Managing Your Student Finances in Hungary
Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Hungary.
Hungary Student Money Guide
Example Yearly Tuition
Corvinus: 6,600 to 12,000 euros (EUR) a year. Debrecen: 5,500 to 17,500 US dollars (USD) a year.
Money Topics
Everything about paying for your studies in Hungary.
Planning Your Budget
Your budget has two parts: tuition and living costs. Hungary sets no fixed money amount for the residence permit for studies (the card that lets you live in Hungary to study), so plan with the real prices.
Essential Monthly Expenses
Dorm: 72,600 to 94,100 HUF a month
Shared flat: 80,000 to 100,000 HUF a month
Private flat: 100,000 to 250,000 HUF a month
University canteen meal: 2,500 to 3,500 HUF each
Loaf of bread: 600 to 1,200 HUF each
Student bus pass: 4,100 HUF a month
Banking in Hungary
Open a Hungarian account in your first weeks.
- Foreigners open accounts with a valid passport.
- Internet and mobile banking in English.
- Branches in Budapest.
Documents to Open a Bank Account
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Address card (the Hungarian paper that shows where you live)
- Student status certificate (a paper from your university saying you are a student)
Money Transfer Options
Bank Wire Transfers
Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.
Money Transfer Services
Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.
Common Payment Methods
Cash
Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.
Smart Financial Tips
Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in hungary
Tuition
Check if the fee is for one semester (half a year) or a whole year.
Check the currency: euros (EUR), US dollars (USD) or Hungarian forint (HUF).
Saving
A dorm or shared flat costs less than living alone.
Eat at the university canteen.
Banking
Bring your passport, permit, address card (the Hungarian paper that shows where you live) and student status certificate (a paper from your university saying you are a student) to the bank.
Scholarship students must have a Hungarian account.
Earning
Work up to 30 hours a week in term time.
The minimum pay in 2026 is HUF 1,856 an hour.
Pro Tips for hungary
Currency Management
- • Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
- • Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
- • Keep some local cash (Ft) for emergencies
Local Financial Culture
- • Learn about local tipping customs and practices
- • Understand tax obligations for international students
- • Explore local student financial support programs
Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.
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