1. High acceptance rates
While Hungary is a good place to get a degree, not many international students go there. In 2018 there were only about 20,000 international students in Hungary. There is lesser competition for admission into Hungarian universities making acceptance rates high.
2. There are not many universities in Hungary
It is hard to get an appropriate number due to a number of unrecognized universities and colleges. There are only 66 government recognized universities and colleges in Hungary.
3. Hungarian universities rank well in global bests
Despite not having that many tertiary institutions, Hungarian universities make their presence felt in the global rankings. According to the Times Higher Education ranking of best universities for 2020, there are five Hungarian universities in the global best 1000. The highest ranked Hungarian university is the Semmelweis University at 401.
4. Outside Budapest you need to learn Hungarian.
If you are not studying in the capital where most people have a basic understanding of English, you will have to learn Hungarian. This will help you get around easily and communicate with the locals.
5. Tuition fees are relatively cheap
Most Hungarian students benefit from government subsidies in education which are not really available to international students. Notwithstanding, the tuition fees in Hungary are still modest, going for around €1,000-€3,000 per academic year.
6. Hungary is conservative
Europe is known as the bastion of liberalism. That term doesn’t quite cover the countries in the east of Europe who are still deeply conservative both culturally and politically. You may want to watch what you do or not do in Hungary.
7. Cost of living is cheap compared to other places in Europe
Compared to fellow European countries like France and Germany, Hungary offers quite a relative cheap cost of living. A budget of around €300-€500 per month should suffice for accommodation, books and other utilities.
8. Health insurance is mandatory
International students from Non EU areas are required to apply and obtain health insurance. As a matter of fact, your health insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining your visa to study in Hungary. The health insurance covers all your medical costs.
9. Classes can be in Hungarian, English or German
Depending on the language of instruction that best suits you, Hungarian universities offer courses in Hungarian, English or German languages. You would have to prove your proficiency in either of these languages or take language classes to enroll in a course.
10.There are discounts with students ID cards
There are lots of discounts offered for students in Hungary. This includes on public transport, at sports venues or for cinema tickets. They will all cost almost half of the original prize with the student card.
11.Budapest hosts a lot of tertiary institutions
Of the 66 higher institutions in Hungary, 35 are in the capital, Budapest. The city also hosts most international students coming to study in Hungary.
12.There are a handful of scholarships to choose from
If you wish to study in Hungary with aid, there are scholarships to help you achieve this goal. The Government Of Hungary Scholarship, Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People and many more. Visit www.afterschoolafrica.com to find more scholarships in Hungary.
13.You are allowed to work while studying
International students from the EU/EEA area are allowed to work unlimited provided they have their registration card. Students from outside this area are only allowed to work 24 hours a week during study period and 90 days during non study periods.
14.Not all universities require TOEFL or IELTS
If you have a complete understanding of the language in which your course will be taught, English for instance, TOEFL will not be required of you.
15.Hungary does not use Euros
Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, generally, you can barely use Euros. The official currency is called Forint (Ft). You can still pay with Euro in certain places, especially in Budapest. But expect to receive forints back and sometimes you will pay almost the double price when paying with Euros. One Euro is worth about 300 Ft.
16.Medical courses are most sought after by international students
Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary medicine are the most sought after courses for international students. Degrees in Engineering are also quite popular.
17.Student visa grants you access to 26 European countries
Hungary is part of the Schengen agreement which grants citizens of member states access to other European countries in the alliance. With your student’s visa you will be able to travel and stay in countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and others for up to three months.
18.Hungary is both safe and welcoming
Hungarians are generally welcoming towards foreign students and often help in any way they can. The country is also relatively safe for students.
19.Germans make up the bulk of Hungary’s 26,000 international students
That’s why classes are also taught in German. German students make up the highest number of international students in Hungary at 15%. Students from Romania come a distant second.
20.You can live and work in Hungary after graduation but…
You can apply to get the ‘study-to-work’ permit which allows international students to stay in Hungary for up to 9 months after graduation. During this period one must get a job to be able to acquire a resident permit.
21.You need government approval to name a kid
In Hungary, you are required to name your child from a pre-approved list of names. The list is extensive and continuously growing. But if you are dead set on a name for your child that isn’t listed, you must submit your application to the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and hope it gets approved. Unless you plan on giving birth while studying, you don’t have to worry about this law.
22.Hungary is rich in History and cultures
Hungary’s more than 2,000 years of violent history has unified its people and influenced its culture. Heritage and tradition are important to Hungarians, and are displayed in the country’s national celebrations, folk music, and dance and in the strong family ties reaching across generations.
23.Hungarians are crazy about thermal baths.
Hungarians are obsessed with thermal baths. They believe in its therapeutic effects and there are more than 1500 thermal springs around the country. Hungary also has the highest number of medicinal thermal bath spas in Europe.
24.Weather patterns differ in Hungary
Hungary has a continental influenced climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters. Snow falls for about 40 days in a year in the lowland regions and 120 days a year in the mountainous regions.
25.Hungary is dotted with magnificent landscapes
All around Hungary one is inundated with landscapes and historic buildings and artifacts. Some of them include the Buda castle, Danube river which flows through Budapest. Spa towns are just some of the many adventures awaiting one in Hungary.
There you have it, the 25 things you probably did not know about studying in Hungary. Do you plan on studying in Hungary? Or do you have experience studying in Hungary? Tell us about it in the comments section. If you are yet to subscribe to the After School Africa channel, now is a good time to subscribe. Until next time, YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!