Quick facts
- Scholarship spotlight: The Stipendium Hungaricum covers full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance.
- Popular cities: Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs, and Gödöllő host internationally recognized programs.
- Program variety: Options range from Computer Science to International Relations and Agricultural Engineering.
- Living costs: Affordable cities like Debrecen and Szeged offer a vibrant student life at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost.
Hungary offers high-quality, internationally recognized degrees taught in English at a fraction of the cost of Western European or North American universities. While finding programs that are 100% free from the start is rare, the path to study in Hungary tuition-free is very achievable through incredible scholarship opportunities.
Hungary combines affordable living with academic excellence, making it a top destination for international students. Many universities boast low tuition fees, and when paired with generous scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum, your education can become completely free. This guide will walk you through five of the most affordable and respected English-taught programs and show you how to turn your dream of a tuition-free European education into a reality.
The Gateway to Tuition-Free Study: The Stipendium Hungaricum
Before we dive into the top programs, let’s talk about the golden ticket: the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. This is the Hungarian government’s flagship program for international students, and it’s your best shot to study in Hungary tuition-free.
What does it cover? Pretty much everything.
- Full Tuition Waiver: Say goodbye to school fees for the entire duration of your study program.
- Monthly Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly allowance to cover living expenses. For 2024/2025, this is approximately HUF 43,700 (~€110) for bachelor’s and master’s students.
- Free Accommodation: You get a spot in a university dormitory or a contribution of HUF 40,000 (~€100) per month towards your rent.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage is included.
This scholarship turns affordable programs into a completely free, all-expenses-paid educational adventure. The application period usually runs from November to mid-January for the following academic year. You can find all the details and eligible partner countries on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.
University of Debrecen — Computer Science BSc
The University of Debrecen is one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Its Faculty of Informatics is renowned for producing top-tier tech professionals. This program provides a strong foundation in software engineering, programming languages, algorithms, and database systems, preparing you for a high-demand global career.
- Why here?: Debrecen is a vibrant student city with a much lower cost of living than Budapest. The university has a massive international student community and a modern campus. The program is practical, hands-on, and highly respected by employers.
- Approximate Tuition: €6,000 per year.
- The Path to Tuition-Free: This program is a popular choice for Stipendium Hungaricum scholars. With the scholarship, the €6,000 fee is completely waived, making this top-tier tech education absolutely free.
Find more details on the University of Debrecen’s official page.
University of Szeged — Business Administration and Management BA
For aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, this program at the University of Szeged is an excellent choice. It covers all the essentials: marketing, finance, human resources, and strategic management. Szeged, known as the “City of Sunshine,” offers a friendly and lively atmosphere perfect for students.
- Why here?: The University of Szeged is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities (QS World University Rankings). Its business faculty has strong industry connections, offering valuable internship and networking opportunities.
- Approximate Tuition: €4,500 per year.
- Achieving Your Goal to Study in Hungary Tuition-Free: At this price point, the program is already a bargain. Applying successfully for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship eliminates this fee entirely, giving you a top-ranked business education for free.
Explore the course curriculum on the University of Szeged’s program page.
University of Pécs — Nursing BSc
Hungary has a long and respected history in medical education, and the University of Pécs is at the forefront. This Nursing BSc program combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice in modern facilities. You’ll be trained to meet global healthcare standards, with a degree that is recognized across the EU and beyond.
- Why here?: Founded in 1367, the University of Pécs is Hungary’s oldest university. It has a large and diverse international student body, especially in its medical and health sciences faculties. Pécs itself is a beautiful, multicultural city with a Mediterranean feel.
- Approximate Tuition: €5,000 per year.
- Your Scholarship Opportunity to Study in Hungary Tuition-Free: Health science programs are a priority for the Stipendium Hungaricum. Securing this scholarship means you can pursue this noble profession without the financial burden of tuition fees.
Learn more about the program at the University of Pécs program page.
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) — International Relations BA
Located in the bustling capital of Budapest, ELTE is Hungary’s most popular university. The International Relations BA program is perfect for students passionate about politics, diplomacy, and global affairs. The curriculum delves into political theory, international law, global economies, and the history of modern diplomacy, taught by leading experts in the field.
- Why here?: Studying in Budapest puts you at the political and cultural center of the nation. ELTE is a research-focused university with a stellar academic reputation. You’ll be learning in a dynamic environment with students from all over the world.
- Approximate Tuition: €4,600 per year.
- The Path to Tuition-Free Study: Social science programs are well-represented in the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Winning the award makes this world-class IR program in a major European capital completely free.
Check out the course details on the ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences page.
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) — Agricultural Engineering BSc
With a growing global population, agricultural science is more important than ever. This program at MATE (formerly Szent István University) equips students with the knowledge to innovate in food production, sustainable farming, and rural development. It’s a blend of engineering, biology, and environmental science.
- Why here?: MATE has a strong focus on practical skills and sustainability. Its main campus in Gödöllő, just outside Budapest, offers a peaceful and focused learning environment with state-of-the-art labs and research farms.
- Approximate Tuition: €3,500 per year.
- Finalizing Your Plan to Study in Hungary Tuition-Free: As one of the most affordable English-taught degrees on this list, this program is a fantastic value. The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship makes it an unbeatable opportunity to gain a vital degree at zero cost.
Find out more on the MATE Institute of Technology’s official page.
Start Your Journey Today!
Hungary offers a unique combination of affordable, high-quality education and generous scholarships that pave the way for a tuition-free degree. The key is to plan ahead. Start researching these universities, prepare your documents, and pay close attention to the Stipendium Hungaricum application timeline.
By choosing one of these low-cost programs and securing the scholarship, you can earn a valuable European degree without the debt. Your adventure to study in Hungary tuition-free is waiting!