Hungary has recently emerged as one of the top choices for international students who aspire to study abroad. Over 32,000 students selected Hungary for their higher education during the year 2022-2023. The common reasons behind students' choice of Hungary as a study destination include its institutions' record of academic success, affordability in terms of overall expenses, and its culturally rich environment.

Multiple universities in Hungary have secured places in top-ranking institutions and have been recognized for their outstanding academic performance.

In this blog post, we will explore the key factors that influence international students' decision to study in Hungary. Moreover, we will highlight important points for students who are planning to pursue their education in Hungary.

Why Choose Hungary as a Study Abroad Destination?

Studying in Hungary can offer international students multiple benefits, providing ways for success in both their educational and professional careers. Below are several compelling reasons why students should consider Hungary as their study abroad destination.

Ideal Geographical Position

Hungary's central location in Europe offers easy access to travel around the continent. This positioning enables students to explore various destinations for leisure or to find educational and work opportunities.

Therefore, this advantage is particularly beneficial for international students, as it allows them to travel and explore without being confined to a single geographical area.

Some cities are in considerably close proximity to Hungary, including the following:

And many more.

Leading Educational Institutions

Hungary has many educational institutions which are known for academic excellence, with many of its universities ranked highly in international rankings. The Hungarian universities are known to provide a wide range of programs in multiple languages, outstanding curriculums and degrees that are accredited globally.

Most of the universities offer a diverse range of fields of study, covering various disciplines and academic areas that include Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences, IT, Computer Science and more.

Scholarship Opportunities

Hungarian universities provide a variety of scholarships for international students, which depend upon factors such as the chosen university, program, and student’s overall academic performance. These scholarships may be funded by the Hungarian government or offered as internal scholarships by the universities.

You can research on the available scholarships to know the criteria and choose the one that best suits your requirements.

English-taught Programs

he majority of universities in Hungary offer programs taught in English, providing a significant advantage for international students.This benefit facilitates accessibility for students who may not be proficient in Hungarian, enhancing their educational experience.

Low-cost Destination

Hungary is a budget-friendly destination for international students aiming to manage their expenses effectively. The total expenditure depends upon various factors such as accommodation choices, transportation and food preferences.

Nonetheless, generally speaking, the cost of living in Hungary is comparably affordable when contrasted with other European nations.

Safe and Secure Environment

Living in a safe and secure environment is one of the prior considerations, especially for international students who may be far from the familiarity of their home country. Hungary stands out as a nation that prioritizes safety, ensuring high standards for all residents. In fact, according to a report, Hungary was ranked 18th among the safest countries in the year 2022-2023.

Multicultural Exposure

Hungary offers multicultural exposure to international students providing them with the opportunity to network with people from around the world. While Hungarian culture is rich and distinctive, the country's central location in Europe provides a multicultural environment for students.

This provides international students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures, increasing their adaptability in diverse environments. It also expands their social networks, which can later present valuable opportunities in their professional careers.

Important Factors for International Students

As an international student, it's essential to consider certain important factors to ensure a smooth experience abroad. Let’s have a look at those factors:

Language

Language can present a barrier for international students in terms of communication and understanding.

While many courses in Hungarian universities are conducted in English, it's still beneficial to learn some Hungarian phrases and words to interact with locals. This becomes particularly important when you go outside the university premises for activities such as dining out, shopping, or leisure activities.

Having a basic understanding of the local language can help overcome any communication challenges and ensure a smoother experience.

Expenses and Budgeting

As an international student, it is important to establish a budget according to your affordability while making sure that you spend according to it. Before selecting a country and university for your studies abroad, you must have a thorough research on financial aspects. This includes assessing university fees, accommodation costs, travel expenses, meal budgets, and other related expenditures.

Following are some ways that can help you maintain your budget and save considerably:

Monthly Budget:

Make sure you create a budget in which you separately arrange all the areas of expenses and spend accordingly.

Part-time Jobs:

International students are allowed to work for up to 20-hours in a week. This can help you earn a good amount ranging from 300-700 EUR monthly.

Public Transportation:

Public transportation options in Hungary are safe, convenient and affordable. Moreover, you may be able to get a discount on your student ID.

Student Cards:

Utilizing student cards can get you discounts on public transport, restaurants, shopping, and more. However, eligibility criteria may vary, so it's important to regularly check for discounts and verify their applicability to your situation.

Academic Requirements

When researching universities abroad, it is essential to thoroughly understand the details of the institutions and programs you are applying to, including their academic requirements. Familiarize yourself with deadlines and application requirements to ensure your preparation beforehand and avoid difficulties during the application process.

Student Support Services

Student support services are important for international students as they provide assistance with administrative processes, aid in cultural adjustment, offer academic support, promote health and wellbeing, and assist with career development. So it is beneficial that you have necessary knowledge about these services beforehand.

These services ensure that international students have the resources and support they need while studying abroad.

Conclusion

Choosing to study in Hungary can be a great choice for international students, as it offers numerous benefits that can provide them a great experience abroad. You have the option to select from multiple renowned universities based on the programs that align with your interests.

We hope that this guide will be helpful for you and will assist you in making the best decision for your educational journey.

FAQs

Are there any specific language requirements to study in Hungary?

The majority of programs available at Hungarian universities are conducted in English. However, most of the universities do not require any language proficiency certification. You just need to be proficient in English.

Are international students allowed to work part-time while studying in Hungary?

Yes, you can work for up to 20 hours in a week as an international student studying in Hungary.

Are there any Halal food options available in Hungary?

Yes, there are halal food options available in Hungary, particularly in larger cities like Budapest and Debrecen. You will be able to find restaurants, grocery stores, and markets that offer halal-certified food products and meals to cater to the needs of Muslim residents and visitors.

Is Hungary a safe country for international students?

Hungary is one of the safest countries for international students that provides multiple facilities to them along with ensuring a safe environment.