The roots of higher education in Hungary go back to 1367, with the founding of the University of Pécs. Of course, this alone is not a sufficient reason for quality education. Education in Hungary has taken its present form due to the combination of many reasons. Today, if many Hungarian universities are among the top universities in the World rankings, and If Hungarians have won many Nobel Prizes, we owe it to these reasons.
So Hungary is much more than you think. Do you know why?
1. State Tradition
Hungarians are one of the rare peoples in Europe, whose state tradition is very old. Thanks to this state tradition, people of many nationalities have been able to live in peace and together in these fertile lands for thousands of years. (Turkic, Slavic, Germanic nations etc.) The borders of the Kingdom of Hungary are much wider than today and they have hosted many nations other than Hungarians. This diversity has added great richness to Hungarian culture, science, literature and kitchen.
2. Experience from Past to Present
For foreign students, the history of education in Hungary goes back a long time, so the curricula of the universities and the experience of the teaching staff have come to this day by transferring them from generation to generation. Starting from the 1800s until the Second World War, Hungary hosted a large number of foreign students, especially in the fields of agriculture and engineering. Since the 1980s, it has regained its old active days. After its accession to the EU in 2004, interest in Hungary increased significantly with Erasmus, Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programs. Today, Hungary is home to 40 thousand foreign students.
3. University Admission in Hungary
In Hungary, international students are admitted without relying on the local higher education examination. Instead, Hungarian universities assess applicants based on their high school coursework, grades, and qualifications.
For fields like Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, candidates can enter the first year directly by passing a multiple-choice exam in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, General English, and Medical English. Those not meeting the score requirement can take a one-year preparatory course before starting their chosen program.
Program durations vary; Medicine takes six years, Dentistry and Pharmacy take five years, and most other undergraduate programs take three years. Some universities offer 3.5-year Engineering programs.
Notably, local universities’ entry exam results are not required to study in Hungary, making it an accessible option for international students.
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4. Your Expectations Are Met
Hungary is one of the rare countries that successfully meet the fundamental expectations of foreign students who come to receive education in a foreign land. Every international student considers the following fundamental expectations when leaving their home country, and Hungary excellently addresses these expectations. Factors such as Personal Development, Achieving Goals, Quality in Education, Language Learning and Career Opportunities, Financial Affordability, Social Environment, Education Atmosphere and Facilities, Travel and Location make Hungary an attractive destination to achieve your educational goals.
Hungary offers an experience that exceeds the educational expectations of international students, making it a great choice for realizing your educational objectives.
5. Being a student isn’t just about studying amongst walls!
Hungary is one of those rare countries that offer international students much more than just education. University education is just a part of the experience one can have in Hungary. The country boasts a rich cultural mosaic, with people from various ethnic backgrounds living here. This diversity allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures, meet new people, and explore various traditions. Additionally, Hungary’s central location in Central Europe makes it easy for students to travel to other European cities. Taking a train from Budapest to Prague, Vienna, or Bratislava, for example, takes just a few hours. Hungary serves as a convenient hub for exploring the beauty of Central Europe.
Hungary is also rich in historical and architectural wonders. Historical sites, palaces, castles, and stunning city architecture provide students with the opportunity to embark on a historical and cultural journey. Moreover, Hungary hosts a variety of events and festivals that add vibrancy to students’ social lives and offer unforgettable experiences. Studying at universities in Hungary is not just about academic development; it’s an opportunity to enrich one’s personal and cultural experiences.