If you want to study economics in Hungary, you can usually choose between bachelor's and master's level programmes, often in English. The main things to check are your previous school results, English level, tuition, and the university's application steps.
What you can study
Hungarian universities offer economics in different forms. At bachelor's level, you may see programmes such as economics, business and management, international business, finance, or applied economics. At master's level, you can usually specialise more, for example in economics, finance, data-driven business, or management.
- Bachelor's degree - for students who have finished secondary school.
- Master's degree - for students who already have a first degree.
- Some universities also offer double degrees, foundation years, or pathway programmes.
Always check the programme page, because the exact name and structure can differ by university.
Typical entry requirements
Requirements depend on the level and the university. For a bachelor's programme, you usually need a secondary school diploma or the equivalent. For a master's programme, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree.
You will often be asked for:
- academic transcripts and certificates
- proof of English, if the programme is taught in English
- a motivation letter or statement of purpose
- a CV for some master's programmes
- passport copy
- sometimes an entrance exam or online interview
English-taught programmes commonly ask for IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or another accepted test. Some universities also accept proof from your previous English-medium studies. Check the admissions page of each university, because accepted tests and minimum scores can change.
English-taught options in Hungary
Hungary has many English-taught business and economics programmes, especially in larger cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged, and Győr. Public universities and private institutions may both offer them.
When you compare programmes, look at:
- the exact subject focus
- the language of teaching
- whether internships are included
- the tuition fee
- the application deadline
- whether the degree is accredited and recognised in your country
If you want a cheaper option, do not guess from marketing pages. Open the official programme page and the university's admissions page. That is where you will find the current rules.
Cost: tuition and living expenses
Tuition in Hungary can vary a lot by university, degree level, and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. In practice, economics and business programmes are often in a middle range compared with other European countries.
As a rough guide, tuition for English-taught economics-related programmes is often somewhere around:
- EU students - sometimes lower, and in some cases there are state-supported places if you qualify
- non-EU students - often paid tuition, commonly in the range of a few thousand to several thousand euros per year
Some universities also charge application fees, entrance exam fees, or registration fees. These are set by the university, so check the official fee page for the exact amount.
Living costs are usually lower than in many Western European capitals, but they still depend on your city and lifestyle. A student budget in Hungary often includes:
- rent or dormitory fee
- food
- local transport
- books and printing
- health insurance
- phone and personal costs
In Budapest, costs are usually higher than in smaller university cities. Shared flats and dorms are often cheaper than private studios.
Application timeline and documents
Most universities open applications many months before the start of the semester. A common pattern is that autumn intake deadlines fall in spring or early summer, but this changes by programme. Some universities also have spring intake for selected programmes.
A simple timeline looks like this:
- Choose a programme and read the admissions page.
- Check the language requirement and document list.
- Prepare your transcripts, diploma, passport, and English proof.
- Apply online through the university or a central system if the university uses one.
- Pay the fee, if there is one.
- Take any interview or entrance test.
- Wait for the decision and then follow the enrolment steps.
If you need a visa or residence permit, check the official national immigration authority in Hungary and the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate. Visa rules can depend on your citizenship and length of stay.
How universities choose candidates
Selection methods are not the same everywhere. Some universities make decisions mainly from your grades and documents. Others add an interview, test, or motivation letter. For master's programmes, your bachelor background can matter a lot.
Universities usually look for:
- good academic results
- clear match between your previous studies and the programme
- proof that you can study in English
- a serious motivation for the subject
- complete and correct documents
If the university says a programme is competitive, that does not mean impossible. It means you should apply early and submit a careful application.
Common questions
Can I study economics in Hungary in English?
Yes, many universities offer English-taught economics and business programmes. Always check the exact language on the programme page before you apply.
Do I need to know Hungarian?
Usually no for English-taught programmes. Hungarian can still help with daily life, part-time jobs, and internships, but it is often not a formal entry requirement.
Is Hungary a good place for an economics degree?
It can be a good option if you want an affordable European study destination and an English-taught programme. Compare the curriculum, recognition, and total cost before you decide.
How Eduuro helps
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Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.