Cost is usually the deciding factor when choosing where to study abroad. This guide sets out the University of Debrecen tuition fees for international students, the one-time fees you pay when you apply, what those fees already include, and what you should budget for living in Debrecen.

Everything here is for the 2026/27 academic year. Fees are reviewed each year, so confirm the current figures with our admissions team before you transfer any money. If you'd like a full breakdown for your program and intake, you can request a personalised cost estimate for free.

University of Debrecen Fees at a Glance

Tuition Fees by Program Level

Tuition depends on the program, not on your nationality. The figures below are for the 2026/27 academic year and are per year unless stated otherwise.

Medical and health sciences programs

Non-medical Bachelor's programs

Engineering, computer science, business, agriculture and science programs generally cost less than medical degrees.

Master's and PhD programs

Note on intakes: some programs start in September only, while others start in both September and February. Check which applies to your program before planning your finances.

Ask us for the exact fee for your program: it's the one number you shouldn't guess.

One-Time Fees When You Apply

Besides tuition, every applicant pays two one-time fees:

When you pay them differs by program type. For non-medical programs, only the application fee is normally charged at the time of application, with the entrance fee paid alongside tuition. For medical programs, applicants usually pay both fees at the application stage.

Bank charges are paid by the applicant, so transfer a little extra to make sure the full amount arrives. Always include your name, date of birth, and reference number in the transfer details.

What's Already Included in Your Tuition

One reason it's worth comparing full costs rather than headline fees: for 2026/27, University of Debrecen tuition includes health insurance, the medical check-up, and the student card.

That matters for two reasons:

Not included: accommodation, food, transport, books and personal expenses, travel to Hungary, visa fees, and any document translation or attestation costs.

Total Cost of a Degree: How to Calculate It

Use this formula to estimate the full cost of your studies:

(Annual tuition × number of years) + one-time fees + (monthly living costs × months of study) + visa and travel costs

Example: a six-year medical degree

Tuition is reviewed annually, so build in a modest increase each year when planning. Our team can prepare a realistic estimate for your program and intake.

Living Costs in Debrecen

Debrecen is Hungary's second-largest city and is more affordable than Budapest. A typical student budget covers:

Bear in mind that your visa application will require proof that you can cover your living costs for your stay, so a realistic budget helps at the visa stage too. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide to living costs in Hungary for international students and our guide to student housing in Debrecen.

Many students also work part-time during their studies to cover some living costs. See can you work while studying in Hungary?

Payment Schedule and Deposit Rules

Knowing when you pay is as important as knowing how much.

Scholarships and Discounts That Reduce the Cost

Several options can lower what you actually pay:

University of Debrecen scholarships. For Medicine and Dentistry, the maximum tuition discount is 30% of the annual fee. For non-medical programs, discounts can be considerably higher, up to 90% of the first-year tuition fee for some scholarship programs.

Merit-based tuition reduction. Students with excellent grade averages can apply for a tuition reduction of up to 20% per year, available from the second year of study. Foundation Year, Basic Medicine Course, and PhD students aren't eligible.

Sibling discount. Available when three siblings study medical or health sciences programs at the university.

Stipendium Hungaricum. This government scholarship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend for students nominated by their home country. Eligibility depends on your country and the current cycle.

Full details are on our scholarships page.

What Happens to My Fees If My Visa Is Refused?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and it's a fair one: students often pay tuition before the visa decision.

The university has rules for refunding prepaid tuition where a student's visa or residence permit application is refused, and the refusal is supported by official documents.

What we can say clearly: the application fee is non-refundable, and refund requests must be supported by the official refusal document. Contact our office as soon as you receive a decision so we can guide you through the correct process.

Costs Students Often Forget to Budget For

Tuition and rent are easy to plan for. These smaller costs catch students out, so add them to your first-year budget:

A good rule of thumb is to add a contingency of a few hundred dollars for your first semester. Most of these costs happen once, at the start, and then your budget settles into the regular monthly pattern described above.

How University of Debrecen Fees Compare

International students often compare Hungary with the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. Two points are worth keeping in mind:

If you're comparing Hungarian universities, ask each one what's included in the fee, what the payment schedule is, and what the refund rules are if your visa is refused. Those details can make a bigger difference than the headline number.

Get Your Personalised Cost Breakdown

Fee tables can only tell you so much. The total depends on your program, your intake, whether you start with a foundation course, and which discounts you qualify for.

Tell us your program and intake, and we'll send you a full cost breakdown: tuition, one-time fees, estimated living costs, and any scholarships or discounts you may be eligible for.

Prefer to talk it through? Contact us today or visit the University of Debrecen South Asia Regional Office.

Ready to apply? Check the admission requirements and the application deadlines. For the February 2027 intake, the deadline is 1 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are the University of Debrecen tuition fees for international students?

Tuition depends on the program, and for 2026/27 ranges from around USD 6,000 to USD 17,500 per year. Medicine is USD 16,900 per year. Fees are the same for local and international students.

How much does MBBS at the University of Debrecen cost in total?

Medicine lasts six years. At around USD 16,900 a year, tuition comes to roughly USD 101,400, plus the USD 150 application fee, the USD 350 entrance fee, and living costs in Debrecen.

What does the tuition fee include?

For 2026/27, tuition includes health insurance, the medical check-up, and the student card. It doesn't include accommodation, food, transport, books, travel, or visa costs.

When do I pay my tuition fee?

For programs with tuition under USD 10,000, you pay the yearly tuition plus a general deposit before you receive your visa supporting documents. Payment structures differ for higher-fee programs, so confirm with our team.

Can I pay tuition in installments?

Some programs offer an installment option. Check the current terms for your program with our admissions team before applying.

Are there scholarships to reduce the fee?

Yes. Medicine and Dentistry students can receive discounts of up to 30%, non-medical students may qualify for larger reductions, and a merit-based reduction of up to 20% a year is available from the second year. The Stipendium Hungaricum government scholarship is another route.

Will I get my money back if my visa is refused?

The university has a refund policy for prepaid tuition when a visa is refused, and you can provide official documentation. The application fee is non-refundable. Contact us immediately if you receive a refusal.

Are fees the same for international and Hungarian students?

Tuition for the English-taught programs is the same regardless of nationality.