Why Students Choose Hungary
Hungary sits in a rare middle ground: public tuition is genuinely low, English-taught programmes are widespread, and the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship can remove tuition entirely for students who qualify. On top of that, several Hungarian universities carry real Nobel Prize history — this isn't a "cheap but unknown" destination.
- A real path to a free degree. Stipendium Hungaricum covers tuition, a stipend, housing support, and insurance for eligible international students.
- Low cost of living compared to Western Europe, especially outside Budapest.
- EU-recognised, Bologna-compliant degrees across medicine, engineering, business, and the sciences.
- A large, established international student community — over 100 countries represented across Hungarian campuses.
The guides below cover the parts of the process that matter most: getting the scholarship, getting through the admission interview, choosing an affordable university, budgeting for life once you arrive, and working part-time while you study.
All Hungary Guides
01How to Apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The step-by-step application process — country nomination, university admission, and the Tempus Foundation's final decision.
Interview & Admission Test Process
What Hungarian universities actually ask in entrance exams and interviews, broken down by subject area.
Most Affordable Universities in Hungary
Tuition, rankings, acceptance rates, and Nobel Prize history for 8 of Hungary's best-value universities.
Living Cost in Hungary
Real monthly expenses, Budapest vs Debrecen prices, and where to buy groceries — from a student living there.
Student Accommodation Guide
Dormitory vs private rent, real prices in Budapest, Debrecen, and Pécs, and how to avoid rental scams.
Part-Time Jobs Overview
Where international students can legally work in Hungary, typical pay, work-hour limits, and how to find your first job.
Hungary at a Glance
| Main scholarship | Stipendium Hungaricum — full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, housing support, and insurance |
| Teaching language | English, across hundreds of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes |
| Degree structure | Bologna Process: Bachelor's (3–4 yrs), Master's (1.5–2 yrs), PhD (3–4 yrs) |
| Typical living cost | ~€400–600/month outside Budapest; higher in the capital, mainly due to rent |
| Application route | Country nomination → university admission test/interview → Tempus Foundation final decision |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to get the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship?
It's competitive but achievable — the process runs through country-level nomination, a university admission test or interview, and a final decision from the Tempus Public Foundation. A strong profile and motivation letter matter more than perfect grades.
How much does it cost to live in Hungary as a student?
Outside Budapest, most students manage on roughly €400–600 per month for food, transport, and essentials, excluding rent. Budapest runs higher, mainly due to rent.
Which Hungarian city is cheapest for international students?
Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs are generally 30–40% cheaper than Budapest for both rent and everyday groceries, while Budapest has the widest selection of imported and international food.
Useful Resources
- Scholarship Database: catchthatscholarship.com/scholarships/
- University Finder: catchthatscholarship.com/university-finder/
- Official Stipendium Hungaricum Website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu