How to Apply to Hungary Universities
A step-by-step walkthrough of the university application process for Hungary. Learn how to navigate application systems, meet deadlines, and track your applications.
Hungary University Application Systems
There is no single portal for English-taught degrees. You apply to each university directly.
Key Features
- Apply to one university at a time.
- Upload documents and pay the fee online.
Perfect For
- Students who pay their own fees.
Application Fees
100 to 250 euros (EUR), or 150 US dollars (USD), for one application
Comparing Application Systems
| Feature | Individual Portals | Regional System |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | One university per application | Universities that take part in the scholarship |
| Main Focus | Applications by students who pay their own fees | Scholarship applications |
| Essay Requirements | Motivation letter if the course asks | - |
| Special Features | Direct contact with admissions | Needs a nomination from your home country |
- Check each university's portal for its own steps.
- Scholarship students from Pakistan also apply on the HEC website.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Six steps to apply as a student from India or Pakistan.
Pick English-taught courses and check fees, deadlines and English rules.
Key Considerations
- Fee and currency.
- Earlier last day for students who need a permit.
Pro Tip
Check the start month: some courses start only in September.
Transcripts, certificates, passport copy, CV and English test.
Key Considerations
- Debrecen also asks for a medical certificate.
Pro Tip
Get English translations early.
Use the university portal: DreamApply (Corvinus), SEMAPHOR (Semmelweis) or the university's own system.
Key Considerations
- Pay the application fee.
Pro Tip
Upload what you have; send final papers later.
Many courses have a written test or online interview.
Key Considerations
- Semmelweis medicine: biology, chemistry and English.
Pro Tip
Corvinus offers a practice maths paper.
Pay tuition or a deposit to get your admission papers.
Key Considerations
- Debrecen: if a course costs less than 10,000 US dollars (USD) a year, pay the full year's fee and a deposit before you get the papers for your permit application.
Pro Tip
Keep the receipt for the embassy.
Apply for the residence permit for studies (the card that lets you live in Hungary to study) at the Hungarian embassy.
Key Considerations
- Decision within 60 days.
Pro Tip
Book the embassy appointment early.
A year plan for a September 2027 start.
Important Note
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
Each university charges its own application fee. It is not refundable.
University of Debrecen
Plus a 350 USD entrance exam fee.
Corvinus
Free for Stipendium Hungaricum applicants.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), economics faculty
Paid at the start of the application.
Semmelweis University
Admission procedure fee, paid when you apply.
Multiple Applications Add Up
Bank transfer
University of Debrecen asks for a bank receipt for the fee.
Online payment
Corvinus takes the fee on its application portal.
Fee Waiver Eligibility
Some students qualify for application fee waivers, which lower the cost of applying
Common Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for application fee waivers if you meet any of these criteria:
- Corvinus does not charge Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora scholarship applicants.
How to Request Fee Waivers
University-Specific Waivers
Contact admissions offices directly to inquire about fee waiver options
Need-Based Waivers
Submit documentation of financial need or hardship
Program-Specific Waivers
Some universities offer waivers for specific programs or initiatives
Getting Help with Fee Waivers
Contact university admissions offices, your school counselor, or education consultants for assistance with fee waiver applications. Many universities are willing to work with students who demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Apply only to courses you really want.
- Check scholarship fee waivers.
Tracking Your Applications
Follow your application on the university portal and by email.
Application Tracking Methods
- Shows exam invitations and results.
Pro Tip
Email Management Tips
- Use one email address for all applications.
- Check your spam folder.
Common Email Issues
Admission decision
At Corvinus, students who pay their own fees usually hear back 2 to 3 weeks after their entrance exam or interview.
Each university works at its own speed.
Common Issues & Solutions
Common problems and how to avoid them.
Final certificate not ready
Many students apply in their final year.
Solution:
Upload your latest transcripts (at least 2 years for Corvinus). Send your final certificate by 1 August 2027.
English test missing
Most English-taught courses need proof of English.
Solution:
Book a test early. Universities set their own scores.
Applying too late for the permit
The permit can take up to 60 days.
Solution:
Apply early. Corvinus has an earlier last day (24 May 2027) for students who need a permit.
University admissions offices
- Your university's admissions email
- Your applicant portal messages
How to Ask for Help Effectively
- Write your full name and applicant number in every email.
- Upload clear scans of every page.
After Submission
What happens after you apply.
Complete Guide to Hungary
Explore all aspects of studying in Hungary with our comprehensive guides
Admissions - Detailed Guides
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