Hungary : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Hungary’s higher education system comprises 70 institutions, including universities and colleges that are financed by the state, church or by private organisations. Higher education institutions are concentrated in Budapest.

The degree structure in Hungary is based on three cycles. All main fields of study follow this structure, except for medicine, pharmacy, dental and veterinary studies, architecture, law and certain crafts, arts and design-related study programmes. These have a long single-cycle structure of five to six years.

Bachelor (BA and BSc) degrees constitute the first cycle of higher education and take between six to eight semesters (three to four years) to complete. The Master degree programme (MA/MSc) constitutes the second cycle of higher education. The duration of study is between two and four semesters (one to two years). A three-year Doctoral study programme following on from a Masters or equivalent qualification is also available.

Further information about studying in Hungary is available from the National Higher Education Information Centre (Felvi) , the Tempus Public Foundation  and Study Hungary .

What courses are available?

Universities offer Bachelors, Masters and PhD programmes, while colleges offer Bachelors degrees. Courses can be full time, part time or by distance learning. Speaking Hungarian is not essential as many universities and colleges offer a variety of courses in English. Subjects taught in English include medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, economics, natural sciences, humanities, arts and music.

Where can I study?

For a list of academic programmes, as well as language options and study locations in Hungary, see the National Higher Education Information Centre (Felvi) - List of Academic Programmes . 

Applying for postgraduate study

Credit points for courses completed in another European country are accepted by Hungarian colleges and universities.

Applications are made direct to your chosen higher education establishment. Visit individual websites for details of entry requirements and closing dates, and speak to admissions departments for more advice. The Study Hungary website also has information on university entry requirements, fees and costs.

International students wishing to take up a full degree course in Hungary should contact the National Higher Education Information Centre (Felvi) for more advice on admission requirements to universities in Hungary. 

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fees vary between institutions. Visit individual university websites for details.

Corvinus University of Budapest  estimates that international students need around EUR 450 - 750 per month to cover all expenses. Accommodation costs around EUR 250 - 400 per month, depending on the size and location of the flat and the number of students sharing. Living costs, including food and transport, are around EUR 200 - 400 per month, with an additional EUR 50 - 100 per semester needed for study-related expenses such as books and student ID.

The Balassi Institute - Hungarian Scholarship Board (HSB) Office  provides details of university and research scholarships. Target groups include undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a special emphasis on Doctoral candidates, academics, scientists, tutors and researchers. It typically offers university and research scholarships for an academic year and summer school scholarships.

Check individual university websites for details of other possible sources of funding and scholarships.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Hungary through the Erasmus scheme. This programme covers all subject areas, but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subjects.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

As part of the Bologna Process , a Hungarian postgraduate course should be directly comparable to the UK equivalent. Full details on comparing international qualifications are also available from the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) , which gives information and advice on vocational, academic and professional qualifications from over 180 countries.