Are you getting ready for your medical entrance exam at the University of Debrecen but not sure what actually happens on exam day?

That uncertainty is completely normal. Most applicants have never taken an online entrance exam before, so not knowing the format can make the whole process feel more stressful than it needs to be.

Here is the problem in simple terms. There is a lot of outdated or slightly wrong information floating around online about how this exam works, how long it takes, and which programs even require it. Getting even one of these details wrong could mean showing up unprepared. The short answer is that once you know the real format, this exam becomes very manageable.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly which programs require the exam, how the written test and interview work, and what you need to do on exam day, based on the University of Debrecen's current official guidelines.

Which Programs Require the Medical Entrance Exam?

A written entrance exam, together with an entrance interview, is compulsory for anyone applying to:

There is no exemption from this exam for these four programs. Every applicant, regardless of background, needs to go through it.

That said, a few related health science programs follow a different format. Nursing BSc only requires a written exam in Biology, paired with the interview, so Chemistry or Physics is not part of it.

For several other programs, only the entrance interview is required, with no written test at all.

These currently include:

If your target program is not Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, or the Basic Medicine Course, it is worth double-checking which of these two categories it falls into, since your preparation will look very different depending on the answer.

How the Written Exam Works

The written exam covers two subjects: Biology, which is compulsory for every applicant, and then either Chemistry or Physics, based on your own preference. If you choose Chemistry, you will only answer Chemistry questions. If you choose Physics, the same applies there. You do not need to prepare for both.

The exam is made up of multiple-choice questions, definitions, and calculations. Sample tests and full exam topics for both Biology and your chosen subject are published on the university's website, so use them. They are the closest thing to a real preview of your actual exam.

Each written test takes 45 minutes. Since you take two tests, Biology and your chosen subject, your total written exam time adds up to 90 minutes. You cannot pause a test once it begins, and you cannot switch between subjects partway through, so only start when you are fully ready to complete it in one sitting.

How the Interview Works

After the written exam, you move on to the oral interview, which also covers Biology and Physics or Chemistry for medical applicants. For bachelor's and master's applicants overall, the interview committee typically asks about your motivation, your future plans, and your previous education, along with relevant questions tied to your academic background.

Your English communication skills and your level of English are assessed here as well, so this is not only a subject knowledge check. It is also a chance for the university to see how ready you are to study in an English-taught program.

Transfer students go through the same kind of interview, focused on English communication skills and motivation.

What Happens If You Already Have a University Degree?

If you already hold a bachelor's or master's degree, the university may grant you a full or partial exemption from the written entrance exam, based on the certificates and documents you submit with your application. Even with an exemption, though, an interview is still required before registration. So a degree does not remove the need to speak with the committee, it just may remove the written portion.

What Results Can You Get?

After your exam, there are a few possible outcomes:

Keep in mind that your exact scores for each part of the exam are for internal use only. The university does not share a detailed breakdown with applicants, only the final outcome.

A Note for Stipendium Hungaricum Applicants

If you are applying through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, the general entrance exam dates published by the university do not apply to you. Scholarship applicants are contacted separately about their exam dates, after their country nomination and the formal check of their application. So do not worry if you do not see a matching date on the general calendar.

Exam Day Guidelines

A few practical rules apply on the day of your exam:

Being fully prepared, technically and academically, before your exam window opens is the simplest way to avoid any of these issues.

You Are More Ready Than You Think

The University of Debrecen has built its medical entrance exam to be genuinely accessible. All you really need is a quiet room, a stable internet connection, and honest preparation using the sample tests the university provides. Once you understand the actual format- biology and your chosen subject, 45 minutes each, followed by an interview- the exam stops feeling like a mystery and starts feeling like something you can prepare for properly.

Key Takeaways

How the South Asia Regional Office Helps You Prepare

Getting ready for a medical entrance exam from another country adds an extra layer of pressure, especially when you are not fully sure what to expect. The South Asia Regional Office can walk you through the current exam format for your specific program, share the right sample materials, and make sure you understand every step before your exam date arrives.

Ready for Your Entrance Exam? Contact the South Asia Regional Office

Do not walk into your entrance exam unsure of what to expect. Reach out to the South Asia Regional Office today, and get the guidance you need to prepare with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which programs require the full written exam and interview?

Basic Medicine Course, Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. There is no exemption for these four.

How long is the written exam?

Each subject test takes 45 minutes. Since Biology is compulsory and you also choose either Chemistry or Physics, your total written exam time is 90 minutes.

Can I choose between Chemistry and Physics?

Yes. Biology is compulsory for everyone, but you choose either Chemistry or Physics based on your own background and preference.

Do all health science programs require a written test?

No. Nursing BSc only requires a written Biology test plus an interview. Several other programs, including BSc Physiotherapy and BSc Public Health, require only an interview, with no written exam.

Is there an exemption if I already have a university degree?

You may receive a full or partial exemption from the written exam based on your submitted certificates, but an interview is still required before registration.

What happens if I get a low score?

You may still be admitted to the Basic Medicine Course, a preparatory program, instead of being rejected outright. In some cases, the committee may also offer you a different program.

Do Stipendium Hungaricum applicants follow the same exam schedule?

No. Scholarship applicants are contacted separately about their exam dates after country nomination, so the general published dates do not apply to them.

What should I avoid doing during the exam?

Do not use calculators, notes, books, or other electronic devices, and do not leave the room or lose your internet connection, since any of these can lead to your exam being suspended.