Study in Hungary for Indian Students

Why Study in Hungary?

• Moderate tuition fees: Many English-taught Master's programmes at public universities cost roughly €4,000–9,000 a year, well below fees in the UK, USA or Ireland.
• Stipendium Hungaricum: India is a partner country for the Hungarian government's scholarship, which covers tuition and adds a monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance.
• Established universities: Institutions such as ELTE, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and the universities of Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs have long histories and large international student communities.
• Lower living costs: Everyday costs in Hungary, especially outside Budapest, are lower than in most Western European countries.
• Schengen and EU location: Hungary is an EU and Schengen member in Central Europe, and graduates can apply for a job-seeker residence permit of up to nine months.

Masters in Hungary for Indian Students

A Master's degree in Hungary usually takes two years (four semesters, 120 ECTS credits), although some programmes run for three semesters. Teaching combines lectures, seminars and project work, and most programmes finish with a thesis.

Hungarian universities check that your bachelor's degree is in a relevant field and often hold an online entrance exam or interview as part of admission. Requirements and minimum grades are set by each university and programme.

English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or an equivalent certificate, commonly at around B2 level (often IELTS 5.5–6.5). The GRE is rarely required.

• Typical duration: 2 years (120 ECTS); some 1.5 years
• Main intake: September; limited February starts
• English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (often B2)
• Selection: Document review plus entrance exam or interview at many universities
• Student permit: Residence permit for study purposes (with D visa)
• Work after study: Job-seeker permit for up to 9 months

Popular Master's programmes in Hungary

• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Electrical Engineering
• MSc Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Civil / Structural Engineering
• MSc Finance
• MSc Management and Leadership
• MA International Relations
• MSc Agricultural and Food Sciences
• MSc Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical sciences

Best Universities in Hungary for International Students

Hungary's public universities offer most English-taught Master's programmes. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for fees, deadlines and entrance-exam details.

Fees, language requirements and entrance procedures differ by university and programme. Medicine and dentistry are long-cycle degrees with separate admission rules.

• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) (Budapest): Computer science, sciences, social sciences, humanities
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) (Budapest): Engineering, IT, architecture, economics
• Corvinus University of Budapest (Budapest): Business, finance, economics, international relations
• University of Debrecen (Debrecen): Engineering, IT, agriculture, health sciences
• University of Szeged (Szeged): Sciences, pharmacy, IT, medicine
• University of Pécs (Pécs): Business, engineering, health sciences, medicine
• Semmelweis University (Budapest): Medicine, pharmacy, health sciences
• Óbuda University (Budapest): Engineering, mechatronics, applied informatics
• Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) (Gödöllő and other campuses): Agriculture, food science, environmental science

Popular Courses to Study in Hungary

• Computer Science & Data Science: English-taught MSc programmes in software, data science and informatics, particularly in Budapest and Debrecen.
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, civil and mechatronics engineering at technical universities and faculties.
• Business, Finance & Economics: Master's programmes in management, finance, marketing and international economics.
• Agriculture & Food Science: Programmes in agricultural engineering, food science and environmental management.
• Health & Life Sciences: Pharmacy, biotechnology and health-science Master's programmes at universities with medical faculties.
• International Relations & Social Sciences: Programmes in international relations, economics and social sciences.

Cost of Studying in Hungary

The cost of studying in Hungary depends on the university, the programme and whether you live in Budapest. Figures below are approximate for self-financed international students.

Application fees, entrance-exam fees and residence permit fees are extra. Check each university's fee page for the current year.

Tuition fees in Hungary

• Master's at public universities — most subjects: approx. €4,000 – 9,000 per year (e.g. BME MSc approx. €2,200 – 4,000 per semester)
• Business and specialist programmes: approx. €5,000 – 10,000+ per year
• Stipendium Hungaricum scholars: tuition-free under the scholarship

Living expenses in Hungary

• Proof of funds for the permit: no fixed amount — show sufficient funds for living, accommodation, return travel and healthcare
• Accommodation: approx. €250 – 500 per month (highest in Budapest)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month
• Health insurance: comprehensive health insurance required for the residence permit

Eligibility to Study in Hungary

Hungarian universities set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Hungary usually need:

• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a field related to the Master's programme.
• Grades: Universities review transcripts; some set minimum grades or credit requirements in core subjects.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or an equivalent certificate, commonly around B2 level.
• Entrance exam or interview: Many programmes hold an online written test or interview.
• Motivation letter and CV: A statement explaining your academic background and goals.
• Recommendation letters: Required by some programmes and by Stipendium Hungaricum.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• English test score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• Letter of admission and proof of tuition payment (or scholarship award)
• Proof of sufficient funds for the residence permit
• Health insurance and Hungarian accommodation address

Intakes in Hungary

Hungarian universities admit Master's students mainly in September:

Leave time for entrance interviews and the residence permit application, which is decided within weeks rather than days.

• September intake: classes start September; apply Self-financed deadlines often fall between spring and early summer; Stipendium Hungaricum closed on 15 January for 2026/27
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited programmes; deadlines usually in the preceding autumn

Scholarships in Hungary for Indian Students

Indian students can fund a Master's in Hungary through government and university awards:

• Stipendium Hungaricum: Tuition exemption, a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 at Master's level, a dormitory place or HUF 40,000 a month towards housing, and medical insurance. Indian applicants apply online and must also be nominated by the Indian Sending Partner.
• University scholarships and fee discounts: Some universities offer merit-based tuition reductions for self-financed international students.
• Erasmus+ exchange: Enrolled students can apply for Erasmus+ mobility grants for a semester at a partner university in Europe.

How to Apply to Universities in Hungary

• 1. Choose your course: Compare English-taught Master's programmes and specialisations.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Consider city, fees, entrance procedures and scholarship options.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the subject match, grades and English requirement.
• 4. Decide on Stipendium Hungaricum: If applying for the scholarship, prepare early — the main deadline is in mid-January.
• 5. Prepare documents: Transcripts, English test, motivation letter, CV and recommendations.
• 6. Submit applications: Apply through each university's portal or the Stipendium Hungaricum system.
• 7. Sit the entrance exam or interview: Many universities assess applicants online.
• 8. Accept your offer: Pay the tuition deposit or confirm your scholarship place.
• 9. Apply for the residence permit: Submit your study residence permit application through the Hungarian mission in India (via VFS Global).
• 10. Travel and collect your permit: Enter Hungary on the D visa and collect your residence permit card within 30 days.

Hungary Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students on a full degree programme apply for a residence permit for study purposes before travelling. The application is lodged with the Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai (appointments and biometrics through VFS Global), and approval comes with a D visa for entry.

The D visa is valid for three months and allows one entry; you then have 30 days in Hungary to collect your residence permit card from the immigration authority. Hungary's current immigration act (Act XC of 2023) has applied since 1 January 2024.

You must show sufficient resources for living costs, accommodation, return travel and healthcare — no fixed minimum amount is published, so bank statements, a sponsor's declaration or a scholarship award are assessed case by case.

Hungarian immigration rules have changed recently. Check oif.gov.hu and the Hungarian missions in India before you apply.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Letter of admission or student status certificate
• Proof of tuition payment or scholarship award
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Hungarian accommodation address
• Application form and photograph

Working while studying in Hungary

Students with a study residence permit can work up to 30 hours a week during the teaching period and full time for up to 90 days a year outside it.

Working after your studies

After completing their studies, graduates can apply for a residence permit for job-seeking or starting a business for up to nine months. It cannot be extended, and you must apply at least 15 days before your study permit expires.

Living in Hungary as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: University dormitories are the cheapest option; many students share flats, which cost more in Budapest.
• Food: Cooking at home keeps costs low, and Indian groceries and restaurants are available in Budapest and Debrecen.
• Transport: Students get discounted public transport passes, and cities are well connected by rail.
• Language: English is enough for your programme, but basic Hungarian helps with daily life and part-time work.
• Student support: International offices and student unions help with residence permits, housing and orientation.

Hungary vs Italy for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-taught programmes and Central European study options in Hungary alongside the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business in Italy. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Hungary, start with English-taught programmes and Central European study options; for Italy, compare the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's at public universities — most subjects: approx. €4,000 – 9,000 per year (e.g. BME MSc approx. €2,200 – 4,000 per semester); Business and specialist programmes: approx. €5,000 – 10,000+ per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €250 – 500 per month (highest in Budapest); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health insurance: comprehensive health insurance required for the residence permit

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (120 ECTS); some 1.5 years

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (often B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Stipendium Hungaricum; University scholarships and fee discounts Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a field related to the Master's programme.; Grades: Universities review transcripts; some set minimum grades or credit requirements in core subjects.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Self-financed deadlines often fall between spring and early summer; Stipendium Hungaricum closed on 15 January for 2026/27; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes; deadlines usually in the preceding autumn

Student visa: Hungary Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of admission or student status certificate

Post-study graduate route: After completing their studies, graduates can apply for a residence permit for job-seeking or starting a business for up to nine months. It cannot be extended, and you must apply at least 15 days before your study permit expires.

Italy — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public universities — laurea magistrale: approx. €1,000 – 4,000 per year, often based on income band; Private universities: approx. €10,000 – 20,000+ per year

Italy — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 800 per month (highest in Milan and Rome); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health cover and residence permit: health insurance or voluntary SSN enrolment, plus the residence-permit fee — check current amounts

Italy — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)

Italy — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Italy — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Regional DSU support; MAECI Italian Government scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Italy — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree covering the subjects and credits the programme requires.; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grades or evaluate profiles competitively.

Italy — Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Many universities open applications for non-EU students from about November to April, often in several rounds; February / March intake: starts February or March; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Italy — Student visa: Italy Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university

Italy — Post-study graduate route: Graduates of Italian degrees, including the laurea magistrale, can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business related to their studies, and can later convert to a work permit.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Hungary

Is Hungary good for Indian students?

Yes, particularly for students looking for moderate tuition, English-taught Master's programmes, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and study within the EU and Schengen area.

How much does it cost to study in Hungary?

Master's tuition at public universities is roughly €4,000–9,000 a year, and living costs are about €500–800 a month depending on the city. Budapest is the most expensive.

What are the fees for a Master's in Hungary?

Most English-taught Master's programmes cost about €4,000–9,000 a year for self-financed international students; some business and specialist programmes cost more. Stipendium Hungaricum scholars pay no tuition.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Hungary?

A relevant bachelor's degree, an English certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL (often around B2), a motivation letter and, at many universities, an entrance exam or interview.

Can Indian students apply for Stipendium Hungaricum?

Yes. India is a partner country. You apply online and must also be nominated by the Indian Sending Partner. The 2026/27 deadline was 15 January 2026.

What does Stipendium Hungaricum cover?

At Master's level it covers tuition, pays HUF 43,700 a month towards living costs, provides a dormitory place or HUF 40,000 a month for housing, and includes medical insurance.

What are the intakes in Hungary?

The main intake is September. A smaller number of programmes start in February.

Can I work while studying in Hungary?

Yes. Students with a study residence permit can work up to 30 hours a week during term and full time for up to 90 days a year outside term.

Can I stay in Hungary after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates can apply for a job-seeking or business residence permit for up to nine months, then switch to a work-based permit such as the Hungarian Card or EU Blue Card.

How much bank balance is needed for a Hungary student visa?

Hungary does not publish a fixed amount. You must prove sufficient funds for living, accommodation, return travel and healthcare for the permit period.