Hungary is renowned for offering high-quality academic programs at remarkably affordable rates. This excellent value for money is a primary reason why more than 28,000 international students choose to study in Hungary each year.
If you are planning to join this growing international community, it is essential to calculate your anticipated tuition fees and overall cost of living.
Let’s break down the expenses so you can plan your budget effectively!
1. University tuition fees in Hungary
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Hungary are significantly more budget-friendly than many institutions in Western Europe. As an international student, you can generally expect to pay:
- between 1,200–5,000 EUR/year for most degrees
- between 12,000–16,000 EUR/year for Medicine and Dentistry degrees
Important Note: Most higher education institutions in Hungary require international students to settle tuition fees prior to official enrollment.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities typically have higher tuition rates than public ones. We always advise checking the official university website for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.
Be aware that both public and private institutions set their own fee structures, and it is common for non-EU/EEA students to face different tuition rates than EU citizens.
Most affordable universities in Hungary
- – Bachelors start at 0 EUR/year (only for EU/EEA citizens)
- – Masters start at 0 EUR/year (only for EU/EEA citizens)
- – Masters start at 1,000 EUR/year
- – Bachelors start at 1,600 EUR/year
We have compiled this data based on the wide variety of study programmes listed on our portals. There are many affordable options available, so take the time to compare your choices.
Universities we recommend in Hungary
Discover the best universities in Hungary according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Hungary
The average monthly cost of living in Hungary typically ranges between 375 and 700 EUR, though this will vary based on your city, accommodation choices, and personal spending habits.
The Hungarian forint (HUF) is the national currency. For reference, at the time of writing, 1 EUR is approximately equal to 364 forints.
3. Student accommodation costs
International students have several accommodation options to consider, ranging from student dormitories to private apartments.
- University dormitory: under 100 EUR/month. In addition to being the cheapest option, they also allow students to know each other, socialise, and build friendships.
- Private dormitory: under 200 EUR/month and only available in some cities. The facilities are usually better when compared to those in university dormitories.
- Privately rented flat: 275–635 EUR/month based on the city and area where you live. The initial deposit (two months’ rent) and monthly utilities represent additional expenses.
4. Food costs in Hungary
Depending on your personal lifestyle, food and grocery expenses will typically average between 115 and 150 EUR per month. Below are some average price benchmarks for common food items in Hungary:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.65 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.65 EUR
- 12 eggs: 0.90 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.15 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.20 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 5.25 EUR
For more detailed data, check out current living costs in Hungary via our linked resources.
5. Transportation costs
- monthly public transport pass: 10–15 EUR, discounted for students
- bike-sharing system (only in Budapest): 22 EUR/semester
- taxi: starting fee of 1.95 EUR; around 0.85 EUR per km
6. Extra costs in Hungary
- entertainment (e.g. cinema, concerts, theatre): 20–35 EUR/month
- private medical insurance: usually needed by non-EU citizens; the monthly cost varies depending on the length of your stay and the type of medical services which are included
7. University scholarships and grants
You can effectively reduce your overall financial burden by applying for various scholarships available in Hungary.
- Stipendium Hungaricum
- Bilateral State Scholarships
- Erasmus+
- CEEPUS
- EEA Grants Scholarships
Additionally, we encourage you to search for institutional funding or apply for our very own Online Result Scholarship.