Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad The higher education in Hungary dates back to the 14th century, with universities that are among the oldest in Europe. Being part of the Bologna Process, the country has become in the last decades one of the most interesting study destinations in the continent. The shift is due not only to the quality education but also to the affordable tuition fees and cost of living. The country’s institutions are also more open to internationalization, paving the way for Hungarian institutions to rank among the world’s top universities. Join us as we explore the best of Hungary’s universities for international students.
Table of Contents
Semmelweis University: Nurturing Healthcare Leaders
Founded in 1769, Semmelweis University holds a distinguished reputation in the field of medicine and health sciences. With a commitment to innovative research and patient care, it remains a cornerstone of medical education. And it’s the case not only in Hungary but also internationally.
Semmelweis University is also one of the oldest medical schools in Europe, with a rich tradition of excellence in medical education and research. Located in Budapest, it offers a variety of medical programs. Moreover, it remains a top choice for aspiring doctors and medical researchers.
Moreover, Semmelweis University is among the top 250 universities in the world, according to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It features 6 faculties and 10 PhD schools. Students get training in medicine, dentistry, health sciences, health and public administration, pharmaceutical sciences.
The university’s András Pető Faculty prides to be a world-leader in conductive education. It provides its students with programs in Hungarian and in English, cooperating with other high-profile higher education institutions.
Find out more by visiting the website of Semmelweis University.
University of Szeged (SZTE): Cultivating Global Perspectives
The second institution of our top 10 universities in Hungary has been the country’s number one university in no later than 2020. The University of Szeged’s history dates back to 1581, in the city of sunshine, Szeged. The institution stands out mainly as being a prominent research university in Hungary. It provides diverse academic offerings and a vibrant cultural scene.
And there’s no shortage of reasons to choose SZTE to get higher education in Hungary. Starting with the fact that it’s the place where the 1937 Nobel Laureate 1937, Albert Szent-Györgyi, the first to isolate vitamin C, used to work. And apart from its high-ranking position in Hungary, SZTE also ranks among the top 550 globally. It also ranks at the top 30 in the Emerging Europe and Central Asia region.
Putting an emphasis on internationalization, the university participates in the Erasmus exchange program and offers most of its courses in English. There are also programs that are taught in French, German and other foreign languages across various disciplines. Being also one of the largest universities in Hungary, SZTE hosts around 21,000 students in its 12 faculties, 20% of them being international students.
Learn more by visiting the official website of the University of Szeged.
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE): Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Established in 1635, ELTE is Hungary’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities.
Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the capital city, ELTE offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. Its commitment to academic excellence and a multicultural environment makes it a prime choice for international students seeking quality education.
Eötvös Loránd University got its name from a renowned scientist: Baron Loránd Eötvös, a prominent Hungarian physicist and geophysicist. His work on the equivalence principle was a fundamental concept in Einstein’s theory of general relativity. It also has 4 Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni, beside several world-famous scientists.
Being therefore a leading research university in Hungary as well as in Europe, ELTE features 9 faculties. This includes the faculty of economics, law, education and psychology, science, primary and pre-school education, social sciences, informatics, humanities and the Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education.
Check the official website of ELTE for more details.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME): Shaping the Engineers of Tomorrow
BME, founded in 1782, is Hungary’s leading technical university. It started under the name of Institutum Geometrico-Hydrotechnicum, and focuses its teaching on engineering, architecture, and economics. Being one of the leading research universities in Hungary, BME has also established its scientific notoriety abroad.
Moreover, BME equips students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. The university’s emphasis on practical learning and research collaborations with industries prepares graduates for impactful careers. Throughout its 8 faculties, students have the opportunity to study in English, alongside the Hungarian language.
Furthermore, students can participate in international exchange programs and can spend some time abroad to develop special skills and foreign language proficiency. More on this internationalization effort, BME has several educational and/or research cooperation with institutions in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Find out more by visiting the website of Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
University of Debrecen: Bridging Excellence and Opportunity
Next of our top universities is one of Hungary’s most innovative institutions: the University of Debrecen. The institution shines in various fields, including medical and health sciences. The history of Debrecen’s higher education started in 1538, with its main campuses in Hungary’s second-largest city, in the east of Hungary.
The institution is also one of the largest universities of Hungary welcoming more than 29,000 students. With approximately 7,000 foreign students from 120 countries worldwide, the university stands out as a hub for international students. Its state-of-the-art facilities and research initiatives create an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries.
Moreover, Debrecen University features 14 faculties on 8 campuses as well as 24 doctoral schools. Being in the top 10 in Hungary, the institution ranks among the 550 best universities in the world and the 200 best in Europe. The university also offers programs in English since 1987.
Learn more by visiting the website of the University of Debrecen.
University of Pécs: the Oldest of the Universities in Hungary
With a history dating back to 1367, the University of Pécs is Hungary’s oldest university. Being also one of the country’s most esteemed institutions, it has shaped young scholars for more than 6 centuries. Not only it ranks among the best in Hungary but also among the 2.5% leading universities worldwide.
The University of Pécs also stands out for its location, in the beautiful, lively and historical city of Pécs, which not only is a university town but also the European Capital of Culture by UNESCO in 2010. It’s no surprise then that the university hosts a large student population of more than 20,000. More than 4500 of them are foreign students from 110 nationalities.
Lastly, the University of Pécs offers a diverse range of programs, including arts, computer science and information technology, and engineering, to name just a few. Languages of instruction include Hungarian, English and German. The educational institution places a significant emphasis on cultural diversity and student welfare, ensuring that its classrooms and dormitories are well-equipped. All this creates a supportive and inclusive academic community.
Visit the international center of the University of Pécs for more details.
Corvinus University of Budapest: Empowering Business Innovators
A leading institution in Hungary for economics, social sciences, and business administration studies, Corvinus University is a hub for future business leaders and economists.
The university traces its origins 120 years back when it was founded as the University of Economics. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded its academic disciplines to become a comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs. In 2019, the university took the name of Corvinus University of Budapest. This change reflects its commitment to academic excellence and its connection to Hungary’s historical and cultural heritage.
Moreover, being located in Budapest, Hungary’s cultural and commercial capital, Corvinus has close ties with the city’s bustling business community and industry. Its central location, multilingual programs, and emphasis on practical skills make it an attractive destination for both local and international students. Being a business university, Corvinus has the AACSB and AMBA accreditations, making it the only university in the country to hold both distinctions.
Find out more on the official website of the university.
University of Miskolc: Where Education, Tradition, and Community Spirit Converge
The University of Miskolc, Miskolci Egyetem in Hungarian, traces its roots back to 1735. It is located in the city of Miskolc, within a picturesque setting, surrounded by the Bükk Mountains, in the northeastern part of Hungary. And it has made it among our top 10 universities in Hungary thanks to its historical connection to mining and metallurgy education, which reflects the region’s industrial heritage.
Focusing on engineering, technology, and natural sciences, the University of Miskolc plays a crucial role in Hungary’s industrial and technological advancement. Its research and educational programs contribute significantly to the nation’s innovation. When it comes to figures, the university has established partnerships with more than 150 international institutions. Along that, it has 160 bilateral agreements in the ERASMUS program.
The campus life is organized around 8 faculties. 3 of them focus on engineering: earth, environmental science and engineering, material and chemical engineering and mechanical engineering and informatics. Other faculties include studies in economics, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, law and music.
Learn more on the university’s website.
Central European University (CEU): Pioneering Progress and Change
Central European University as stated in its name is an international university with campuses in Budapest and Vienna. It came into existence in 1991 to support the transitions in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In order to attract students who aspire to drive positive societal transformations, CEU provides education only in English. The main area of study include arts and humanities, economic science, legal science and social science.
Moreover, the university offers a very international and diverse learning environment. This is evidenced through the fact that more than 100 nationalities are present in its student population. Also, through the year, more than 130 permanent and 170 visiting professors from 50 countries ensure that the students get in touch with various teaching styles and expertise. At last, CEU’s emphasis on critical thinking and open discourse fosters a global perspective among its students.
Find out more by visiting CEU Budapest’s official website.
MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Navigating Agricultural Innovation
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, formerly Szent István University, has a history dating back to 1787. It was the first agricultural higher education institution in Hungary and today’s leader in agriculture sciences in the country. With a commitment to sustainability and rural development, the university addresses pressing global challenges through innovative research and education.
Moreover, the university has 5 campuses located in different cities across Hungary. Each campus focuses on specific disciplines and contributes to the university’s diverse academic offerings. Apart from traditional agricultural and life sciences, MATE offers programs in unique disciplines such as landscape architecture, rural development, and viticulture, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and sustainable land use.
Find out more by visiting the university’s website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hungary’s universities have a rich history of academic excellence, research innovation, and global impact. Whether in the fields of medicine, engineering, social sciences, or humanities, these top 10 universities continue to shape the nation’s future and contribute to the global academic community. Check out our review and find out the best institution in Hungary that can offer you the transformative experience you hope for your future.
