Bachelor's in Hungary for Free: Top Scholarships, Universities & Application Guide

Latest update: Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for 2025/2026 saw unprecedented applications, offering fully funded bachelor’s degrees with a new focus on AI and green tech programs at top universities like ELTE and Debrecen.

Hungary is fast emerging as a budget-friendly study destination for international students. With over 28,000 international students currently enrolled in Hungarian universities, the country offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe. Many students can even pursue their bachelor's in Hungary for free through government-funded scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

Hungarian universities offer a wide range of English-taught bachelor’s programs in fields like engineering, medicine, business, and IT. Combined with a low cost of living, as low as €400–€600 per month (INR 36,000–55,000 approx.), Hungary provides an ideal mix of affordability and academic excellence.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can study a bachelor’s in Hungary for free, the top scholarships available, tuition-free universities, and the complete application process. Whether you're an Indian student or from another country, this blog is your roadmap to affordable education in Hungary.

Ready to study in Hungary for free? Explore top scholarships and universities — study in Hungary with upGrad today!

Why Choose Hungary for Bachelor’s Studies?

Choosing Hungary for your bachelor’s degree offers a mix of academic excellence, affordability, and global exposure. Here's why more students are exploring the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s in Hungary for free:

1. Affordable or Fully Funded Education

Hungary provides access to tuition-free bachelor’s programs through scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Free or subsidized accommodation
• Health insurance

2. High-Quality, Globally Recognised Degrees

Hungarian universities like Eötvös Loránd University, University of Debrecen, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics offer bachelor’s degrees recognized across Europe and globally.

3. English-Taught Programs

Over 500 bachelor’s programs are available in English in fields like:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business and Economics
• IT and Computer Science
• Social Sciences

4. Low Cost of Living

Hungary is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Average monthly expenses:

• €400–€600 (INR 36,000–55,000) including rent, food, transport, and personal costs.

5. Student-Friendly Environment

• Safe cities with rich cultural heritage
• Active international student communities
• Central European location with travel access to nearby countries

6. Part-Time Work Opportunities

International students can work up to 24 hours/week during the semester, and full-time during holidays, helping offset living expenses.

Is It Possible to Study Bachelors in Hungary for Free?

Yes, it is possible to study a bachelor’s in Hungary for free, thanks to a range of fully funded government and institutional scholarships offered to international students.

The most prominent among them is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, funded by the Hungarian government. It allows students from selected partner countries, including India, to study at top Hungarian universities without paying tuition fees.

Here’s what you can get under these scholarships:

• 100% tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (approx. INR 10,000–11,000)
• Free or heavily subsidized student housing
• Medical insurance for the entire duration

Discover merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships and explore Study Abroad Scholarships with upGrad. 

Top Scholarships to Study in Hungary for Free

Hungary offers several fully funded and partial scholarships that allow international students to complete their bachelor's in Hungary for free. These scholarships are either provided by the Hungarian government or individual universities and cover tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and more.

Whether you're applying for a degree in engineering, medicine, business, or the arts, these scholarship programs make higher education in Hungary affordable and accessible, especially for Indian students and others from partner countries.

Below are the top scholarships you should explore if you want to study in Hungary without paying tuition fees: 

1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is the most popular and widely accepted scholarship that helps students pursue their bachelor's in Hungary for free. Launched by the Hungarian Government in 2013, this scholarship is available to students from over 90 partner countries, including India.

Key Benefits:

• 100% tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend: HUF 43,700 (~INR 10,000)
• Free dormitory accommodation or a housing allowance
• Medical insurance for the entire duration of the study

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Stipendium partner country
• Should meet university admission criteria
• English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)

How to Apply:

• Apply through the official Stipendium Hungaricum portal
• Select your preferred courses and universities
• Submit all documents before the yearly deadline (usually in January)

2. Erasmus+ Scholarship

The Erasmus+ Scholarship is a European Union initiative that supports students to study abroad in other European countries, including Hungary. While it is more commonly known for exchange programs, certain full-time bachelor’s programs in Hungary also accept Erasmus+ funding.

Key Benefits:

• Tuition fee support (partial or full, depending on program)
• Monthly living allowance of €800–€1,000 (INR 72,000–90,000 approx.)
• Travel allowance and visa support
• Opportunities to study in multiple European countries

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in an eligible Erasmus+ program or university
• Strong academic background
• Proof of English or European language proficiency

How to Apply:

• Apply through your university’s Erasmus+ coordinator
• Submit academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and language scores
• Selection is merit-based and competitive

3. University-Specific Scholarships in Hungary

Apart from government-funded options, many Hungarian universities offer merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers that can help you pursue your bachelor’s in Hungary for free or at a very low cost.

These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance, entrance exam scores, or extracurricular achievements.

Popular Universities Offering Scholarships:

• University of Debrecen – offers Stipendium Hungaricum & its merit scholarships
• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) – provides faculty-level tuition discounts
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics – merit scholarships and fee reductions
• University of Pécs – tuition-free programs under Stipendium Hungaricum and Erasmus+

Benefits:

• Partial or full tuition waivers
• Monthly stipends (varies by university)
• Discounted accommodation and meal plans

How to Apply:

• Apply directly to the university during admission
• Submit scholarship applications along with academic documents
• Some scholarships are automatically awarded based on grades

Explore top-rated bachelor’s programs in Hungary with expert support from upGrad.

Tuition-Free Universities in Hungary (with Scholarships)

To study for a bachelor’s degree in Hungary for free, it’s essential to know that some top universities offer tuition-free education only when it is combined with a scholarship, such as the Stipendium Hungaricum or Erasmus+.

Below are some of the most reputable Hungarian universities where international students can study for free, provided they secure a scholarship:

University	Available Scholarships	Tuition Fees Without Scholarship
University of Szeged	Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus+	€3,000–€5,000/year (INR 2.7–4.5 lakhs)
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)	Stipendium Hungaricum, University Merit Scholarships	€2,500–€5,000/year (INR 2.25–4.5 lakhs)
University of Debrecen	Stipendium Hungaricum	€5,000–€6,500/year (INR 4.5–5.8 lakhs)
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)	Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus+	€2,000–€4,000/year (INR 1.8–3.6 lakhs)
University of Pécs	Stipendium Hungaricum, University Scholarships	€3,000–€5,000/year (INR 2.7–4.5 lakhs)

Discover the best options for your higher education abroad! Explore the top universities in Hungary with upGrad’s expert guidance today.

Eligibility Criteria for Free Bachelor's in Hungary

To study a bachelor’s in Hungary for free, students must meet specific academic and documentation requirements, especially when applying for scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum or university-level financial aid.

Here are the common eligibility criteria:

Academic Requirements:

• Must have completed 12 years of formal education or equivalent (higher secondary school)
• Minimum 60–70% score or GPA equivalent in qualifying exams (varies by university)
• Strong performance in core subjects relevant to the chosen bachelor’s program

Language Proficiency:

• Most English-taught programs require IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (iBT 72+), or equivalent
• Some universities may accept proof of English as a medium of instruction (MOI)
• For Hungarian-taught programs, basic Hungarian language proficiency may be required

Documents Needed:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates (with English translations)
• Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Updated CV or resume
• Scholarship-specific documents (like a motivation letter for Stipendium Hungaricum)

Scholarship-Specific Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible country (for Stipendium Hungaricum – India is eligible)
• No prior studies in Hungary under the same scholarship
• Fulfill all deadlines and documentation requirements

How to Apply for Free Bachelor Programs in Hungary

If you want to pursue a bachelor’s in Hungary for free, applying through the right scholarship programs and following the correct procedure is essential. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you apply successfully:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Choose Your Program & University

• Visit the official websites of Hungarian universities
• Shortlist bachelor’s programs offered in English
• Check if they are eligible under Stipendium Hungaricum or other scholarships

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

• Review academic, language, and nationality requirements
• Ensure you meet all scholarship conditions

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Valid passport
• 10+2 transcripts (with English translation)
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Motivation letter (required for most scholarships)
• Resume or CV

Step 4: Apply Through the Scholarship Portal

• For Stipendium Hungaricum, apply via: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
• Select your preferred university and program
• Submit your application before the annual deadline (usually January–February)

Step 5: Apply on the University’s Website

• Many universities require a parallel application directly on their portal
• Pay attention to specific university instructions and deadlines

Step 6: Attend Interviews or Submit Additional Material

• Some courses (e.g., arts, architecture) may require entrance exams or interviews
• Be prepared with portfolios or writing samples, if needed

Step 7: Wait for Results

• Scholarship and university results are typically announced in May–June
• Selected students receive an offer letter and visa instructions

Cost of Living in Hungary for International Students

Studying in Hungary is an appealing option for international students due to its affordable living costs, high-quality education, and vibrant cultural scene. The overall cost of living for international students in Hungary ranges from €4,200–8,900/year (€350–750/month), excluding tuition fees (approx. ₹3.78–8 lakh/year or ₹31,500–67,500/month).

Compared to other European countries, Hungary offers a budget-friendly lifestyle, particularly in cities like Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs, though Budapest is pricier. 

Below is an introduction to the key expenses international students can expect: 

Expense Category	Cost in €/Month	Cost in INR/Month
Accommodation	€150–500	₹13,800–46,000
Food and Groceries	€115–200	₹10,580–18,400
Transportation	€10–25	₹920–2,300
Health Insurance	€15–25	₹1,380–2,300
Personal/Leisure	€20–30	₹1,840–2,760
Total Monthly Cost	€350–750	₹32,200–69,000

Notes:

• Accommodation: Includes options like university dormitories (€80–250), shared flats (€150–350), or private apartments (€275–635). Budapest is pricier than other cities.
• Food: Covers groceries, university canteen meals (€4–6), and occasional dining out.
• Transportation: Reflects student-discounted public transport passes (€8.50–15) and minimal intercity travel.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory for non-EU students; EU students may use EHIC but often opt for private coverage.
• Leisure: Includes entertainment like cinema (€6–9) and moderate nightlife or sports activities.
• Costs are lower in cities like Debrecen or Szeged (€300–500/month) compared to Budapest (€400–750/month).
• Scholarships (e.g., Stipendium Hungaricum) and part-time work can offset expenses.

Part-Time Work and Internships in Hungary

International students pursuing a bachelor’s in Hungary for free often explore part-time jobs or internships to support their daily expenses and gain work experience. Hungary allows students from outside the EU to work legally during their studies, under specific rules.

Part-Time Work Regulations

• During the academic semester, Students can work up to 24 hours per week
• During university breaks, Students are allowed to work full-time (up to 90 days or 66 working days per year)
• A valid student residence permit is required to work legally

Common Part-Time Jobs for Students

• English language tutoring
• Waiter/barista in cafes or restaurants
• Retail assistant in supermarkets or clothing stores
• Campus jobs like administrative or library support

Internships for Bachelor’s Students

• Several Hungarian universities include compulsory internships as part of the curriculum
• Internships are available in fields like IT, business, marketing, tourism, and engineering
• Major cities such as Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen offer more options, especially in startups and international firms

Also Read: How to Find Perfect Part-Time Job Abroad

Student Visa Requirements for Hungary

To study a bachelor’s in Hungary for free, international students (non-EU/EEA) need two documents:

• A Long-Term Student Visa (Type D)
• A Residence Permit for staying beyond 90 days

Basic Visa Requirements

Requirement	Details
Visa Type	Long-Term Student Visa (Type D)
Who Should Apply	Non-EU/EEA international students
Where to Apply	Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in your home country
Processing Time	3–6 weeks
Visa Fee	Around €60 (INR 5,400) – waived for scholarship holders like Stipendium Hungaricum

Documents Needed for the Student Visa

1. Valid Passport (6+ months validity)
2. University Acceptance Letter
3. Scholarship Award Letter (if applicable)
4. Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statement or scholarship confirmation)
5. Health Insurance (Schengen-standard)
6. Proof of Accommodation (e.g., hostel booking or rental contract)
7. Passport-size Photos
8. Completed Visa Application Form

Residence Permit After Arrival

Once you reach Hungary, apply for a residence permit within 15 days. This allows you to stay for the entire duration of your studies.

Item	Details
Where to Apply	National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing
Validity	Matches the duration of your bachelor’s program
Documents Required	Similar to a student visa + local address proof
Processing Time	Usually within 21–30 days

Also Read: Student Visa for Europe - Types, Process & More

Career Opportunities After Graduation in Hungary

Completing a bachelor’s in Hungary for free can lead to strong career prospects across growing sectors. Hungary is an emerging hub for international talent, especially in fields like IT, finance, and healthcare. The country also offers a clear pathway to stay and work after graduation.

Top Sectors, Job Roles & Salaries in Hungary: 

Sector	Job Opportunities	Average Monthly Salary
IT & Software	Software Developer, Data Analyst, QA Tester	HUF 700,000 – 1,000,000 (₹1.58L – ₹2.26L)
Engineering	Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, CAD Designer	HUF 600,000 – 850,000 (₹1.35L – ₹1.92L)
Healthcare	Research Assistant, Lab Technician, Medical Support	HUF 500,000 – 750,000 (₹1.13L – ₹1.69L)
Finance & Business	Financial Analyst, Accountant, Business Consultant	HUF 650,000 – 900,000 (₹1.47L – ₹2.03L)
Education	English Tutor, Research Support, Academic Assistant	HUF 450,000 – 700,000 (₹1.02L – ₹1.58L)
Manufacturing	Quality Controller, Production Planner, Line Engineer	HUF 500,000 – 750,000 (₹1.13L – ₹1.69L)

Source: Glassdoor estimates may vary based on company, experience, and city.

Conclusion

Pursuing a bachelor’s in Hungary for free is a smart move for students seeking a high-quality European education without the heavy financial burden. With government-backed scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum, tuition-free university options, affordable living costs, and strong post-study work opportunities, Hungary offers the perfect balance of academics and affordability.

From world-ranked universities to pathways into EU careers, Hungary stands out as a cost-effective destination for Indian and international students. If you're aiming for global exposure without breaking the bank, Hungary is worth considering.