Education in Hungary

Hungary’s academic institutions are popular with international students thanks to high living standards and affordable living costs as well as diplomas recognised around the world. There are more than 400 university courses dispensed in English (85%), German (11%) and French (4%). Most international students come from Germany, Iran, Norway, Israel and Sweden.

Primary and secondary education

The Hungarian education system is divided into the following levels:

• preschool (óvodа) from 3 to 7 years old. Only the last year is compulsory.
• primary school (általános iskola) can last for four, six or eight years, depending on the educational programme chosen. The most common duration is eight years.
• secondary school is divided into different specialisations: high school (gimnázium), vocational (szakközépiskola) and trade schools (szakmunkásképző szakiskola). High schools usually last four years (or longer depending on how long the pupil spent at primary school). They prepare pupils for university and offer an in-depth academic programme. Vocational and trade schools prepare pupils to enter the work force.
• higher education

Public schools are free for locals and children of foreign citizens. There are also private and international schools that accept students on a fee-paying basis.

Universities

Higher education includes colleges (főiskola) and universities (egyetemi). College studies usually last four years while university education takes 3–6 years to complete with three different levels: Bachelor's (felsőoktatási alapképzés), Master's (felsőoktatási mesterképzés) and PhD (doktori képzés).

Most Hungarian universities have both the state-funded and the fee-paying places. Tuition fees are between €1,000 for a Bachelor's to €3,000 for a Master's. There is also an admission fee that depends on the university, faculty and the academic programme.

Most universities require a language proficiency test, entrance exam and an interview. Students can prepare for a programme in Hungarian by taking a language course and final proficiency exam.

The cost of living is relatively low (about €600 per month). Renting a flat costs €200–250 per month, commuting, meals and entertainment, utility services cost another €300 and insurance about €80.

Documents required:

• completed application form (via university website)
• notarised secondary education certificate copy with academic transcript
• letters of recommendation from headmaster/teachers
• essay of motivation or CV (via university website)
• medical record (form provided by the university, results of HIV, hepatitis and other tests according to university requirements)
• language proficiency test results (TOEFL/IELTS scores for some universities)
• three photos
• passport
• application fee

All documents must be translated into the language of studies and may vary depending on the university. Additional information available on the website of each academic institute.