Student visa to Hungary

International students who wish to stay in Hungary for more than 90 consecutive days and who are not EU citizens must apply for a long-term student visa to stay in the country. 

What are the requirements for obtaining a study visa?

To get a student visa to Hungary, you must first have an offer from a Hungarian University. You can apply for a student visa only before you leave the consulate or Embassy of Hungary that has jurisdiction in your state or country of permanent residence. Visa processing usually takes about one month, but it can take longer, so try to apply as early as possible to avoid unnecessary complications. 

What documents are required for a student visa to Hungary?

• The proof of payment of tuition fees
• Acceptance letter from the University regarding your admission
• The passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry
• A copy of your passport photo page
• A passport photo no older than 6 months
• Health insurance certificate
• The proof of address or accommodation in Hungary
• The proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the form of a bank guarantee/statement
• Visa application form
• 3 stamped envelopes in the applicant's name.

If consulates require an appointment, you will need to schedule it approximately 4-6 weeks in advance, as the appointment time is limited. 

How long does it take to apply for a student visa?

Visa processing time usually takes from 1 to 4 weeks.

Student residence permit

You will need to apply for a residence permit within 15 days of arriving in Hungary. This applies to both EU citizens and citizens of other countries who plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days.

To obtain a residence permit, EU and EEA citizens must submit the following documents:

• Certificate of payment of the required amount for training
• The approval document for the host University in Hungary
• The health insurance certificate.

Scholarship for Hungarian students

Hungary has double-sided agreements with approximately 68 countries. Bilateral state scholarships are based on agreements on scientific and educational cooperation signed by the governments of the two countries. If your country of departure has such an agreement with Hungary, you can continue your scholarship in Hungary as a candidate of your country of origin.

You can also apply individually, regardless of your country, without a nomination. 

Higher education in Hungary

Higher education is offered in two types of higher education institutions, egyetem (University) and főiskola (College), both of which can offer courses in all three cycles of study: baccalaureate, master's and doctoral courses.

The largest institutions offer courses in all areas of study, while smaller institutions have programs in several specific areas. Students can earn double degrees at many universities through joint degree programs in which the Hungarian University works together with another European Higher Education Institution. When applying for these programs, students enter both universities and receive a double degree from both institutions. 

What are the requirements for admission to Hungarian universities?

The requirements for joining and joining Hungary meet the standards of the Bologna Process. This means that a baccalaureate degree is required to access master's and doctoral courses. To complete a baccalaureate degree, you must have language proficiency certificates, a diploma, and other documents required for the program.

What documents are required for admission to a Hungarian University?

• An application for admission to the University
• Up-to-date resume
• The motivation letter
• Copy of your passport/Identity card
• The proof of language proficiency
• Translation of received diplomas into English
• Two academic letters of recommendation.
• For baccalaureate: 

- a certificate of secondary education translated into Hungarian or English, with corresponding extracts of courses and grades

• For Masters:

- a photocopy of your baccalaureate degree and you will probably have to pass the entrance exam.

Please note: this list is approximate. Find out about the current requirements of a particular university on the website or by email.

Learn more about education in Hungary here.

Can you combine your studies and work in Hungary?

If you are a citizen of a non-EU (EEA) country, you can work while studying with a residence permit for the purpose of studying and work 24 hours a week during the study period, or 90 days or 66 working days outside the study period (for example, summer holidays). 

Students 'working hours should not conflict with students' university-related responsibilities and threaten students ' academic careers. Full-time working hours of students are 20 hours per week in accordance with Article 117/B of the Hungarian labor code. 

Every international student who receives a degree from a Hungarian university or college (or any other higher education institution) is eligible for a study-to-work visa, but you must submit your application no later than 15 days before the expiration of your student residence permit.  

Preparatory programs for applicants in Hungary

Some Hungarian higher education institutions offer applicants to complete training programs for international students. Such annual courses are usually aimed at learning a language and/or complex mathematical or other professional disciplines, but don’t guarantee further admission to the University.

Here are some of the preparatory courses for admission to Hungarian universities:

• Preparatory program "Hungarian as a foreign language", University of Nyíregyháza
• French master's degree preparatory program (certificate), University of Szeged
• International University Foundation, International Business School - Budapest
• International Foundation Year (IFY) – NCUK: Business Stream, Avicenna International College
• Computer science preparatory year, Eötvös Loránd University
• Erasmus + Program, University of theater and Film Arts - SZFE
• German Foundation program (GFP), Avicenna International College.

Having one of the above certificates will greatly simplify admission and adaptation to Hungarian universities.