Hungary is one of the underrated European destinations when it comes to studying abroad. One can find the country as fascinating as any other European country with its rich history and architecture. Though it is one the popular tourist destination, the country does not get enough credit for the education destination that it is or has the potential to be. Six of the universities in Hungary feature among the top universities in the world, which is no small feat by any means and why to study in Hungary. If you are looking forward to studying abroad with international recognition and affordable studies, Hungary is a must. Here, we are talking about Student visas in Hungary for international students.

Hungary is what people visualise for themselves when they think about Europe. A country so rich in its art, culture, and history, that is the thirteenth most attractive tourist attraction in the world. The country ranks 45th on the human development index and provides free higher education to its citizens. For international students, it is one of the most affordable destinations, and studying in Hungary often adds value to their CV. If you are someone who wants to study in Europe at affordable prices and want to make the most out of that experience culturally, Studying in Hungary is for you. Here is all you need to know:

Universities in Hungary

If we count the colleges and church/religion-based universities out, there is a total of 27 Universities in Hungary for Higher Education. Students from Hungary can study in Hungary for Free as far as higher education is concerned. For international students, there are fees to be paid. Out of those universities, six of the Hungarian Universities feature in the list of Top 1000 Universities by QS World Rankings.

Study in Hungary: 

Before applying to the universities, you need to make sure about the requirements of the course and university you are applying to. The common requirements for applying to study in Hungary at a university would be:

• An updated CV/Resume
• Valid Passport
• Language Proficiency Proof (English/German/Hungarian based on the Course Language)
• Previous All Academics Documents (Translated in English if Needed)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Motivation Letter / Application Essay

With some courses, you might also need to appear for aptitude tests like GRE and GMAT, Skype interviews and academic papers depending on the course and university.

Cost of Living in Hungary

As we have mentioned, Hungary is one of the most affordable European destinations to study and live in. Apart from the tuition fees, an international student can sustain himself or herself in Hungary on 450-550 euros a month. However, the cost of living in Hungary would solely depend on your lifestyle. Also, with mediums like the University of Debrecen scholarship, excellent students can apply for up to 20% off on their tuition from the second year. As far as the tuition fees go, 

Scholarship

With the Hungarian Government’s Stipendium Hungaricum, international students from close to 70 countries are eligible to apply. Under that scholarship, international students are eligible for 150 euro/month stipend as long as they study in Hungary and a shared accommodation in the university to which they have applied to. The students are required to apply for this Study in Hungary Scholarship along with their university application. Moreover, they are not required to appear for the IELTS as long as they have completed their previous education in the English language.

Work and Study in Hungary

Non-EU/EEA students do require a separate work permit to work part-time in Hungary. A large number of international students want to work and study in Hungary as that would help them with day-to-day expenses and more. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week when their terms are going on, and during summer breaks, they are allowed to work full-time.

University Tuition Fees

As we have mentioned multiple times, the USP of universities in Hungary is their affordability. The tuition fees at Hungarian Universities range from 3,000 euros to 15,000 euros a year depending on the course and the university you choose. In some other cases, the cost of an MBA in Hungary can be higher. Unlike other countries to study abroad, the universities in Hungary are affordable for international students as well. The University of Szeged, one of the best universities in Hungary for Medicine, also offers a number of affordable courses. At public universities, the tuition fees for international students can get as low as 2,000 euros for a year.

Visa For Hungary

Students who are not from the EU, need a Student Visa for Hungary for courses that have a duration of more than 90 days. Here is all you need to know: For courses exceeding 90 days, a student visa is required for countries that are not a part of the Schengen Area, European Union or European Economic Area. Furthermore, within 15 days of their arrival, students will have to apply for a resident permit in Hungary. The student visa for Hungary needs to be applied for from the nearest embassy or consulate in your state and country. In some countries, an interview is needed to be booked by the student. The visa process, at a minimum, will take about four to six weeks and it can take more depending on the individual. Make sure you have enough time before departure. A student visa can be only applied for when a Hungarian University accepts you for one of their courses.

Student Visa Appointment

Students can submit their application for Student Visa for Hungary at the joint Schengen Centers or VFS Centers depending on their country. The applicants are required to appear at the center at least 15 minutes before the appointment. In some countries, at the VFS centers, biometrics are needed to be submitted. Biometrics are fingerprints and photographs of the candidate. Before booking an appointment for Student Visa for Hungary, make sure you have filled out the visa application forms correctly and have all the supporting documents you will need.

Student Visa Interview Questions

There are some common questions one will have to face during their interview. Though the questions usually come from the profile of the individuals

Student Spouse Visa

If a spouse or near family member wants to join a student who will be applying for a student visa, they need to apply for a separate permit. Same for the work permit and resident permit. Along with the students, the family members and spouses are required to apply separately.

Hungary Student Visa for Bangladesh Aspirants

For Bangladeshi students, Hungary has emerged as quite a favorable study-abroad destination. Every year a good number of I Bangladeshi students apply for Hungarian Universities and colleges. Bangladeshi students are required to apply online for the student visa, book an interview for the Visa at the VFS Hungary, and submit the biometrics at the VFS Center.

The student visa cost for Hungary is approximately 26400 Hungarian forint (Hungarian Currency).

Study to Work Visa Hungary

Once you finish your graduation in Hungary, there is a chance to stay back and work in Hungary. The students are required to apply for a “study to work visa” 15 days before their student visa’s expiration date. For that one needs to verify that they already have a job or actively looking for the job. You either need to have a regular source of income or have enough funds to sustain yourself. Valid health insurance and accommodation are also required. Keep in mind that one needs to leave the country if the study-to-work visa in Hungary is rejected.

INTAKES IN HUNGARY

 There are two different intakes in Hungary for International Students. Fall and Spring Intake. Hungary’s intake for international students is described below:

• In Hungary, the fall semester starts in September and ends in January.
• The spring semester starts in February and lasts until the end of June.

Major Intake

# Fall Intake - September  - It is Primary Intake. All universities offer all the courses to international students

# Spring Intake - February - It is a Secondary Intake. Plenty of courses are available for students who missed the fall intake

Fall Intake in Hungary

It is the primary intake for students who want to Study in Hungary. Most of the students prefer fall intake to study in Hungary, as it will give them enough time to be conditioned to the studies and the environment.

• Duration: September, October, November,  December, January
• Fall Intake is also called September Intake.
• This intake is offered by the majority of universities with a large number of seats available in almost all the courses, compared to the spring Intake.

When should I apply for the September intake in Hungary?

You can apply for September intake in Hungary from August to October. Do some research on the Intake application deadline of the university you want to study at and make sure to apply at least a month before your deadline. Don’t delay in replying to the emails of the university.

Deadlines for September intake in Hungary

Deadlines for September intake applications generally fall between December and March. However, it differs from university to university. For this autumn semester, the common deadline is the 15th of February.

Spring Intake in Hungary

Spring intake can be seen as the continuation of the fall intake. You can find plenty of institutes that offer courses in spring intake.

• Duration: February, March, April, June
• Spring intake in Hungary is also called February Intake.

When should I Apply for Spring Intake in Hungary?

Students can apply for spring intake from January to March in Hungary. Mostly, the students who could not get admission in the fall intake go to Hungary in the spring intake. Students will get another chance to complete their studies without waiting for a whole year.

Deadlines for Spring Intake Hungary

The application Deadline for this intake usually comes between May and June. However, application deadlines vary from university to university. For the spring semester common deadline is the 15th of November.

Steps to Study in Spring Intake in Hungary

If you are planning to study in Hungary and wish to go for Spring intake, here is the timeline for it.  Information about when to apply for Spring intake in Hungary, What is the process from start to end,  universities in Hungary for Spring 2021 intake, and all about the last dates to apply for Spring intake in Hungary.

Step 1: Start Now!

• Most of the colleges have a first come first serve admission policy for Spring intake in Hungary, so you need to start your application process as early as possible. Keep in mind the deadlines of the universities in Hungary for the Spring intake and start your preparations accordingly.
• Before that, select the colleges and universities that you are interested in. Do proper research on the list of colleges in Hungary for the Spring intake and then, see what are courses available in the Spring intake, and select the ones that suit your academic and career goals. Each University has its application deadlines, so take note of them and consider it before planning.

Step 2: Take the Required Exams: July to August

• Start your preparation for standardized exams such as GMAT or GRE, two months before the test. Register and take the required exams as per your university requirements.
• You should take your English language test such as the IELTS/TOEFL exam, depending on the course and university requirements, before applying for the institutes.
• Keep in mind that it will take some time for the results of the test to be declared. Also, keep one buffer month in case you are required to retake the exam because of any undesired result.

Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: August to October

• Look for Spring intake colleges in Hungary, and shortlist the colleges and Universities before the due dates for the respective institutes. Start applying for colleges. The documentation processes for application should start at least a month before the due date.
• Connect with your Managers and professors to get the Letter of recommendation.
• Start preparing your Statement of Purpose(SOP). It must highlight your strengths and present you as a unique applicant.
• Most of the spring intake colleges in Hungary will have their deadline set in for July. Some deadlines might be as late as mid-September, but keep yourself updated with the deadlines for Spring from the university website.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: October to December

• If you are shortlisted by the Colleges in Hungary, they will email you. Do not be late in replying to them. Appear for your personal or video interviews as scheduled by the university.
• If you get a positive response from the university, take a quick decision. Reply to them as quickly as possible. Some of the institutions follow a first come first serve policy. Do not wait for the application deadlines to reply.
• You will be required to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit to confirm your seat in the college.

Step 5: Apply for Visa and Arrange Funds: October  to December

• As soon as you get the admission letter, apply for an education loan if required/ arrange your required amount, without any delay. Loan processes take some time, and the candidate should always consider it while planning to apply.
• Assemble all the documents required for your student visa application. Apply for the student visa for Hungary on time as the processing for a visa will also take some time. If required, apply for an external scholarship as well, as soon as you get the admission letter from your college or university.

6: Tickets and Departure: December to January

• You are almost ready to fly! Book your airline tickets.
• Most of the classes in Hungary will start in early February, so it is advisable to reach there by January and look for accommodations on or off campus.
• Before flying, collect all your essential documents and their photocopies.
• Get the required international currencies before departure, and make sure you have marked every checkbox in your pre-departure checklist. Get ready to study in Hungary intake.

Steps to Study in September Intake in Hungary

For either bachelor’s studies or a Master's in Hungary, the first thing you require is an action plan. Here is a September intake in Hungary application timeline to give you an idea about what to do and in which month to do it if you want to study in Hungary!!!

Step 1: Start early: July to September

• Begin early and by August, shortlist the universities in Hungary that you want to apply to. Visit university websites and note admission requirements, due dates etc.
• By September, get familiar with all the bank loan options and scholarships to support your studies in Hungary.
• Do need to do some thorough research on the different accommodation options according to your budget.

Step 2: Crack the exams: June to December

• Prepare for required standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL or IELTS depending upon the course and university.
• Register for GMAT/GRE at least three months before the test date
• Enrol for TOEFL/IELTS no less than a month before the test date.
• Take the required exams after proper planning as you will need some buffer time in case you need to retake the test.

Step 3: Its application time: October to November

• Shortlist the universities and prepare for your application. Highlight your strength and also present what makes you unique as an applicant.
• Get connected with your professors and direct managers for the required Letter of recommendation.
• You should also start working on your statement of purpose(SOP). Give a month to structure them, so that you can present yourself to the university.
• Get ready at least one month before your application due date and apply before the due date!

Step 4: What next: December  to March

• If you receive emails from the university you have applied to, without any delay reply to them.
• Appear for video interviews as scheduled by the university.
• Once you get admission letters, make your decision as soon as possible. Inform the universities about your final decision.
• You will be required to pay a confirmation deposit which is non-refundable to confirm your seat at the university.

Step 5: Visa and money matters: April to July

• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships in Hungary (if relevant).
• Apply for the education loan, after you get your acceptance letter. (if required)
• Gather all the documents required for your student visa. Check visa prerequisites.
• You need to check and apply online for the Hungary study visa September intake
• Apply for a student visa on time. You should keep in mind the time taken for visa processing and plan accordingly.

Step 6: Get ready to fly: July to August

• Book your airline tickets and get ready to fly.
• Organize International currencies.
• Assemble all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
• Check out the Pre-departure checklist and make sure to pack everything you will need in Hungary.

Which intake to opt for?

You might be quite confused to decide the intake that will suit you better. We are here to help you choose the intakes. You should consider the following factors while choosing the intake:

• Availability of your preferred course.
• Acceptance rates.
• Your academic records.
• Standardized test scores.
• Job opportunities available.
• Your readiness to join the university.

However, most of the overseas students prefer to go for the September intake in Hungary. January intake is also good for many programs. If you do not have your documents ready until the application date, it is better to skip the current intake and apply for the next intake in the country.