Intro
Why Study in Hungary?
Hungary is a Central European country that shares borders with Croatia and Serbia in the south, Slovakia in the north, Austria in the west, and Romania in the east. The capital of Hungary is Budapest and it is characterized by its beautiful nature and unique architecture. Danube River is one of the attractions of the capital city of Budapest that offers a beautiful sight as it flows through the city. Hungary has a population of about ten million; out of which approximately three million are residents of its capital city. Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs are among some of the other major cities of Hungary that offer top-class education through its reputable universities. Generally, there are a large number of universities in the country offering hundreds of study programs in the English language for international students. Hungarian universities are part of the European Bologna scheme and are widely recognized across Europe and many countries worldwide. Hungary has produced several smart minds that contributed to the world a great deal; the great mathematician John von Neumann with his brilliant work in mathematics, computer science, and quantum mechanics and the Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi having discovered Vitamin C. Hungary is a great study-abroad destination. It is one of the most attractive destinations for international students.
Academic Year in Hungary
The academic year in Hungary starts in September and ends in June with long vacations in July and August. At present, there are more than 60 institutes of higher education ranging from small colleges to research universities. Enrolling in a Hungarian university for your desired study discipline will not only be adventurous for you pursuing your higher education in such a beautiful and interesting country, but it will also be an opportunity that can open many doors for you in the future.
Currency of Hungary
Although Hungary is a part of the European Union, it does not use the Euro as its currency. The official currency in Hungary is the Forint (Ft). Payments can be made in Hungary in Euros at some places but expect Forints in return. The conversion rate is One Euro equals three hundred Forints. The buying and selling prices of currencies vary from seller to seller, therefore, it’s best if you look around for the best exchange rate available.
Student Discounts
Students in Hungary get to enjoy several student discounts at many places; students enjoy such student discounts at public transportation, movie theatres, and sports venues. Students may enjoy discounts that can reach as high as half of the original price with their Student ID. Once students are enrolled at a Hungarian university, they are issued a Student Identity Card; students, alternatively, could obtain an International Student ID at ISIC.
International students are required to get a medical insurance card, usually offered by the university before receiving their entry visa. In some cases, student medical insurance can only be used at the university by university doctors while in other cases it can be used all over the country at hospitals or emergency rooms. First aid and medical care in emergencies are offered free of charge for international students. This insurance is also available for students who have been granted a fellowship by the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities. However, you can receive medical care free of charge, if you are a part of the exchange program for international students or are a resident state of an institute run by the state. Citizens of the European Union are insured based on their European Health Insurance Card while they are in some other member state. They have the same obligations and are given the same rights as the residents of that particular member state in terms of social security. To learn more about EHIC, please click here
General Facts about Hungary
- The Hungarian Parliament building is the third largest Parliament building in the world.
- Hungary spends approximately 5% of its GDP on education, driving the literacy rate to 99% in the country.
- The oldest university in Hungary is the University of Pécs having been established in the year 1367.
- The Hungarian alphabet has 44 letters.
- Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe; it was founded in 895 making it older than countries like France and Germany.
- There are 13 Hungarian Nobel Prize winners in fields such as chemistry, physics, medicine and economics.
Life in Hungary
Hungary is located in Central Europe. Its capital is Budapest which is characterized by its beautiful nature and unique architecture. Danube River is among some of the attractive places of the capital city of Budapest offering a beautiful sight as it flows through the city. Hungary is a country with a diverse culture; its rich history combined with its beautiful nature make it one of the most interesting and attractive study destinations in Europe. In Hungary, you get to attend live opera with high-quality value of production for the price of a movie ticket elsewhere. Entertainment for expats can vary depending on their location in the country. Movie theatres often show foreign movies with Hungarian subtitles.
If you are looking to start your higher education in Hungary with enough accurate information to begin your adventure, you need to read this article till the end. Join us as we introduce language, traditions, culture, and some basic information about Hungary.
Culture and customs of Hungary
Hungary has a diverse culture and you will come across several differences from the city of Budapest to the western and eastern borders of the country; values like respect for elders, ancestors, and women can be seen in many parts of the country. Hungarians enjoy an artistic sense with a dedicated interest in music, festivals, poetry, literature, opera, arts, mathematics, chess, and science. Hungarians are also known for their love for sports and have produced world-class athletes in many different sports; Puskas is one of the Hungarian athletes who is regarded as one of the best football players of all time. The country has made a regular appearance at the Olympics winning a total of 491 medals at the Summer Olympics and 7 medals at the Winter Olympics with fencing as the top medal-winning sport. Hungary also competes in different sports like wrestling, water polo, and swimming.
It is a custom to bring a bouquet or a chocolate box as a gift when invited to visit your Hungarian friends. It is also a custom to take off your shoes out of the house. It is not a part of their culture to arrive late for dinner or lunch as it is considered disrespectful behaviour. It would not be wrong to say that family is the center of their social structure and they provide financial and emotional support to their family as Hungarians strongly believe in the values and customs of the family. Families prefer to live closer together, thus the grandparents, parents, and their children often live in the same family house. They are all very close and stick by one another in every situation.
Official Language in Hungary
Hungarian is the official language of the country and it is spoken by about 98% of the total population. The residents of the country name their language Magyar. International students are recommended to learn some basic words of the Hungarian language that can be helpful in their day-to-day life in Hungary. If you are interested in learning the local language, the web is full of services that offer simple and easy ways to learn a new language; services like Duolingo and Udemy are considered to be great resources for learning the Hungarian language as well as other languages as well.
Student Accommodation
Students need to prepare their housing in Hungary before entering the country. Hungary offers international students quite a few alternatives when it comes to housing; Hungarian universities often have their dormitories as the economy option for students with a monthly housing budget of approximately EUR 100-200; dormitories are often near the university and are considered to be a good place to engage with other international students and make friends. Other housing alternatives include sharing a private apartment with friends for those who would like to enjoy a quieter and more private life. Accommodation rates usually vary depending on the city in which a university is located as well as its location in the city. Budapest is considered to be one of the most expensive to live in Budapest; other cities like Pécs, Szeged, and Debrecen have world-renowned universities while being some of the least expensive Hungarian cities to live in.
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Advantages of Educational System in Hungary
Since joining the Bologna process, the higher education system in Hungary has introduced a better quality, more mobile education. Universities in Hungary are able to provide facilities and resources that are incredibly useful for academic excellence and helps students achieve personal and professional goals. Studying in English in Hungary makes it much easier without having to learn the local language; one of the things international students look for in a study-abroad university is whether or not the university teaches its courses in English in addition to its local language; this can facilitate the life of an international student not having to commit to learning the new language. Hence, it can be said that the study in Hungary is one of the best options to fulfil your dream of studying abroad to achieve your academic goals and establish your professional career for your future life.
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Requirements for Study in Hungary
The specific requirements for studying in Hungary can vary depending on the level of study (bachelor's, master's, doctoral), your nationality, and the university you wish to attend. However, here are some general requirements for international students studying in Hungary:
Admission Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: You'll typically need to provide evidence of your previous academic qualifications, such as high school diplomas, bachelor's degrees, or master's degrees, depending on the level of the program you're applying for.
- Language Proficiency: For programs taught in Hungarian, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language. For programs taught in English or other languages, you'll usually need to provide proof of your language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
- Visa and Residence Permit: Non-EU/EEA students will require a student visa and residence permit to study in Hungary. You'll need to submit the required documents to the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Application Process
- University Application: You'll need to apply directly to your chosen Hungarian university. Application processes can vary, so check with your specific university for details.
- Admission Test: Some programs or universities may require you to take an entrance examination or interview.
Financial Requirements
- Tuition Fees: Depending on your nationality and the level of study, you may need to pay tuition fees. Some scholarships are available for international students.
- Sufficient Funds: You might be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Hungary.
Health Insurance
- You may be required to have health insurance. If you don't have insurance, you can usually purchase a Hungarian health insurance policy upon your arrival.
Student Visa and Residence Permit
- After receiving your acceptance letter, apply for a student visa and a residence permit. Make sure to complete this process before entering Hungary.
It's essential to contact your chosen university or visit the official website of the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country to get precise and up-to-date information on the requirements and application procedures, as these can change over time and may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Be sure to plan well in advance to meet all the requirements and deadlines for your intended course of study in Hungary.
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Cost of Living in Hungary
The cost of living in Hungary is considered to be one of the cheapest living expenses in Europe. The cost of accommodation in Hungary ranges from 350 to 750 Euros per month depending on the location. The dorm rooms in Debrecen may cost somewhere between 150 to 200 Euros per month, while dormitories in Pécs may range from 100 to 150 Euros per month. Dormitory housing may be limited in Budapest; however, hostels and separate or shared apartments may be available for rent. There are a few other options where the rent of a one-room apartment starts from approximately 320 Euros per month. These apartments can also be shared with other students making it such an attractive less-expensive alternative.
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FAQS
Q: What makes Hungary a top choice for international students?
A: Hungary stands out for its blend of high-quality education and vibrant cultural experiences. With numerous universities offering programs in English and a rich history of academic excellence, students benefit from a globally recognized education in a stunning European setting. Plus, the affordability and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive option for studying abroad.
Q: What are the accommodation options for international students in Hungary?
A: International students in Hungary can choose from various housing options. University dormitories are an affordable choice, costing around EUR 100-200 per month, and are often located near campuses, facilitating interaction with fellow students. Alternatively, students can rent private apartments, which offer more privacy but may vary in cost depending on the city. Budapest is typically more expensive, while cities like Pécs, Szeged, and Debrecen offer more affordable living options with reputable universities.
