Intakes & Application Timelines in Hungary
Plan your application strategy with our guide to Hungary's university intake periods, application deadlines, and critical timelines for international students.
Hungary Academic Calendar
Annual Intake Periods
Key Deadline
The University of Debrecen stops taking applications for the February 2027 start on 1 November 2026.
Hungarian universities start in September, and some courses also start in February.
Intakes in Hungary
There are two starts a year. September has the most choice.
Key Information
- Most courses start now.
- Stipendium Hungaricum (the Hungarian government scholarship) students start in September.
- At the University of Debrecen, some bachelor's courses start only in September.
Application Period
Students who need a permit should apply early, because the permit decision can take up to 60 days.
Key Information
- Fewer courses start now.
- At BME (Budapest University of Technology and Economics), master's courses in electrical engineering can start in spring. Bachelor's courses start only in autumn.
Application Period
Spring deadlines come in October and November.
Pro Tip
Application Timeline
The main steps from choosing a course to arriving.
Choose courses
Check each course's deadline, fee and English rule.
Tasks
- • List 3 to 5 courses.
Apply
Apply online and pay the application fee.
Tasks
- • Upload documents.
Entrance exam or interview
Many courses test you or interview you online.
Tasks
- • Prepare for the entrance exam or interview.
Pay tuition
You need the payment proof for the permit.
Tasks
- • Keep the receipt.
Apply for the permit
At the Hungarian embassy. Decision within 60 days.
Tasks
- • Book your appointment at the Hungarian embassy.
Arrive and enrol
Travel to Hungary within 3 months after your permit is approved, and enrol at your university.
Important Notice
The Hungarian Academic Year
The year has two semesters: autumn and spring.
Key Dates
Academic Structure
The year starts in September.
Enrolment
At Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in 2026-27: 31 August to 6 September 2026 for autumn, and until 7 February 2027 for spring.
Exam periods
At ELTE: 14 December 2026 to 30 January 2027.
Student Tip
Timeline by Student Type
What changes for each type of student.
| Application Process | Undergraduate Students | Graduate Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main intake | Mostly September | September (some in February) | September or February |
| Permit decision | Up to 60 days | Up to 60 days | Up to 60 days |
Planning Tip
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