Hungary could be the best place for those who are fond of an interesting place to study. This makes it a students’ favorite destination due to its affordable education, quality universities, and vibrant culture.
Even before starting your studies, you must sort out your student visa. It’s important to know the exact requirements depending on where you are coming from since the rules may be different.
In this blog, we will provide you with the information you need to get your Hungary student visa to make it less of a hassle for you!
Types of Student Visas in Hungary
A D-type visa will be perfect for you in case you are a non-EU/EEA citizen. It is a national visa for a long stay, which is a single-entry visa meant for study purposes. So you can apply for a residence permit after enrolling in a Hungarian university.
Plus, you can stay long-term while focusing on your studies.
What are the Required Documents for study in Hungary?
Hungary offers great opportunities for international students. But for that, you must meet the requirements. The country follows the Bologna Process. That means to apply for Master’s or PhD programs, one has to have a Bachelor’s degree.
To obtain a Bachelor’s degree, one has to present a high school diploma and some list of documents relevant to his or her education.
If you’re applying for higher education, here’s what you generally need:
- A CV (resume)
- A motivation letter
- A copy of your passport or ID
- Proof of language skills
- English translations of your diplomas and transcripts
- Two academic reference letters
There are some specific requirements for specific degrees. These are:
Program |
Duration |
Requirements |
Bachelor’s |
3 Years | High school diploma (translated to English/Hungarian) and, sometimes, an entrance exam. |
Master’s | 2 Years | Bachelor’s diploma (photocopy) and may require an entrance exam. |
PhD | 4 Years |
Master’s degree or equivalent, passing a final exam, completing 240 credits, and conducting research. |
Additional Entry Requirements
You must also apply for a residence permit for study. This requires visiting the Hungarian embassy with documents like:
- Proof of enrollment in a Hungarian institution.
- Financial proof includes bank statements showing $700/month or a scholarship letter.
- Health insurance covers your stay.
What is the visa Application Process to Study in Hungary?
Students may find the process of applying to study in Hungary to be a daunting process. That is why, here we have provided the step by step guides to avoid the hassle of searching for every other guide.
1. Choose Your University and Program
First of all, decide on a program to which you aspire. Hungary provides education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Some top universities you might want to consider are:
- University of Pecs
- University of Szeged
- International Business School
Take your time to find a program that fits your interests.
2. Check the Requirements and Deadlines
Every university has different entry requirements. So, carefully read what they are looking for in the program you’re applying for. Some common documents are:
- High school or Bachelor’s diploma
- Transcripts (translated into English)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- CV, motivation letter, and academic references
Also, don’t miss the application deadlines:
- November for the first-round intake (for February start)
- February for the second-round intake (for September start)
3. Submit Your Application
The best part is most of those applications are done online via the campus website of the university. You only have to attach scanned documents which include your passport, CV, letter of motivation, and proof of proficiency in English.
You may be asked to have an interview in Skype or Zoom so make sure you are willing to do it.
4. Wait for the E-mail
After you submit your application, it can take some time for you to receive a response. In most cases, they reply by July for the autumn intake or March for the Spring intake. If they are, you will be given an offer letter that will indicate what you need to do next. Some universities may require some percentage of the tuition fee to be paid at least before the session starts.
5. Apply for Your Student Visa
You’ll need a student visa if you’re not from the EU/EEA. It’s important to start the visa process as soon as you get your acceptance letter. Because it can take 1 to 3 months. You’ll need these documents:
- Admission letter from your university
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date)
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Health insurance
- Proof of funds for living expenses
After arriving in Hungary, apply for your residence permit within 15 days.
6. Plan Your Arrival
It’s time to plan your arrival. The academic year has two semesters:
- Autumn Semester: September-February
- Spring Semester: February-July
Holidays are:
- Autumn break in October
- Winter break in December
- Spring break during Easter
Don’t forget to sort out accommodation and your budget for living in Hungary.
FAQs
1. What is the average processing time for different types of student visas in Hungary?
The Hungarian student visa normally takes approximately one month to process while it can take up to 60 days.
2. What are the application fees for studying in Hungary?
The average application fee for studying in Hungary is between $150-200 euro.
3. Can I work full-time as a student in Hungary?
If you have a residence permit for studying, you can work 24 hours a week during the term. During breaks, you can work up to 90 or 66 working days a year. You do not need a work permit while you study full-time.
4. How long does the visa last after completing studies in Hungary?
The visa allows foreign students who graduated from a Hungarian school to stay and look for work. It is valid for up to 9 months. Once the student finds a job in Hungary, the visa can be changed into a residence permit.
Final Words
When you plan and prepare yourself firsthand for the Hungary student visa, the process becomes much smoother. I hope this article helped you understand the steps and visa requirements. So, why wait? Start your student visa application today!