Masters Study in Hungary – A Guide for 2024
Written by Mark Bennett
A Masters in Hungary may not be the obvious choice for international postgraduate study, but it can offer some unique training and research opportunities in a beautiful part of Europe.
The Hungarian higher education system also has much to be proud of, with universities dating back to the fourteenth century and over 37,000 international students – including those on Masters degrees and other postgraduate courses.
This page covers everything you'll need to know to successfully study abroad in Hungary, including advice on universities, courses, applications and fees. We’re also keeping an eye on the effect of coronavirus on students in Hungary.
Postgraduate opportunities in Hungary – what’s on offer for 2024?
As an emerging study abroad destination, Hungary already has two universities in the world top 800 (according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings).
The Hungarian higher education sector as a whole has grown significantly in recent decades, with more and more options to study a Masters in Hungary in a wide range of subject areas. Hungarian universities have considerably expanded their offering of postgraduate programmes in English to attract international students.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider studying a Masters in Hungary:
- Affordable tuition fees and living costs – Exact fees vary from programme to programme, but you can expect to pay significantly less than many more expensive postgraduate destinations.
- Location at the centre of Europe – Hungary is located at the crossroads between Central and Eastern Europe, absorbing fascinating influences from both directions.
- Internationally-recognised qualifications – Hungarian Masters degrees follow the Bologna Process, which means they’ll be recognised and respected around the world.
Masters Study in Hungary - Key Details
|
Universities
|
64
|
Oldest University
|
University of Pécs (1367)
|
International Students
|
37,925
|
Course Length
|
1-2 years
|
Typical Fees (Domestic / EU)
|
€1,600 per year
|
Academic Year
|
September to July
|
The higher education landscape in Hungary is divided between public and private higher education institutions. Most accredited institutions – which include universities, business schools, schools of management and arts colleges / academies – offer Masters programmes.
A number of foreign institutions are also present. It’s recommended that you check whether the institution is a bona fide educational establishment through the relevant authorities of the institution’s country of origin.
All degrees, including Masters degrees, are awarded ECTS credits. Universities follow the Bologna three-tier system: Bachelor (three years), Master (one to two years), Doctorate (three to four years).
Hungarian university rankings
Despite its small size, Hungary boasts several historic universities and Nobel prize winners. This reputation is reflected in the academic league tables for 2024.
Do university rankings matter for postgraduates?
University league tables can help you in your search for a Masters degree, but you need to know what to look for. Our guide to university rankings for Masters study can help.
Hungarian Masters degrees
Masters degrees in Hungary may be either one year or two years in length. Programmes at Hungarian state universities are always two years in duration, whilst private and overseas institutions are more likely to offer one-year programmes.
As in other European countries, credits are gained through a mix of compulsory/core courses and optional courses or activities. Teaching for Masters degrees is delivered face-to-face or virtually through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. Assessment is based on coursework, exams and the final dissertation.
The language of instruction is Hungarian, but many institutions have decided to deliver full Masters programmes in English, both for local students and to attract international students.
Search for a Masters in Hungary
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Hungary on FindAMasters.com.
Masters fees and funding in Hungary
Postgraduate education in Hungary can be a very affordable choice, but the exact cost will usually depend upon your nationality, the policy of your university and, of course, your funding arrangements.
Broadly speaking, there are two categories of student when it comes to tuition fees in Hungary: state-funded students and self-financed students.
Hungarian students are generally state-funded, but EU/EEA nationals may also be able to apply for this status – especially if they have an excellent academic record. These students don’t pay tuition fees but will probably have to pay some additional costs for their education. However, competition for state-funded status can be pretty tough, as places are limited.
If you’re not eligible for a state-funded place, you will have to pay tuition fees. These aren’t regulated at a national level and there’s significant variation from institution to institution and course to course. For example, some universities will use different currencies to display their fees – Hungarian Forint, Euros and US dollars are common. Fees range between €600 to €8,000 per year.
Other costs
All students will have to pay an application fee, registration fee and exam fee. This varies considerably across different institutions, but it’s usually between €100 and €150. You may also have to pay for a student card.
Scholarships
There are various funding packages available from national and international sources:
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme – Aimed at talented international students, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covers tuition fees and medical insurance, as well as providing a monthly stipend and housing allowance.
- Bilateral State Scholarships
- The Council on International Educational Exchange have grants available for American students to study abroad, both merit-based and need-based.
- Fund for Education Abroad.
- Rotary Foundation Fellowships may be available. Candidates should contact the Rotary Foundation within their district.
- Fulbright (US citizens only) scholarships
You might be eligible to receive support through the Erasmus+ scheme, which provides funding for selected programmes like Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, as well as Erasmus loans for students who want to study abroad.
Applying for a Masters in Hungary
The Hungarian academic year begins in September / October. The application deadline for most Masters programmes in Hungary is 15 February for a September start in the same year, and 15 November for a February start (although not many courses are available to start in the Spring, unless you are an exchange student). For courses delivered in English, the deadlines can vary considerably so be sure to check with your institution.
Entry requirements
In general, for entry onto a two-year Masters, applicants must hold or be about to receive a Bachelors degree pursued over a minimum of three years. For entry onto a one-year Masters (notably in private institutions which may offer courses accredited by foreign authorities), a four year undergraduate degree is required.
Decisions on applications are made on the basis of:
- Your academic performance (including your grade point average, if relevant).
- Your language skills: English or Hungarian if you are opting to pursue a Masters in the country’s language.
- Other faculty-specific requirements.
Some institutions may ask you to sit an admission test, submit a timed test of your writing ability or attend an interview (face-to-face or via Skype).
Application process
There are two ways to apply at universities in Hungary:
- Online through the FEVLI system (the equivalent of the UK UCAS/UKPASS system), although this will require a fairly good command of Hungarian language.
- Directly through the university by email or online.
Some of the documents you may have to provide include:
- A completed application form.
- Diplomas and transcripts.
- A CV.
- A scan of your passport.
- Evidence of professional experience, if required.
- Recommendation letters.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency for courses delivered in English, or a Hungarian language certificate if you are opting for a course delivered in Hungarian.
Masters students visas in Hungary
Visa information for UK students in Hungary
UK students will no longer be EU citizens from the 2021-22 academic year onwards. This means you may be considered as an international student when studying in Hungary. You may be subject to different visa requirements and fee rates, unless otherwise stated.
All students wishing to study a Masters in Hungary need to register with the local authorities, regardless of where they are from. There are also specific visa procedures that non-EU students have to go through. The Central European University has very detailed information for different categories of students. It links to official immigration information (which may not be available as extensively in English).
Health insurance
It is compulsory to have adequate healthcare insurance to study in Hungary. If you have a Hungarian governmental scholarship, you may be entitled to apply for a social security card (‘TAJ card’), which means you can access all kinds of public healthcare for free.
A number of institutions offer students the opportunity to purchase health insurance through the university itself. However, you don’t need to buy a health plan from your institution and you may wish to look at private providers.
If you’re an EU student, it’s strongly advised to get a European Health Insurance Card. This allows you to continue to have the same access to medical treatment as in your home country. However, outpatient treatments must be paid for and then claimed back, so you may choose to subscribe to a private plan.
Masters programmes in Hungary can have a strong research content and be used as a preparation for doctoral studies. Universities have career services that can advise you on employment opportunities. They will have local knowledge of the labour market in Hungary and Eastern Europe so if you intend on staying after your studies, it is worth consulting with them.
Prospects for work in local companies may be limited, but international companies are heavily present in Hungary so there could be opportunities there. If you require a visa to study in Hungary, check what the post-study employment situation is.
Search for a Masters in Hungary
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Hungary on FindAMasters.com
Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice