Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular study abroad destination – especially for medicine. Hungarian higher education has much to commend itself, among other things its very strong tradition in the sciences. Beyond high quality education, Hungary also offers a lively and welcoming culture, a fascinating history and beautiful cities.
For the past twenty years, over 10,000 international students have attended Hungarian higher education. Hungary is especially popular for studies in the sciences – in particular in such fields as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine to name a few. These are all programs with very competitive admission in many countries and where Hungary offers a great alternative.
The education offered is high quality with medical degrees accepted by the WHO and directly transferrable to any EU country. Many schools also increasingly offer these degrees and more in English or other foreign languages such as German in order to attract more foreign students. Some of the top home countries of foreign students in Hungary are Germany, Israel, Norway, Iran, China and Canada.
Higher Education in Hungary
The Hungarian system of higher education is roughly split into the system of colleges and universities. Many colleges are directly affiliated with a university and operate as college faculties of the university. Universities generally award both college and university level courses. In the old system, college level training lasts three to four years, where as a university degree takes at least four years to complete and at most 5 years with the exception of the six year long medical program. Further, university studies were split in three stages roughly corresponding to the bachelor, master and PhD courses but with longer study periods.
Starting in 2005 and 2006, Hungarian institutions of higher education have started the transformation toward the regulations of the Bologna system. In the new system, both colleges and universities may launch bachelor, master and PhD programs provided that the necessary requirements are fulfilled. This also means that all awarded degrees are equivalent and transferrable throughout the EU and many other countries.
As in many other countries, some qualifications will not be available at bachelor level, but instead start with the award of a master degree. Examples of such qualifications are: medical studies, veterinary science, pharmaceutical studies and architecture to name a few.
The Hungarian Academic Year
The Hungarian academic year runs with teaching from September to June with long holidays in July and August.
Degree Structure in Hungarian HE
Degrees in Hungarian higher education are currently being reformed to conform to the international standard of the Bologna process. This means that apart from certain vocational degrees awarded by non-university and college institutions, degrees awarded will conform to the standard of bachelor, master and PhD degrees. This means that not only will degrees be more widely comparable on the international market, but it will also be more widely possible to pursue a master degree in a different field than your bachelor for example.
In certain more vocationally directed courses such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine to name a few, the first degree awarded is a master degree after five to six years of study depending on the field.
Hungary’s EU membership also means that its degrees awarded in medicine, veterinary studies and architecture are directly tranferrable and accepted for professional purposes to other EU countries.
Entry Requirements
For admission to a Hungarian university or college course you will need a high school diploma translated into Hungarian or English with the corresponding transcript of courses and grades. Some courses also require an entrance exam, which to the large international courses are offered all over the world. For an English speaking program, part of the entrance examination is often to test your English skills. Otherwise you may be asked to provide proof of these as well. For programs in other languages – German is quite common – there will be certain requirements for your German skills.
Visa Requirements
All foreign students wishing to remain in Hungary for a period of more than 90 days and who are not citizens of a European Union Member State, are required to apply for a long term Student Visa in order to study in Hungary. This varies, so enquire in advance about the entry regulations which apply for your country! You can only apply for your visa from the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy that has jurisdiction in your state or country of permanent residence, prior to your departure. Processing of visas will take around one month. In order to receive a student visa, you must first have an offer from a Hungarian university.
Documents needed for your visa application:
- Proof of having paid the tuition fee
- An acceptance letter from the university regarding your admission
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
- Copy of the photgraph page of your passport
- Passport photo no older than 6 months
Proof of health insurance
- Proof of address or housing in Hungary
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the form of bank assurance/statement
- Visa application form
- 3 stamped envolopes addressed to the applicant
Once you arrive in Hungary, you will need to apply for your residence permit within 15 days of arrival. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens planning to stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days.
Tuition and Financing
Compared with the rest of Western Europe, Hungary presents a very affordable place to study with regards to both tuition and living costs. Tuition fees vary depending on school and program. Often medicine and dentistry will be among the more expensive options with fees of up to 20,000 Euro and in some cases as low as 4,500 Euro for other programs.
In addition to tuition fees you will also be required to pay an application fee, exam fee and registration fee, all between 100 and 150 Euro.
Living costs in Hungary are comparatively low. They are naturally slightly higher in the bigger cities such as Budapest with rents starting at round 300 Euro per month. You should be able to get by with approximately 750 Euro per month allowing enough for not just rent but also public transport, health insurance, study materials etc and even allowing for a few nights out.
Housing
While studying in Hungary you have several options when it comes to housing. Most universities have dormitories, which are usually the cheapest alternative. These are generally pretty great party venues, as in most other places but not always available for foreign students. You may find the standard here slightly below what you are used to, depending on where you are from.
Another alternative is renting an apartment alone or with friends or opting for a sub-tenancy, meaning you rent a single room in somebody else’s apartment. Your university will be able to help you to find accommodation. Apartments are also listed in the newspapers if you want to try it on your own. Keep in mind that it might be easier to have someone who speaks Hungarian at hand to help you out at times!
If you are renting an apartment, you should also keep in mind that you may need up to two month’s worth of rent ready in cash when signing the contract. This acts as a deposit and should be returned to you when you move out provided that the apartment is still in good order.
Find higher education institutions in Hungary here.
Discuss studying in hungary in the discussion forum here >>
Sources:
http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/hungarco.htm
http://www.studyhungary.hu/
http://www.okm.gov.hu/letolt/english/towards_bologna.pdf
http://www.studytransfer.eu/main.php
