subjects. The school has 11,000 students, with 4,000 from other countries.
What’s special about Semmelweis is that it’s not just a school – it’s also Hungary’s biggest hospital system. Students learn by helping real sick people in 25 different clinics. The school teaches in English, German, and Hungarian, and doctors who graduate can work anywhere in the world.
Learning by Doing
At Semmelweis, students start working with patients early. The school treats hundreds of thousands of sick people every year, so students see all kinds of health problems. Two teachers here are on the list of the world’s most important medical researchers!
Why Choose Semmelweis for Medicine
Semmelweis has been teaching doctors for 250 years! Students don’t just read books – they work in real hospitals from their first year. You’ll learn about every type of medicine because the school has clinics for everything from heart problems to brain surgery.
| Program | How Long | Cost Per Year | When You Start in Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (Doctor) | 6 years | €16,900 | Year 3 |
| Dentistry | 5 years | €17,500 | Year 2 |
| Pharmacy | 5 years | €11,000 | Hospital visits |
| Nursing | 4 years | €5,400 | From start |
Semmelweis is in Budapest, where Hungary’s best hospitals and research centers are. The Times Higher Education says Semmelweis is one of Europe’s top 100 medical schools.
Getting In Is Hard: You need to pass tests in Biology, Chemistry, and English, plus have an interview. Only about 15-20 out of every 100 students who apply get accepted.
Questions Students Often Ask About Hungarian Universities
The University of Debrecen is #1 in Hungary and has the most international students – 7,270 from 130 countries. But “best” depends on what you want to study. If you want to be a doctor, Semmelweis is best. For science research, choose University of Szeged. For engineering, pick BME. Each school is best at different things!
School costs between €2,500-16,900 per year. Business and language programs are cheaper (€2,500-5,000). Engineering costs €4,000-7,000. Medicine is most expensive at €12,000-16,900. But there’s a special scholarship called Stipendium Hungaricum that pays for everything – school, housing, and gives you money for food!
No! Hungarian universities teach over 500 programs completely in English. You don’t need to know any Hungarian for your classes. Big schools like ELTE, Szeged, and Debrecen each have more than 100 programs in English. Learning some basic Hungarian helps with shopping and making friends, but it’s not required for school.
Budapest is fun with lots to do and 20,000+ international students, but costs €600-1,100 per month. Smaller cities like Szeged (€270-350/month), Debrecen (€600/month), and Pécs (€600/month) are much cheaper and still have great universities. If you want excitement, choose Budapest. If you want to save money and focus on studying, pick a smaller city.
Yes! Hungarian degrees work all over Europe because of something called the Bologna Process. Medical degrees from schools like Semmelweis and Debrecen are accepted by the World Health Organization, so you can be a doctor in America, England, India, and most other countries after passing their tests. Always check with your home country to be sure.
The biggest scholarship is Stipendium Hungaricum – it pays for your school, gives you a room or €130/month for housing, health insurance, and €130-550 each month for food. It’s for students from 90+ countries. There’s also Erasmus+ for EU students, and special scholarships if your family is originally from Hungary. Apply by January for school starting in September.
You need your high school diploma (or college degree for Master’s), English test score (IELTS 5.5-6.5), application fee (€75-150), a letter about why you want to study there, your resume, and passport copy. Medical programs also need tests in Biology and Chemistry. If you studied in English before, you might not need the English test. Apply between February and May.
Budapest University of Technology (BME) is the best for engineering. It started in 1782 and has 8 engineering faculties with 67 company labs. It costs €4,300-7,000 per year. Óbuda University is also good for practical engineering and costs €5,400-7,000. Both schools work with big companies like Microsoft, Nokia, and Bosch, which helps students get jobs.
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