With time, Hungary has attracted many students from all over the world. It has a low tuition fee but at the same time has quality education. Most importantly, you’ll love its culture, the buildings, and the students. 

In this article, I’ll discuss the top 10 universities in Hungary. You’ll learn what makes them special and how to choose one!

What are the Key Factors for Ranking?

There are a few key factors that help decide what makes an institution one of the best. These are the factors that matter most to students when choosing the Top 10 universities in Hungary:

Academic Reputation

It means how well a university is ranked based on various parameters such as quality education, infrastructure, social standards etc. Schools with strong academic reputations often have great faculty and are known for producing top-tier graduates.

Research Output

If a university is heavy on research, it usually ranks higher. If you’re more into research, this is an important factor.

Facilities

A great university needs great facilities. That means libraries, labs, and even things like sports centers. Top-ranked schools tend to have the best resources to help students thrive.

International Presence

When a university attracts students and faculty from around the globe, it means you’ll be exposed to different ideas and cultures, which is pretty cool.

Student Satisfaction

How happy students are is a big deal. If students enjoy their time at the university, feel supported, and get the most out of their education, that’s a positive sign for future students.

University of Szeged (SZTE)

Location: Szeged, Hungary

Brief History

The University of Szeged was founded in the 16th century. It has a strong history of teaching and research in Hungary.

Key Highlights

• Courses: Offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Arts, Medicine, Engineering, and Business.
• International Programs: Provides scholarships for international students.

Rankings:

• It has ranked #570 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
• It has ranked #11 in Eastern European universities.
• QS Sustainability Ranking: #325.

Why It Stands Out

Szeged is Hungary’s safest city. So it is great for students. The university is famous for medicine and scholarships. 

University of Debrecen

Location: Debrecen, Hungary

Brief History

The University of Debrecen started in 1538 as a Calvinist College. It became a university in 1912. Over time, it grew into one of Hungary’s largest universities.

Key Highlights

• Offers 87 Bachelor’s, 100 Master’s, and 10 one-tier programs. The fields include Medicine, Engineering, Arts, and Business.
• They teach over 6,300 international students and 80+ programs.
• WHO, the USA and many international medical councils approve medical programs.
• It conducts 14-15% of all research work in Hungary with 14 faculties.
• It received the Higher Education Qualification Prize in 2007.

Why It Stands Out

The University of Debrecen is a lively cultural and scientific center in Debrecen. As part of the EU, all over Europe approves its diploma. The university offers scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum. Admission to this university is simpler compared to many universities. It focuses on GPA and entrance tests.

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Brief History

BME is one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It is renowned for its contributions to engineering, technology, and sciences. It has been divided into a hub for innovation and academic excellence.

Key Highlights

• It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in technology, economics, business management, and sciences.
• The university is ranked #721-730 in QS World University Rankings 2025, and #12 in Europe University Rankings (Eastern Europe).
• They bear four Nobel Prize laureates and many distinguished scientists.
• They offer the Stipendium Hungaricum program, covering tuition, monthly stipends, housing, and healthcare for international students.
• The tuition fee is between US$3,800 and US$5,300 per semester for non-EU students.

Why It Stands Out

BME has a rich history with modern educational excellence. They emphasize innovation, affordability, and support for international students through scholarships.

The University of Pécs (UP)

Location

The University of Pécs (UP) is in Pécs, Hungary. It also has campuses in Szekszárd, Kaposvár, Szombathely, and Zalaegerszeg.

Brief History

UP started in 1367 and is one of Hungary’s oldest universities. It has 22,000 students and 1,700 teachers in ten faculties.

Key Highlights

• They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in many fields.
• It has 22 doctoral schools and the Szentágothai Research Centre.

Rankings:

• World University Rankings 2025: 1001–1200th.
• Clinical and Health: 501–600th.
• Life Sciences: 601–800th.

Global Focus: 24% of students are international, and programs follow the Bologna system.

Why It Stands Out

UP is a top research university that values innovation and student talent. The UP Clinical Centre provides healthcare and helps train medical students. Students appreciate the excellent support, modern facilities, and friendly international community.

Corvinus University of Budapest

Brief History

Corvinus University, founded in 1948, is a top Hungarian public university. It focuses on economics and social sciences. The university is located in Budapest and Székesfehérvár.

Key Highlights

Corvinus has 11,500 students from Hungary and around the world. The university ranks in the top 50 of Financial Times European Masters in Management. It is also the first Hungarian university ranked in agriculture.

Why It Stands Out

Corvinus is known for its strong reputation and international connections. It ranks well in academic and employment outcomes. The university also offers many scholarships and focuses on sustainability.

Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Brief History:

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) was founded in 2000. It was formed by merging several smaller institutions. The main campus is in Gödöllő, near Budapest. The university has campuses in other cities like Békéscsaba, Gyula, and Szarvas.

Key Highlights:

MATE offers many courses in agriculture, food science, and engineering. The university is known for its international programs. It has strong ties to agriculture and environmental studies.

Why It Stands Out:

MATE is ranked in the top 1000 universities for life sciences and engineering. It focuses on sustainability and environmental research. They are committed to global issues, like clean water and decent work. It prepares students to solve real-world problems.

Széchenyi István University (SZE) 

Location:
SZE is in Győr, Hungary, close to Vienna and Bratislava.

Brief History:

SZE became an entrepreneurial university in 2020. It focuses on modern education and innovation.

Key Highlights:

• SZE offers 35 English programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
• SZE works with Audi Hungaria and has a special faculty for automotive engineering.
• The university is building a 3.6-hectare Science Park to boost innovation.

Rankings:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: #1001-1200
• QS Sustainability Ranking: #889
• Europe University Rankings (Eastern Europe): #32

University of Miskolc

The University of Miskolc is located in North Hungary, near the Bükk Mountains.

Brief History

The university started in 1735. It has a strong history in technical education.

Key Highlights

• It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in English.
• Students from over 50 countries study here.
• The university ranks #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings (2025).

Why It Stands Out

The campus is large and well-equipped. Students take part in research projects and competitions. The university focuses on both theory and practical learning.

University of Pannonia

Location: Veszprém, Hungary

History: 

The University of Pannonia is located in Veszprém, Hungary. It focuses on research and education in engineering, economics, IT, humanities, and agricultural sciences.

Key Highlights

• It offers degrees in many fields like engineering, economics, and more.
• The university supports international projects and student mobility for better education.
• It has ranked between #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

Why It Stands Out

The university emphasizes sustainability in research and projects. It has 341 international students. The staff includes 357 faculty members. Scholarships are available for master’s students.

FAQs

What is the top 1 university in Hungary?

The top 1 university in Hungary according to the QS world rankings is Eötvös Lorand University.

Why will you choose Hungary for study?

Hungary is a great place to study. It is part of the European Union (EU) and a Schengen State. Tuition fees in Hungary are more affordable than in many other European countries. Plus, living costs are lower compared to most places in Europe.

Which is the cheapest university in Hungary?

The cheapest university in Hungary is the University of Dunaújváros. They offer bachelor’s programs starting at 0 EUR per year. But this is available only to EU/EEA citizens.

Is Hungary a developed country?

Hungary is part of the European Union. It has a good economy and people live well.

Conclusion

Hungary is one of the best countries for you to study and grow. The universities here offer quality education, and the country is full of history and culture. I hope this list helped you see the best options for your future. Each university on the list has something special to offer. You can find one that fits your dreams and career plans.