How Much Does It Cost to Study in Hungary? Tuition Fees and Housing
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
What you pay in Hungary depends on two things: your citizenship and the language you study in. An EU citizen who wins a state-funded place in a Hungarian-taught programme pays no tuition. A non-EU student on an English-taught medical degree pays a full international fee. Fees are quoted in forints (HUF) for Hungarian-taught programmes and often in euros or US dollars for English-taught ones. In October 2026 one euro was worth about 363 forints.
State-funded places: no tuition, with conditions
Most Hungarian-taught programmes have state-funded places (magyar állami ösztöndíj). Citizens of Hungary, the EU, the EEA and Switzerland compete for them on equal terms, and the place goes to whoever scores enough points.
When you enrol on a state-funded place, you accept that you will:
- graduate within one and a half times the standard length of the programme;
- within 20 years of graduating, work in Hungary for as long as you studied on the state-funded place.
If you do not meet the work obligation, you repay part of the cost. Exemptions exist on grounds set by law.
Self-financed places
If your points are enough for a programme but not for a state-funded place, you can take a self-financed place (önköltséges). Each university publishes the fee on felvi.hu, usually per semester in forints. In our catalogue the typical self-financed fee at public universities is €2,064 a year. Church and private institutions set their own fees, typically about €1,926 a year.
What students from outside the EU pay
Non-EU citizens can study only on a self-financed basis, unless they hold a scholarship. Universities set separate fees for their English- and German-taught programmes:
- English-taught programmes at public universities typically cost about €5,200 a year in our catalogue.
- Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy cost much more. English-taught Medicine is typically €15,800 a year. These fees are the same for EU and non-EU students.
Expect one-off charges on top. The University of Debrecen, for example, charges USD 150 to apply and USD 350 for the entrance exam in 2026/27, and its tuition includes health insurance and a medical check-up. Dentistry programmes often add a material fee from the second year. Check whether a fee table is per semester or per year.
Scholarships
- Stipendium Hungaricum, the government programme run by Tempus Public Foundation for students from partner countries, covers tuition and pays bachelor's students HUF 43,700 a month (about €120). It also gives a free dormitory place where available, or HUF 40,000 a month (about €110) towards rent. You are nominated by your home country, and the deadline has been in mid-January.
- Some universities offer fee reductions based on academic results. Ask the admissions office.
See also our guide to scholarships and financial aid in Europe.
Housing
University dormitories (kollégium) are the cheapest option. Places are limited, so apply as soon as you are admitted. Prices published by universities for 2026/27:
| Where | Monthly price |
|---|---|
| Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, shared room | HUF 40,000 (about €110) |
| Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, single room | HUF 105,000 (about €290) |
| Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, self-financed international students | HUF 45,000 (about €125) |
Private renting costs a good deal more. The University of Debrecen tells international students that a private flat there usually costs HUF 120,000 to 140,000 a month (about €330 to €385). Rents are highest in Budapest. Our guide to finding student housing in Europe covers how to search.
Money for the residence permit
Non-EU students apply for a residence permit for study and must prove they have enough money for living costs, accommodation, healthcare and the journey home. The immigration authority accepts a bank statement, a notarised family support declaration, proof of income or a scholarship certificate, but it does not publish a fixed amount. Ask the consulate that handles your application what it expects. Stipendium Hungaricum holders pay no fee for the permit.
How to keep costs down
- If you are an EU citizen and speak Hungarian, aim for a state-funded place, if you accept the work condition.
- Compare fees: the same subject can cost quite different amounts at different universities.
- Apply early for a dormitory place.
- Check whether Stipendium Hungaricum is open to your country.
Where to look next
Official sources
- Felvi.hu: state scholarship conditions: obligations of state-funded students
- Stipendium Hungaricum: scholarship benefits
- Study in Hungary: official portal for international students
- National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing: residence permit for study
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.