Affordable Universities in Hungary for International Students (2025 Updated)

Despite the dream of studying in Europe for international students, many are hindered by high costs and difficult visa procedures. Tuition fees, living expenses, and visa complications often become obstacles when it comes to getting admission to a good university.

Students often worry about where to get quality education, but they do not have to burden their families with too much money. Visa hassles and time-consuming procedures are another big concern. Sometimes, dreams are shattered due to sudden increases in costs or complicated admission procedures.

To address this issue, Hungary has become a great destination for international students. It offers internationally recognized European degrees, where tuition fees and living costs are much lower. Moreover, the easy visa process makes this country even more attractive for students.

In this guide, we will highlight the affordable universities in Hungary, tuition fees, living expenses, scholarship benefits, and other detailed information, which will help you make your dream of studying in Europe a reality.

Top 25 Cheapest Universities in Hungary for International Students (Bachelor’s, Master’s & PHD)

• Budapest Business School
• Budapest Metropolitan University
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics
• Cornivus University of Budapest
• Eötvös Loránd University
• Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Hungarian University of Fine Arts
• International Business School – IBS
• John Wesley Theological College
• Károli Gáspár Reformed University
• Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music
• Pázmány Péter Catholic University
• Széchenyi István University of Győr
• Tomori Pál College
• University of Debrecen
• Université de Dunaújváros
• University of Miskolc
• University of Nyíregyháza
• University of Pannonia
• University of Pécs
• University of Public Service
• University of Sopron
• University of Szeged
• University of West Hungary
• Wekerle Business School

Universities in Hungary That We Directly Recommend

• International Business School – IBS
• University of Debrecen
• Wekerle Business School

Tuition Fees in Hungary for International Students

Average tuition fees for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs typically range between €1,500 and €10,000 per semester. The tuition fees for different levels of degrees in Hungary vary.

Tuition Fees Analysis by Course:

Course Name	Tuition Fees (Per Semester)
Business Administration and Management (BSc)	1700-3300 EUR
Mechanical Engineering (BSc)	2200–3500 EUR
Computer Science (BSc)	2500–3200 EUR
International Relations (MSc)	2500–3300 EUR
General Medicine (OTM)	7000–9000 EUR

Best Low-Cost Programs to Study (High ROI)

Courses that lead to good jobs at low cost:

Engineering

Engineering courses are available at a low cost, and there are plenty of job opportunities in this field. Gaining skills in engineering can give you job opportunities in international companies.

Computer Science

It is easy to enter the technology sector by taking a computer science course at a low cost. If you have skills in this sector, it is possible to get a well-paid job, especially in the software development and IT sectors.

Business

Business and management courses provide high-paying job opportunities at a low cost. These courses help in improving business skills and create job opportunities in international companies.

Hospitality

You can also gain skills in the hospitality sector at a low cost, and it is very easy to get a job in this sector. It is possible to build a career in hotel management, tourism, and related fields.

Environmental Science

Environmental science courses provide jobs in environmental protection and related fields at a low cost. It is easy to get a job through this course, and it is a growing sector.

Public Health

Public health or health science courses are available at a low cost and can play an important role in health management in society. There are many job and research opportunities in this field.

Erasmus, Internships, Placement opportunities

Erasmus programs, internships, and placements are available at Hungarian universities, which create great career opportunities for students. These increase the chances of getting a job.

English-Taught Programs in Low-Tuition Universities

University Name	English-Taught Programs	Annual Tuition Fee (EUR)
University of Szeged	Engineering, Computer Science, Business	2,500 – 6,000
University of P̩cs	Medicine, Business, Engineering	2,500 Р5,000
University of Debrecen	Business, Engineering, Medical Sciences	3,000 – 6,500
University of Pannonia	Engineering, IT, Business	2,500 – 5,000
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)	Engineering, IT, Business	4,000 – 8,000
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)	Humanities, Science, Engineering	3,000 – 6,000
Hungarian University of Agriculture	Agriculture, Engineering	2,000 – 5,000
University of Miskolc	Engineering, Arts, Science	2,500 – 6,000
University of Nyíregyháza	Business, Computer Science, Various	2,500 – 5,000

💡 It’s not enough to just choose an affordable university. It’s also important to know about other ways to reduce the total cost of your education. Let’s find out in detail.

Cost of Living in Hungary (City-Wise Breakdown)

Budapest vs. Pécs vs. Debrecen

There are some differences in the cost of living between the major cities in Hungary. Here we will compare the cities of Budapest, Pécs, and Debrecen:

Budapest

• Rent: Rent in Budapest is a bit high. Typically, a single room can cost between €300 to €500 (including additional services).
• Food: Food costs can be approximately €150 to €250 per month, but will depend on your eating habits.
• Transportation: Monthly public transport contracts are around €20 to €30.
• Health insurance: Usually €10 to €30 per month, although some university students can get cheaper insurance.

Pécs

• Rent: Rent in Pécs is generally low. A single room can cost €200 to €350.
• Food: Food costs approximately €120 to €200 per month.
• Transportation: Public transport costs €15 to €20 per month.
• Health insurance: €10 to €25 per month.

Debrecen

• Rent: Rent in Debrecen is even lower. A single room can cost €150 to €250.
• Food: Food costs can be approximately €100 to €180 per month.
• Transportation: Public transport costs €15 to €25 per month.
• Health insurance: €8 to €20 per month.

Monthly Expense Planning

Rent

Plan your housing costs by city. While rents are high in Budapest, you can find good housing for less in other cities.

Food Costs

Cooking your own meals can help reduce the cost of food. Eating out at restaurants is relatively expensive.

Transportation

Use public transportation, as it is much cheaper and more efficient.

Health Insurance

Choose a health insurance that is affordable, but reliable and provides the necessary coverage.

Extra Expenses

Create a budget to reduce unnecessary expenses. Even small expenses, such as clothes, movies, or trips, should be kept in mind.

If you follow these tips, you will be able to manage your budget and reduce your monthly expenses in Hungary.

Budgeting Tips

It is very important to create a budget plan when studying in Hungary. Set a specific limit for monthly expenses and track daily expenses. Create separate budgets for food, rent, transportation, and other expenses.

Example:

• House rent: €250
• Food: €150
• Public transport: €20
• Other (internet, expenses): €50

Discount Cards, Transport Savings

• Discount cards: Many cities have discount cards for students. With these, you can get discounts on movies, restaurants, shopping, and public transportation.
• Transport savings: You can save money by buying a monthly public transport pass. Some cities offer cheap or free passes for students, so be sure to buy one. Walking or cycling can also be a good option.

Where Can You Cut Costs?

Food: Cooking your own food is much cheaper than eating out.

Shopping: Avoid unnecessary shopping and take advantage of sales or discount offers.

Market: Buy cheap food from local markets instead of big supermarkets.

Cafe/Restaurant: Instead of eating out, you can sit in a cafe and have some light meals.

Attend important concerts or events: Many events have reduced prices or free entry for students.

By following these cost-saving strategies, you can reduce your expenses and better manage your budget.

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Another effective way to reduce the total cost of studying is to work part-time. This will allow students to cover part of their expenses and also earn extra income.

How Many Hours Can Be Worked According to the Rules?

There are limits on part-time work for international students in Hungary. Generally, students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours during breaks (e.g., summer vacation). However, the working hours are limited by university regulations.

Jobs That Are Easily Available

• Restaurant: It is easy to find work as a waiter or kitchen helper in a restaurant. Most restaurants offer flexible working hours.
• Tuition: You can work as a private tutor for local students, especially in English, math, or science courses. This can be a good income.
• Shop: There are also plenty of opportunities to work in shops. It is easy to find work as a sales assistant, and flexible hours are available.

Average Income and Tax Rules

• Average income: Generally, the average income for part-time work is €4 to €7 per hour, depending on the type of work and location.
• Tax rules: In Hungary, some taxes apply to income from part-time work, but students generally pay less tax. If your income is between €1,000 to €1,500 per year, you may not have to pay any tax. However, there is a rule for paying taxes on your income every month, and this is covered by Income Tax and Social Security Contributions.

This way, you can easily earn extra income through part-time work in Hungary and still comply with regular tax rules.

How to Verify a University’s Accreditation

National Accreditation Authority:

First, go to the website of the Hungarian Ministry of Education or the National Education Authority. They provide a list of academic institutions and information about accredited universities. For Hungary, this would be the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MIT). If the university is listed on its website, it is accredited.

International Accreditation:

For European universities, you can check the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR). EQAR is an official database that verifies the accreditation standards of European higher education institutions. In addition, some universities may have international accreditations such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA (for business education), which ensure the quality of their education.

University Rankings:

By checking global university rankings (such as QS World Rankings, Times Higher Education), you can find out the global standing of a university and the quality of its education.

Verify Program-Specific Accreditation:

For certain programs, such as medical, engineering, or business, various professional accreditation organizations (such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Engineering Accreditation Commission) may verify their quality. Make sure your program has the appropriate accreditation.

Avoiding Fake/Unranked Institutions

Check for Official Recognition:

If you can’t find a university’s name on Google or other ranking websites, it can be suspicious. Also, if the university doesn’t have an official website or has a very poor website design, it can be a red flag.

Accreditation and Recognition from Relevant Bodies:

If the university’s accreditation is not by an internationally accepted or nationally recognized authority, then that institution needs to be verified. If the university is only accredited by a private or unrecognized institution, it is a risk.

Check for Alumni Network and Job Placement:

An established and recognized university has a strong alumni network and often offers job opportunities in international companies. So, look for information about the university’s alumni.

Avoid Unusually Low Fees:

If the university offers the cheapest tuition fees in the market, it can be suspicious. It is not easy to provide high-quality education at a low cost, and such institutions can often cheat you.

Scholarships to Study in Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum

To apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, you must first visit the Study in Hungary website and fill out the online application form. Applicants must submit their application through the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. There are specific deadlines and requirements for this scholarship, so it is important to apply on time.

What Does It Cover?

The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. With the scholarship, students can cover the full cost of their studies as well as reduce their living expenses in the country.

Tips for Success

• Prepare for the application: Prepare SOP and LOR well.
• Academic Performance: Your graduation or higher secondary exam results are important.
• Social Activities: Your participation in social activities and leadership skills strengthens the application.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ Scholarship is an important scholarship program for European students. It is basically an academic exchange program that provides opportunities to study in European countries, including Hungary. With an Erasmus+ scholarship, you can go to a Hungarian university and do research or take courses. Usually, applications for this scholarship are made from the Erasmus+ application portal.

University-specific Scholarships

Eligibility

University-based scholarships are generally open to students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These depend on the university’s own terms and conditions.

Amount

The amount of the scholarship varies according to university policy, but it usually provides 50%-100% tuition fee coverage and sometimes a monthly allowance.

Application Period

Applications for university-based scholarships are usually accepted between January and March. However, this depends on the specific policies of the university, and the schedule may vary.

Why Study in Hungary? Affordable Quality Education Awaits You

European Degrees with Global Recognition

The quality of education in Hungary is according to European standards. The universities there are recognized worldwide, which creates many opportunities for students in the future. The degrees here are internationally respected, so it is easy to study or find a job in any country around the world.

Easy Admission Process and Course Access

The admission process in Hungary is easy and relatively fast. Students can apply for various courses, the accessibility and quality of which are very high. Getting admitted here is quite straightforward, with no additional complications.

Affordable Living

The cost of living in Hungary is much lower than in other European countries. Accommodation, food, and other expenses are relatively affordable here. This is a big advantage for students, especially those who want to study in Europe on a limited budget.

Opportunities for Education in English

Many universities in Hungary offer courses in English. So, it is very easy for those who know English to study here. There is no language barrier to overcome, and high-quality education is available in English.

Advantages Over Other European Countries

Hungary offers several advantages over other European countries. For example, the country’s central location allows for easy communication with other European countries. There is also high-quality education at a low cost and an easy visa process.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Admission Based on Tuition Only

Many students get admitted to a university based on tuition fees alone. While low tuition fees are a big advantage, it can be a mistake to base your decision solely on cost. There are many other important factors to consider, such as the quality of education, the importance of the course, the expertise of the professors, and the career support services. If the quality of education at a university is not up to par, it can have a long-term impact on your career.

Missing Out on Scholarships

Many students are unaware of or do not pay attention to scholarships, which results in their education costs being too high. There are several scholarship opportunities for studying in Hungary, such as Stipendium Hungaricum, but they have application deadlines. If you miss out on a scholarship opportunity, the cost of your studies can increase significantly.

Not Checking the Ranking/Recognition

Not checking the ranking and recognition of the university is a big mistake. Getting admitted without checking the ranking of universities in different countries of the world or without knowing about international recognition means that your degree may not be internationally respected. The correct recognition and ranking of the university is very important for your future career.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Study in Hungary?

Hungary has now become a very attractive destination for international students. Along with affordable tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and high-quality education, it presents an easy and low-cost opportunity to study in Europe. The universities’ easy visa process and low cost of living have made it another popular destination. Therefore, Hungary offers a great opportunity for students.If you would like more information or assistance regarding admission or scholarships to study in Hungary, please contact AIMS Education. We are ready to assist you.

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