A bachelor's degree in Hungary takes 3–4 years (180–240 ECTS credits), and most international students take a fee-paying programme taught in English. For 2026/27, a year at a public university typically costs about $6,000–8,500: Computer Science at ELTE and most BME programmes charge $7,231 (€6,400), business at Corvinus $7,909 (€7,000), and the University of Debrecen's latest published price list shows $6,000–7,500. A school-leaving certificate that gives university access at home is normally enough to apply without a foundation year, provided your English and core subjects meet the programme's bar. The main route to free study is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, whose eligibility rules depend on your country's nominating body.
| At a glance | What applies |
|---|---|
| Length | 6–8 semesters; Computer Science at ELTE is 6 semesters and 180 ECTS; engineering at Debrecen is 7–8 semesters |
| Language | English (Hungarian-taught degrees require proven Hungarian) |
| Fees, 2026/27 | usually $3,615–5,638 (€3,200–4,990) per semester; universities quote fees per semester |
| Application fee | $113–169 (€100–150) at ELTE and Corvinus; Debrecen charges $150 to apply and $350 for the entrance exam |
| English | from B1 (ELTE Computer Science) to IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 / Duolingo 100 (Corvinus) |
| Deadlines | ELTE Computer Science: 30 April 2027; Stipendium Hungaricum: usually mid-January |
| Immigration | residence permit for study, filed at a Hungarian consulate before travel; fee $124 (€110) |
| Work | up to 30 hours a week during term |
Who a Hungarian bachelor's degree suits
Hungary fits school leavers who want an EU degree taught in English at a moderate price and without a language year. Its strongest areas are engineering and computer science in Budapest, economics and business, and the natural sciences at the large regional universities. The normal path is to apply in your final school year and submit the final certificate in summer.
It suits you less if you expect tuition-free study on local terms: English-taught programmes have no state-funded places for non-EU students, and the scholarship is competitive. If you hope to stay and work, start Hungarian early: classes run in English, while daily life, part-time jobs and many local vacancies run in Hungarian.
For an overview of the country and its institutions, see Study in Hungary and the comparison of universities in Hungary.
How the degree is structured
The academic year starts in September, with the second semester in February. Most bachelor's programmes have a single autumn intake; Debrecen states plainly that its bachelor's programmes start only in September, while foundation courses and some master's programmes also open in February.
One year equals 60 ECTS credits. Three-year programmes carry 180 credits, while engineering and some economics degrees run to 210–240. Internships, coursework and a thesis sit inside the curriculum, and many faculties charge for exam retakes beyond the free attempt.
Watch the price unit. Nearly every university quotes tuition per semester, so "€3,200" on the BME fee table means €6,400 a year. This single detail breaks more family budgets than any other.
What to study and where
| Field | Where to look for English-taught programmes | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Computer science, IT | ELTE (Computer Science BSc), BME (Computer Science Engineering), Debrecen | ELTE and Debrecen test mathematics |
| Engineering | BME (electrical, mechanical, civil), Debrecen | 7–8 semesters; BME runs a fee-paying Pre-Engineering programme |
| Economics, business, data | Corvinus, METU, Debrecen | Corvinus needs proven mathematics or its own online test |
| International relations, communication | Corvinus, ELTE, Debrecen | usually an interview and a motivation letter |
| Natural sciences | Debrecen, ELTE, Szeged, Pécs | entrance exams in two core subjects |
| Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | Semmelweis, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs | these are 5–6-year one-tier programmes, not bachelor's degrees — see medicine in Hungary |
Medical programmes follow their own route, with a different exam, price and length. Everything below concerns ordinary bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's fees for 2026/27
Figures below apply to non-EU citizens and come from the universities' own fee tables.
| University and programme | Per semester | Per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELTE, Computer Science BSc | $3,615 (€3,200) | $7,231 (€6,400) | plus a non-refundable $169 (€150) application fee |
| BME, most engineering and IT programmes | $3,615 (€3,200) | $7,231 (€6,400) | 2026/27 table; BME reserves the right to revise fees |
| BME, Mechanical Engineering | $3,954 (€3,500) | $7,909 (€7,000) | Transportation and Vehicle Engineering prices are built from a base fee plus credits |
| Corvinus, business, economics, data science | — | $7,909 (€7,000) | fixed for the whole programme; non-EEA students also pay a €295 (about $333) administration fee |
| Corvinus, international relations, communication, PPE | — | $7,457 (€6,600) | fixed, plus the same administration fee |
| Debrecen, humanities | — | $6,000 | 2025/26 table; health insurance and medical check-up included |
| Debrecen, computer science, engineering | — | $7,000–7,500 | 2025/26 table |
| METU (private) | $3,954–5,638 (€3,500–4,990) | $7,909–11,276 | non-EU fees for 2026/27 |
As of 1 October 2026, Debrecen had published its non-medical price list only for 2025/26, so check the figure in your letter of acceptance for 2027 entry. Housing, insurance and living costs come on top (except insurance at Debrecen). A full budget by city is in our guide to the cost of studying in Hungary.
Entry requirements
School certificate. A secondary school certificate that gives access to university in your country is the starting point; Hungarian universities assess it themselves from a certified translation, with no separate state recognition step for admission. You can apply in your final year: Corvinus, for example, accepts at least two years of in-progress transcripts and the final certificate later.
English. The programme sets the level. ELTE Computer Science asks for B1 in speaking and writing; Corvinus wants IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or Duolingo 100; several Debrecen programmes check English in an interview.
Subject exams. Debrecen sets entrance exams in programme subjects: mathematics for computer science, mathematics and physics for engineering, biology and chemistry for biotechnology. Corvinus business programmes require proven mathematics; applicants whose school certificate is not on the university's list take its free online maths test (26 questions in 60 minutes). ELTE will not invite you to its entrance exam until the application fee is paid.
Age. Many universities expect you to be 18 when studies begin; if you will be 17, ask early about the parental consent form. A minor's residence permit application also needs a parent's consent with a Hungarian or English translation.
Documents. Passport, certificate or transcript, certified English translation, language certificate, motivation letter and sometimes references. University-by-university deadlines for 2027/28 are in our guide to applying to Hungarian universities.
Stipendium Hungaricum for bachelor's students
The Hungarian government scholarship waives tuition, pays HUF 43,700 (about $134) a month, provides a dormitory place or HUF 40,000 (about $123) a month towards rent, and covers health insurance. Selection has two stages: your country's sending partner nominates you, and the university then tests you, with a minimum score of 56 out of 100. You may choose at most two programmes.
Each sending partner sets its own rules on top of the general call. For Russian citizens the nominating body is the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, working through the Interobrazovanie centre. In the 2026/27 round it accepted only full-time students of accredited Russian universities (plus academic and administrative staff), excluding final-year students and those on academic leave; bachelor's and specialist students could aim for a Hungarian bachelor's or one-tier master's. In practice, a Russian school leaver cannot apply straight after school through the Russian quota, while a first- to third-year university student can. Kazakhstan's sending partner is the Bolashak Center for International Programs, listed for all study levels.
| Item | 2026/27 round (latest published) |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu, plus the sending partner's own file |
| Deadline | 15 January 2026, 2 p.m. CET (Russian side: 4 p.m. Moscow time) |
| Age | 18 by 31 August of the starting year |
| Russia quota | up to 200 scholarships under the 2024–2026 memorandum |
| Results | late June to mid-July |
As of 1 October 2026, the 2027/28 call had not been published, and the memorandum with Russia covers 2024–2026, so recheck the terms when the new call appears. The sending partner decides on nomination, the university on admission and the Tempus Public Foundation on the award. Details are in our Stipendium Hungaricum guide.
Foundation options
| University | Programme | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BME | Pre-Engineering Programme | $3,615–4,293 (€3,200–3,800) per semester, 2026/27 |
| Corvinus | Preparatory programme | $6,779 (€6,000) per year |
| Debrecen | International Foundation Year (September–May) | $6,000, 2025/26 table |
| METU | Professional Foundation Semester, English Preparatory Program | $3,378–3,615 (€2,990–3,200) per semester, 2026/27 |
Completing a foundation course does not automatically admit you: progression depends on your results and the university's rules. Under OIF rules, a residence permit issued for a preparatory course is extended only if you are admitted to a degree programme.
Timeline for September 2027
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October–November 2026 | shortlist 3–4 programmes, check English and maths requirements, decide whether you are eligible for Stipendium Hungaricum |
| November 2026 – January 2027 | file the scholarship application if eligible; sit your language test |
| January–April 2027 | fee-paying applications, entrance exams and interviews; ELTE Computer Science closes on 30 April |
| April–June 2027 | receive decisions, pay the advance, apply for a dormitory |
| June–July 2027 | file the residence permit: the decision can take up to 60 days |
| August 2027 | submit your final certificate, collect the D visa, enter within 3 months of approval |
Residence permit and work rights
For study longer than 90 days, a visa-required national files a residence permit application at a Hungarian consulate before travelling. Approval comes with a D visa valid for 3 months, allowing one entry and 30 days' stay; the card itself is posted to the university. The file includes the acceptance letter, proof of language, proof that tuition is paid, proof of funds and health cover.
The fee is €110 (about $124). The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) decides within 60 days. Permits run for 1–3 years, never beyond passport validity, and are extended inside Hungary through Enter Hungary for HUF 26,000 (about $80). In Russia, the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow takes study permit files directly and through the VFS Global centre by appointment, and charges the fee in roubles by Russian bank card.
Students may work up to 30 hours a week during term and full time for up to 90 days a year outside term. Step-by-step guidance is in our Hungary student visa guide; for legal payment routes from Russia, see how to pay for studies abroad from Russia.
After graduation
Graduates may stay to look for work or start a business: OIF issues this permit for up to 9 months, without extension. You apply in Hungary while your study permit is still valid, and the job must match the level of your degree. Russian applicants should note the Russia–Hungary agreement of 22 November 2018 on mutual recognition of education and qualifications; regulated professions still need a separate licence. Many bachelor's graduates continue to a master's degree in Hungary.
Common mistakes
- Reading a semester fee as an annual fee. BME, ELTE and METU quote prices per semester.
- Planning on Stipendium Hungaricum without checking your sending partner's own conditions. Keep a fee-paying application running in parallel.
- Applying without paying the fee. ELTE will not invite unpaid applications to its entrance exam.
- Leaving the residence permit too late. OIF can take up to 60 days, and proof of paid tuition is required at filing.
- Ignoring mathematics. Corvinus and engineering programmes test it separately, and it decides more applications than the motivation letter does.
- Choosing only by city. Budapest housing costs more; Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs offer comparable programmes with lower living costs.
FAQ
Yes. A school-leaving certificate that gives university access at home is normally enough for an English-taught bachelor's without a foundation year, provided your English and core subjects meet the programme's bar. You can apply in your final year and submit the certificate in summer; the university decides on admission.
At public universities in 2026/27, roughly $6,000–8,500 a year: ELTE Computer Science and most BME programmes cost $7,231 (€6,400), Corvinus $7,457–7,909 (€6,600–7,000). The private METU charges non-EU students $7,909–11,276 (€7,000–9,980). Living costs are separate.
Not through the Russian quota in the 2026/27 rules: the Russian ministry accepted only full-time students of Russian universities who were not in their final year. A first- to third-year student may apply for a Hungarian bachelor's. The ministry nominates, the university admits and the Tempus Public Foundation awards the scholarship.
Not for English-taught programmes, where classes and exams are in English. Hungarian helps in daily life and job hunting; Hungarian-taught degrees require proven proficiency, and Stipendium Hungaricum offers a one-year Hungarian preparatory course for them.
The programme decides. Corvinus asks for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or Duolingo 100; ELTE Computer Science accepts B1; some Debrecen programmes test English at interview. The admissions committee makes the final call on whether a certificate meets the requirement.
Yes: the study residence permit allows up to 30 hours a week during term and full-time work for up to 90 days a year outside term. Exceeding the limit can cost you the permit, since OIF decides on extensions and withdrawals.
Sources
- ELTE: Computer Science BSc programme card (fee, length, requirements) — apply.elte.hu/courses/course/149-bsc-computer-science; self-funded applicants — elte.hu/en/content/for-self-funded-applicants
- BME: tuition fees 2026/27 — xplore.bme.hu/tuition-fees
- Corvinus University of Budapest: fees and advance payment — uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/fees-and-costs; admission requirements — uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/admissions-requirements
- University of Debrecen: non-medical fees 2025/26 (PDF) — edu.unideb.hu/p/tuition-fees
- Budapest Metropolitan University: fees 2026/27 — metropolitan.hu/en/tuition-fees
- Stipendium Hungaricum: 2026/27 call (PDF) — stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply; sending partners — stipendiumhungaricum.hu/partners
- Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education: letter MN-12/3266 of 24.11.2025 on the 2026/27 selection (PDF) — files.ined.ru/ined/iph/docs/2025/24_11_2025_MH-12_3266.pdf
- OIF: residence permit for study — oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/a-hallgato-tanulo-tartozkodasa; fees — oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/eljarasi-dijak; job-seeking permit — oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/allaskereses-vagy-vallalkozas-inditasa
- Embassy of Hungary in Moscow: D visa and VFS Global — moszkva.mfa.gov.hu/ru/razreshenie-na-prebyvanie-viza-d
- Russian National Information Centre: Russia–Hungary recognition agreement (22.11.2018) — nic.gov.ru/ru/docs/foreign/confirmation/agreem_recog_Hungary_2018
All figures checked on 1 October 2026. Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 1 October 2026: €1 = $1.1298 = HUF 367.18, so $1 ≈ HUF 325.
If you want to work through your route, send a request: document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
Next steps
- Master's Degree in Hungary: English-Taught Programmes, 2026/27 Fees and Admission
- Studying in Hungary for international applicants
- Universities in Hungary: which one to choose as an international student
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
- University of Debrecen: Admission, Programmes and Fees
