About Hungary
Hungary is a country in Central Europe bordering Slovakia to the north, Austria to the west, Slovenia and Croatia to the south west, Serbia to the south, Romania to the east and Ukraine to the north east. Member of the European Union and the Schengen Border-less Europe Agreement. The country offers many diverse destinations: relatively low mountains in the north-west, the Great Plain in the east, lakes and rivers of all sorts (including Balaton – the largest lake in Central Europe), and many beautiful small villages and hidden gems of cities.
Higher Education in Hungary
Hungarian Higher Education has been representing academic excellence for more than 600 years. The first university was founded in 1367 in Pécs, which is located in the Southern region of Hungary. Today, there are 66 higher education institutions (29 public and 37 private) in Hungary, ranging from minor universities of applied sciences to top research universities. Internationalization is becoming an essential part of their development strategies: they offer 550 courses in English, German, French and other languages.
The Hungarian Government approved the Higher Education Strategy in December 2016 as part of its Change of Pace in Higher Education initiative and amended legislation accordingly to create a competitive and high quality higher education system. There are three key aspects of this strategy.
(i) The knowledge passed onto the students should be relevant on the labor market.
(ii) Research should be beneficial for society and the national economy.
(iii) institutions should act as regional catalysts.
In order to develop a competitive, effective and high quality higher education system, and to offer quality services in the field of education, research, as well as third mission for both the society and the economy.
The foreign language programmes are of high standard and tuition fees are very favorable when compared to its competition. The range of study fields students can choose from is wide
• Agricultural Science
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Legal Science
• Economic Science
• Medical and Health Science
• Arts, Arts and Humanities, Arts Education
• Engineering Science
• Social Science
• Teacher Training
• Sport Science
• Natural Science
Entry and Admission requirements
In order to be admitted to a Hungarian higher education institution, prospective students must demonstrate that they meet certain requirements.
Bachelor’s degree
Generally prospective students need to possess a high school diploma (or secondary school leaving certificate), which has to be translated into Hungarian or English with the corresponding transcript of courses and grades. Some courses may also require an entrance exam.
Master’s degree
In the case of Master’s degrees, applicants have to submit the photocopy of their Bachelor’s diploma.
PhD degree
If someone wishes to obtain a PhD degree in Hungary, the minimum requirement is to hold a university degree which is equivalent to a master’s degree. The prerequisite for entering doctoral courses is an MA/MSc degree.
In order to be admitted to an English-speaking program in Hungary, part of the entrance exam is to test and evaluate students’ English skills. Otherwise, students may be asked to provide proof of their English skills. Generally, an intermediate language certificate (B2 level) is sufficient. In case of native speakers it is typically required that they submit a copy of their passport as proof.
The entry requirements can differ at certain higher education institutions. Always check the entry requirements before applying.
Document checklist for admissions in the universities
Foreign candidates should submit the documents:
(i) Photocopies of certificates of highest qualifications including the certificates and the transcripts
(ii) A curriculum vitae (resumé) in English – A medical certificate
(iii) Two recent passport-size photographs (certain universities require more than two photos) – Letters of recommendation (e.g. from school)
(iv) At certain universities, certification of language competence (TOEFL Test) – Copy of passport, with personal data.
(v) Foreign citizens from any country who are accepted by an institute of higher education in Hungary are required to obtain a student visa (TM-6, valid for 30 days) from the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate before entering the country. To receive a student visa, it is necessary to present the “Letter of Acceptance” from the university. On entering the country, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit from the Hungarian Police Authorities for Foreign Citizens within 14 days.
Highlights of Studying in Hungary
- Hungary offers affordable tuition fees and living costs in European Union and Schengen area.
- Number of Nobel Prize Winners and scientific inventors got their education here.
- Easier admission procedure and less documents for getting acceptance.
- Hungary offers different type of scholarships for foreigners.
- The cost of student accommodation in Hungary is lower than most Western European Countries and Scandinavia.
- Lots of education programmes are offered in English and German.
- Hungarian embassies issue education visas easier than other European Union and Schengen Member States.
- Residence permit issued in Hungary for foreign students allows them to travel to other Schengen countries without any visa.
- Number of low costs flights connect Hungarian cities to other countries and popular travel destinations.
- Employment opportunities in European Union during education years and after graduation, etc.