Study in Hungary: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Indian Students

So, you are scrolling through hordes of options for your study abroad destination, and Hungary pops up. You pause. Hungary? Yes!

There’s a quietly rising star on the European education map that not a lot of people know about or muse over – Hungary. Surprisingly, over the last few years, this European country has been gaining serious traction as one of the top choices for Indian students – and not without reason! Affordable tuition, a rich academic legacy, diverse Scholarships to Study Abroad, world-ranked universities, and an incredibly vibrant culture: Hungary checks all the boxes.

Plus, unlike many other destinations where you may feel like just another face in the crowd, Hungary offers a more intimate, inclusive, and quality-driven student experience, without the sky-high expenses that the ‘study abroad experience’ may typically incur, making it underrated, unexpected, and totally worth it. And at MetaApply IE, we are here for you every step of the way, helping you navigate everything from university selection to VISA applications and beyond.

But more on that later – let’s dive into everything you need to know to study in Hungary!

Why Hungary is on Indian Students’ Radar Now

The higher education landscape of Hungary is not new as it has been pulling its academic weight for centuries, with some of the universities established all the way back in the 14th century. But here’s why there has been a sudden uprise in its popularity as a study abroad destination now:

The Affordability Factor

Studying in Hungary offers excellent value for money. Compared to countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, or Australia, both tuition fees and living expenses in Hungary are significantly lower. In fact, in many cities across Hungary, you can cover your monthly rent, food, transportation, and other essentials for less than what you would typically spend on rent alone elsewhere. Such affordability makes it a smart choice for students looking to pursue quality education without breaking the bank.

Globally-Recognised Degrees

Hungarian universities follow the Bologna Process, which means that their degrees align with the EU standards and are recognised all across Europe and beyond. Regardless of whether you plan to work in Hungary or anywhere else abroad, pursue further studies, or return to India for work opportunities, your qualifications from Hungary will certainly hold weight globally. This global recognition of your degree opens up diverse career paths across different sectors and countries.

English-Taught Programs

Worried about the language barrier? You don’t have to be. Many Hungarian universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs across various disciplines – from medicine and engineering to business and arts, and so much more. While picking up some useful terms and local phrases (like “köszönöm” for “thank you”) might come in handy and even earn you smiles, fluency in Hungarian is not a requirement for staying and studying in Hungary.

A Cultural Treat

Hungary offers a unique mix of history, tradition, and modern life. It’s culturally rich, architecturally stunning, and has the charm of a smaller European country – which means you get to experience the beauty of Europe without the usual crowds or costs associated with it. Further, the lifestyle that Hungary offers is student-friendly and vibrant, with plenty of cafes, festivals, and weekend getaways to constantly keep things exciting.

The Schengen Access

A Hungarian Student VISA doesn’t just give you access to Hungary – it gives you a gateway to 25+ countries across the Schengen Area in Europe. Weekend trip to Vienna? Christmas in Prague? Summer in Spain? All these escapades are totally doable with this VISA! Basically, studying in Hungary puts Europe at your doorstep, making your study abroad experience truly worthwhile.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are some incredibly generous scholarships offered to study in Hungary, especially for international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even a monthly stipend in some cases. For instance, programs like the Stipendium Hungaricum are making headlines for their reach and benefits. We will cover scholarships in more detail later, so keep reading!

Popular Courses in Hungary for Indian Students

If you think Hungary is all about history, philosophy, or classical music, think again. While it does have a strong academic heritage in the Humanities stream, its universities offer a wide variety of future-ready programs across disciplines today. No matter if you are eyeing a clinical lab or a corporate boardroom, Hungarian institutions provide highly globally-relevant, industry-aligned education. Here are some of the popular courses in Hungary that are attracting Indian students in large numbers:

Medicine & Dentistry

Hungary has carved a niche for itself in Medical Education, enjoying a stellar global reputation in recent times. The country offers high-quality medical training at more affordable rates than most Western countries, often with English as the medium of instruction. Indian students are especially drawn to its clinical approach to learning, an excellent faculty, and seamless pathway to practicing internationally. Sure, admission is competitive, but the outcome is worth every bit of the effort!

Engineering & IT

With technology and innovation at its core, Hungary is a hub for STEM Education. For instance, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Europe for engineering and computer science. From mechanical and civil to software and AI, Hungarian tech programs are designed to meet global industry demands. English-taught engineering degrees here are not only all-encompassing but also come with practical internships and excellent career opportunities post completion.

Business & Economics

Hungary is home to business schools that can easily rival their Western counterparts. Institutions like Corvinus University of Budapest and the Central European University (CEU) offer cutting-edge programs in business, finance, and economics. These degrees are internationally recognised, with most of the alumni working at prominent global firms. The multicultural learning environment, effective exposure to EU markets, and stellar internship opportunities make Hungary an attractive option for aspiring business leaders and finance professionals from India.

Architecture & Arts

If creativity is truly your calling, then Hungary’s artistic and architectural education won’t disappoint. With cities like Budapest serving as living museums, students get access to one of the most visually and

aesthetically stimulating study environments all across Europe. Further, disciplines like architecture, design, and fine arts programs blend classical theory with contemporary practices, offering rigorous programs that are ideal for students looking to build creative, globally competitive portfolios.

Hospitality & Tourism

Hungary’s location in the heart of Europe and that, combined with its rich cultural heritage and booming tourism industry, makes it an ideal setting for studying Best Hotel Management and tourism management. Programs are designed more from a global outlook, offering hands-on training and international internships. Moreover, Hungary is one of the prime-most tourist destinations in Europe, with millions visiting the country annually. As a result, students get great real-world exposure while studying, making them job-ready from day one.

Top Universities in Hungary

Hungary’s universities aren’t just aesthetically pleasing: they are academically solid on the inside, too. With centuries-old institutions offering globally recognised degrees, Hungary is home to some of the most affordable yet prestigious universities in Europe. Here’s a quick look at some of the top universities in Hungary that are popular among Indian students:

Note: All prices mentioned are approximate values. Students should check official government websites or the respective university websites for exact figures.

Let’s Talk Money: Fees & Other Expenses in Hungary

Studying abroad always sounds so exciting, but let’s face it: finances are a big part of the decision-making process. The good news? Hungary is among the most budget-friendly study abroad countries, with expenses considerably lower than in most European or North American destinations, making it a smart choice for those looking for quality education on a reasonable budget. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees across universities in Hungary may vary depending on the institution and the program. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between €2,000 – €17,000 (~₹1.9 Lakhs – ₹16.6 Lakhs) annually. While medical and engineering courses tend to be slightly on the higher end, courses in the humanities and arts are often a lot more affordable. And when compared to most Western countries, Hungary offers great value for money as a study abroad destination.

Living Expenses

The living expenses in Hungary typically range from €400 to €700 (~₹39,000 to ₹68,500) per month, depending on your lifestyle and the city you study in. For instance, Budapest, being the capital, is slightly more expensive than smaller cities like Debrecen or Szeged. However, these cities are all well within reach for most international students. This estimate usually includes accommodation, food, transport, and basic utilities, showing how the living expenses in Hungary are at par with most urban cities in India.

Additional Costs

Some additional expenses, like health insurance, are mandatory and cost approximately €150 to €200 (~₹14,600 to ₹19,500) per year. Apart from that, Student VISA fees are around €100 to €120 (~₹9,700 to ₹11,700), and are considered among one-time costs for the entire duration of your study program.

Basically, from a cost perspective, Hungary makes a compelling case for students looking to study abroad without exhausting their savings or taking on overwhelming debt!

Scholarships to Study in Hungary

Hungary is widely known for its generous scholarship ecosystem, with the Hungarian government and its universities offering several funding options that are specifically designed to ease the financial load for international students, including those from India. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is the most popular and competitive of them all. Offered by the Hungarian government, it covers tuition fees, provides free accommodation or a housing allowance, health insurance, and even a monthly stipend for your daily expenses. This scholarship is open to Indian students through bilateral agreements between Hungary and India, making it a highly sought-after funding option for those looking to study in Hungary!

CEEPUS Scholarships

Short for “Central European Exchange Program for University Studies,” this scholarship is ideal for students from Central and Eastern Europe, supporting mobility programs and short-term studies.

Erasmus+

If you are planning to do a semester exchange at another EU institution while studying in Hungary, Erasmus+ is your ticket. It helps with tuition waivers and mobility grants during your study exchange.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities in Hungary offer their own merit-based or program-specific scholarships as well as tuition discounts for international students. For instance, universities like the University of Pécs and the University of Debrecen often roll out tuition fee discounts and academic excellence awards. These are mostly merit-based, so good grades and an impressive application can really pay off!

But what if you don’t manage to bag a scholarship? Don’t worry – there’s still a smart way forward.

At MetaApply IE, we understand that even with budget-friendly tuition, studying abroad is still a major financial commitment. However, at the same time, we believe that financial limitations shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on your dreams. That’s why we have MetaFinance, our dedicated wing that helps students explore and apply for education loans that match their course, budget, and repayment capacity. We assist you in comparing loan options, securing documentation, and negotiating better terms, so you can focus on studying, not stressing about the finances.

So, while Hungary offers solid opportunities for funded education, even if the scholarship route doesn’t work out, your study abroad goals are still very much within reach with a little help from the right financial partners!

Eligibility & Admission Process for Hungary: A Quick Look

How MetaApply IE Can Make the Hungarian Dream Happen

There’s no doubt that Hungary is rapidly gaining ground as a top European study destination for Indian students. However, navigating the entire admission process can be quite overwhelming. That’s where we step in! At MetaApply IE, we have helped 10,000+ students find their right-fit university abroad, and Hungary is one of our personal favourites. Here’s how we make it happen:

• Profile evaluation + shortlisting best-fit universities in Hungary
• Application planning: SOPs, LORs, resume help & more
• Scholarship assistance + education loan support via MetaFinance
• VISA guidance, accommodation support, pre-departure briefings, and more

From the initial course selection to landing in Hungary, we provide complete, end-to-end support to help you chase your academic dreams with confidence.

Hungary offers the best of both worlds: a high-quality European education and a lifestyle that’s both enriching and affordable. After all, studying abroad is seldom just about the degree – it also includes the overall experience, exposure, and the excitement of building a life in a new country. Hungary gives you all that, without making you drown in debt (or face harsh weather conditions!)

So, are you ready to explore what Hungary has to offer?

Book a free consultation with MetaApply IE today and let’s get started on your study abroad journey!