Hungary
Hungary is feeling the effects of the recent recession when it had to seek help in the form of a financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund. However, there is still a need for workers with specialist skills. In recent years, Hungary has attracted a large number of international companies.
If you are working for a company with operations in Hungary, a transfer might be the easiest route in. Another approach is to seek out international companies operating in Hungary and visit their websites to find specific jobs, training or internship opportunities. Sending speculative applications to a local office may be successful.
Networking is an important way of finding work in Hungary so it may be worth undertaking an internship or period of study in Hungary first in order to build up a list of personal contacts.
CVs or employer application forms are usual when applying for jobs. Most international companies will use more or less the same recruitment procedures as they do for posts in the UK and other countries. When following up a personal recommendation, less formal approaches, such as an email or telephone call, may be appropriate.
Find out more about CVs and covering letters.
The CV format tends to be similar to a UK CV and is a maximum of two pages long. Hungarian employers look for a well-structured and focused CV that emphasises your education and professional/work experience. Include details of language and IT skills.
See the 'Living and Working in Hungary' publication on the Hungarian Public Employment Service website for more information on how to apply for jobs.
There are usually two interviews, although this varies depending on the type and level of job you are applying for. Interviews for UK graduates seeking managerial positions are often conducted in English, although part of the interview may be held in Hungarian.
Both international and Hungarian companies use psychometric tests and assessment centres as part of the selection process.
Many employers will look for directly relevant degree subjects or internationally recognised professional qualifications. Information about how your qualifications translate to the Hungarian system may be found on the Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre (HEIC) and ENIC-NARIC websites.
The UK National Europass Centre (UK NEC) website also provides information on how to make your skills and qualifications understood in other European countries, including Hungary.
If you are planning to live and work in Hungary, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.
Other Hungarian newspapers may be found via the Kidon Media-Link.
Networking is an important way of finding work in Hungary so it may be worth undertaking an internship or period of study in Hungary first in order to build up a list of personal contacts. University careers services, for example at the Central European University Business School, Corvinus University of Budapest and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), may be able to put you in touch with employers.
Speculative applications are accepted in Hungary. As with any speculative application, you will need to do your research thoroughly. If you are interested in working for a multinational company with an office/base in Hungary, it may be worth applying directly to them. See job market for details of where to search for companies for speculative applications.
Work placements and internships are available in Hungary. Useful resources include:
To choose a reputable organisation offering gap years in Hungary, seek advice from your university careers service or check whether the company is registered with Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) or other similar organisations. Some companies will also offer services such as a 24-hour emergency helpline. See Your Gap Year for more information on planning a gap year, including information on jobs, voluntary opportunities and specialist gap year programmes. Also see gap year.
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 .
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
As part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) , 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.
UK, EU or EEA member state citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa or a residence permit for stays of less than 90 days. If, however, you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, you will need to submit a residence permit application.
If you are not a citizen of an EU member state, contact the Hungarian Embassy in the country where you are (a list of Hungarian embassies is available at Embassies Worldwide ) to find out about visa regulations.
It is important to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London or the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary for up-to-date information.
If you are a UK, EU or EEA member state citizen with a valid passport you do not need a visa or residence permit for stays of less than 90 days.
If you want to spend more than 90 days within half a year in Hungary, you have to apply for a residence permit. You are advised to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London explaining your situation if you wish to apply for a residence permit.
To apply for a student visa you need a certificate of enrolment from the institution you will be studying at and evidence of your accommodation in Hungary. Check with the Hungarian Embassy for details.
If you are not a UK national, contact the Hungarian embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Hungarian Embassy.
You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Hungary.
To apply for a residence permit you are advised to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London explaining your situation.
The Hungarian Public Employment Service has offices throughout the country and provides information on job seeking and vacancies.
You can get contact details for European Employment Service advisers in Hungary through the EURES - European Job Mobility Portal. EURES advisers are trained specialists who provide information and guidance to jobseekers interested in working in a range of European countries, including Hungary.
Overseas students studying at any of the higher education establishments offering careers services, for example the Central European University Business School, Corvinus University of Budapest and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), may access the resources and support offered. Services include career guidance, CV and cover letter writing, company and industry information, and contact with companies through alumni.
When things go wrong in Hungary, British nationals can call upon the support of the British Embassy Hungary . The Embassy can also, in certain circumstances, help EU or Commonwealth nationals whose country does not have a local diplomatic or consular office. Things they may be able to advise and support you with include:
They cannot interfere with criminal or civil court proceedings, another country’s immigration procedures, give legal advice, investigate crimes or search for missing persons, arrange better hospital or prison treatment than that offered to locals, pay bills or give you money or make travel and business arrangements on your behalf.
The emergency contact numbers in Hungary are:
Find the latest travel advice and a travellers' checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.
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