University in Hungary: 2026 and 2027 deadlines, fees and work rules

Applications go directly to the university

A self-funded student sends their documents directly to the Hungarian university they choose. Applications to programs in Hungarian only are made through the FELVI system, and these programs require advanced Hungarian.

The English requirement changes by school. The University of Debrecen asks for a certificate of at least B2 from a proctored exam. ELTE's International Relations master's also looks for B2, and assesses an applicant without a certificate in an interview.

For medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, the university runs its own entrance exam. At Semmelweis, the biology, chemistry, general English and medical English tests are taken at home on a computer, followed by an interview. In Debrecen's written exam, biology is compulsory.

Deadlines change from school to school

There is no common deadline in Hungary. Here are some examples for September 2027 entry:

• ELTE Faculty of Humanities: The first period of the 2027/28 application closes on 30 November 2026 and the last period on 31 May 2027.
• University of Debrecen: The deadline for all programs is 15 May 2027.
• Semmelweis: The deadline for English-language medicine, dentistry and pharmacy is 31 May 2027.

Some schools also admit students in February. At Debrecen, the deadline for February 2027 entry is 1 November 2026, but there is no direct entry to medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in this intake. At BME, the February 2027 application closes on 15 November 2026.

Applying early also affects the fee at some schools. For the ELTE International Relations master's, the application fee is €100 until 15 November 2026 and €200 in the 31 May 2027 window.

Tuition fees differ a lot by program

Some schools give the amount per semester and some per year. When you compare, we suggest you check the unit and the currency. Debrecen states that the figure in the admission letter is the final amount.

The Hungarian Government's Stipendium Hungaricum program covers the tuition fee, a monthly stipend, an accommodation contribution and health insurance. Applications for 2026/27 closed on 15 January 2026. We suggest you follow the 2027/28 calendar on the program's official site.

Residence permit and working while studying

After admission, you apply for a Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studies. The application is made to the Hungarian embassy or consulate in the country of your nationality. You need to document the money to cover your living costs, accommodation, return travel and health costs. The official pages do not give a fixed amount, so we suggest you ask the mission for the current document list.

With this permit, you can work at most 30 hours a week during term. Outside term, you have the right to work full-time for at most 90 days or 66 working days a year. After graduation, you can get a residence permit valid for up to 9 months to look for work. You apply for this permit at least 15 days before your student permit ends.

For details, see our Hungary page.