Hungary is home to 20 state-funded universities, 11 of them in Budapest, along with six private or church-funded institutions. There are also 21 state-funded colleges in the country, three in Budapest. An additional 22 private or church-funded colleges are spread throughout the country, seven in Budapest. Applicants must have graduated from high school and are required to pass entrance exams in two subjects, which written and oral sections.
In the 1980s, several post-secondary institutions launched programmes in languages other than Hungarian and, over the past decade, Hungary has become the destination of choice in central Europe. With both academic excellence and lower tuition than in many other European countries, it’s not surprising that so many foreign students flock here. Today almost all the institutions of higher education offer foreign-language instruction, either with full degree programmes or more limited student exchange possibilities.
Medical and health sciences (Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Kinesiology, Psychology, Physical Education) programmes account for 30 percent of all international students in Hungary. Hungarian medical degrees are recognised by the World Health Organisation and all degrees are automatically accepted in the EU. Engineering, Architecture, Economics and Business are other specialties open to English-language students. The Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest and Semmelweiss University are the largest state-funded institutions offering these programmes in Budapest.
Central European University is a private institution in Budapest which offers English-language programmes at the Master’s and doctoral level in the humanities, social sciences, law and management. It’s accredited in both the US and Europe.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Műegyetem Rakpart 3-9, District XI (463 1111, www.bme.hu )
Corvinus University of Budapest
Fővám tér 8, District IX (218 6855, www.uni-corvinus.hu )
Central European University
Nádor utca 9, District V (327 3000, www.ceu.hu )
Semmelweiss University
Üllői út 26, District VIII (459 1500 , www.sote.hu )
Language schools
Learning Hungarian is definitely a challenge , but if you’re up to it it will make your life in Budapest significantly easier. Both language schools and private tutors abound, so lack of options is no excuse!
One of the most highly rated programmes is the Budapest branch of the Debrecen Summer School, which is affiliated with the University of Debrecen, offering both evening and short-term intensive courses.
Another well thought-of school is the Balassi Institute in District I. It’s state-funded and offers courses at all levels.
Debreceni Nyári Egyetem Budapesti Nyelviskolája (Debrecen Summer School)
Báthory 4, 2nd floor/1 , District V (320 5751, 30 928 6577, www.nyariegyetem.hu )
Balassi Institute
Somlói út 51, District I (381 5100, 381 5119, www.bbi.hu )
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