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Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Master's Degree in Hungary: English-Taught Programmes, 2026/27 Fees and Admission

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A master's degree in Hungary lasts one to two years (60–120 ECTS credits) and, for international students, is almost always a fee-paying programme taught in English. In 2026/27 a year costs from $4,971 (€4,400) on BME's economics programmes to $13,558 (€12,000) on Corvinus's one-year programmes; a typical public-university price is $7,200–9,000 a year. You need a relevant bachelor's or specialist degree, and universities count the credits you hold in the required subjects rather than the title on your diploma. Stipendium Hungaricum waives tuition and adds a monthly stipend, but each nominating country adds its own eligibility rules.

| At a glance | What applies |
| --- | --- |
| Length | 2–4 semesters; ELTE Data Science MSc is 4 semesters and 120 ECTS; Corvinus runs one-year programmes |
| Core requirement | a bachelor's or specialist degree in a related field with enough credits in the required subjects |
| English | usually B2; Corvinus does not ask for a certificate at master's level except on its CEMS programme |
| Fees, 2026/27 | ELTE $3,615 (€3,200) and BME $3,954 (€3,500) per semester; Corvinus $7,909–13,558 (€7,000–12,000) per year |
| Deadlines | ELTE Data Science MSc: 30 April 2027; some programmes also admit for February |
| Scholarship | Stipendium Hungaricum: free tuition, HUF 43,700 ($134) a month, a dormitory place or a rent contribution |
| After graduation | a job-seeking permit for up to 9 months |

The main building of the humanities and sciences faculties of the University of Pécs at night, March 2010. Photo: Molnár Attila Viktor / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PTE-BTK-TTK.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Who a Hungarian master's suits {#section-1}

Hungary is a sensible choice for graduates who want an English-taught European master's for less than Western Europe charges. Its strongest clusters are computer science and data (ELTE, BME), engineering (BME, Debrecen), economics, finance and management (Corvinus), and life, agricultural and environmental sciences (Debrecen, Szeged, Pécs). No Hungarian is required, and some programmes run two intakes a year.

It suits you less if you are switching field entirely. Hungarian universities read your transcript: a law graduate cannot enter ELTE's Data Science MSc without 60 credits in computing and mathematics, unless those credits are first made up on a bridging semester.

See [Study in Hungary](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-hungary) for university profiles and our comparison of [universities in Hungary](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-hungary).

## One year or two? {#section-2}

Most master's programmes at public universities last two years and carry 120 credits. Corvinus also offers 60-credit one-year programmes, including Advanced Supply Chain Management, International Accounting and Auditing, Social Data Science, Marketing Strategy and Innovation, and Sustainability Management and Entrepreneurship.

| Format | Advantages | Limitations |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Two years, 120 ECTS | wider choice, more time for an internship and for Hungarian | longer housing and living costs |
| One year, 60 ECTS | faster entry to the job market, lower living costs | higher annual fee ($13,558, €12,000 at Corvinus); usually needs a 240-credit bachelor's and a strong profile |

A four-year bachelor's normally equals 240 credits. If you hold a three-year degree, ask the admissions office whether it qualifies for a one-year programme.

## What to study and where {#section-3}

| Field | Where to look | Detail to check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Computer science, AI, data | [ELTE](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-elte) (Computer Science, Data Science), [BME](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bme), [Debrecen](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-debrecen) | ELTE: a computer science BSc or at least 60 ECTS in computing and maths |
| Engineering | [BME](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bme), Debrecen | BME charges $3,954–4,519 (€3,500–4,000) per semester depending on the programme |
| Economics, finance, management | [Corvinus](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-corvinus), BME (economics faculty), [METU](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-budapest-metropolitan-university) | Corvinus sets a written exam (or GMAT/GRE) and minimum subject credits |
| Life, agricultural and environmental sciences | Debrecen, [Szeged](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-szeged), [Pécs](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-pecs) | Debrecen runs a pre-master semester for missing subjects |
| Psychology, neuroscience, health | ELTE, [Semmelweis](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-semmelweis) | Semmelweis health-science master's have their own deadlines and fees |

## Entry requirements {#section-4}

Degree and credits. You need a completed bachelor's or specialist degree; final-year students apply with current transcripts. Corvinus asks for transcripts covering at least four completed semesters and checks minimum subject credits for each programme. If you meet the credit requirement only partly, it can admit you on condition that you complete the missing courses during the master's. ELTE Data Science admits computer science graduates or applicants with at least 60 credits in computing and mathematics. Debrecen's informatics master's ask for a full transcript, two recommendation letters and a detailed CV.

English. B2 is the usual level; ELTE Data Science requires it. Corvinus does not require a certificate for its master's programmes, except Management and Leadership integrated with CEMS, and checks English through its own exam and interview.

Entrance tests. At Corvinus, an international test can replace the written exam: GMAT 500, GRE 300 or NMAT 150 at minimum. Results submitted before 1 April earn 10 extra points, and further points go to graduates of AACSB- or EQUIS-accredited schools or of the top 400 in the QS subject ranking for social sciences and management. ELTE will not invite you to its entrance exam until the application fee is paid.

Missing credits. Debrecen offers a pre-master semester or year for all its master's programmes except the LL.M., at the fee of the related bachelor's. It is a paid step, and the faculty decides on progression.

The general application procedure and university deadlines are in our guide to [applying to Hungarian universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-hungarian-universities).

## Master's fees for 2026/27 {#section-5}

| University and programme | Fee | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ELTE, Data Science MSc | $3,615 (€3,200) per semester | non-refundable application fee of $169 (€150) |
| BME, most MSc programmes (engineering, IT, science) | $3,954 (€3,500) per semester | €3,200 for BME graduates |
| BME, civil engineering programmes | $4,293 (€3,800) per semester | Structural, Infrastructure Engineering and others |
| BME, Finance, Management and Leadership | $2,486 (€2,200) per semester | economics faculty |
| Corvinus, most two-year MSc programmes | $7,909–9,038 (€7,000–8,000) per year | fixed for the whole programme; non-EEA students add a €295 (about $333) administration fee |
| Corvinus, one-year and some two-year programmes | $12,428–13,558 (€11,000–12,000) per year | e.g. Social Data Science, Digital Innovation |
| Debrecen, MSc and MA | $7,000–8,000 per year | 2025/26 table; insurance included; $150 application and $350 entrance fees |
| METU (private) | $4,067–5,638 (€3,600–4,990) per semester | MBA $4,632 (€4,100) per semester |

After a successful exam, Corvinus requires the first semester or year to be paid in advance; €500 ($565) of it is a non-refundable registration fee, and if a visa is refused for reasons beyond the student's control the advance is reviewed for a refund. For a full budget with housing by city, see the [cost of studying in Hungary](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-hungary).

## Stipendium Hungaricum for master's students {#section-6}

The scholarship waives tuition, pays HUF 43,700 (about $134) a month, provides a dormitory place or HUF 40,000 (about $123) towards rent, and adds supplementary health insurance worth up to HUF 65,000 (about $200) a year. You choose up to two programmes and need at least 56 out of 100 in the university's entrance assessment.

Sending partners can add conditions. In the 2026/27 round, Russia's nominating body (the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, via the Interobrazovanie centre) accepted only full-time students of accredited Russian programmes and university staff; final-year students and those on academic leave were excluded, and only students already enrolled in a Russian master's could be nominated for a Hungarian master's. A Russian graduate who is no longer studying therefore did not qualify through the Russian quota. The memorandum behind the quota of up to 200 places covers 2024–2026, and the 2027/28 call had not been published as of 1 October 2026. Kazakh citizens apply through the Bolashak Center for International Programs.

| Stage | 2026/27 round |
| --- | --- |
| Online application | by 15 January 2026, 2 p.m. CET |
| Entrance assessments | mid-March to end of May |
| Final results | late June to mid-July |
| Arrival | by 30 September |

The sending partner decides on nomination, the university on admission and the Tempus Public Foundation on the award. More in our [Stipendium Hungaricum guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-stipendium-hungaricum).

## Timeline for September 2027 {#section-7}

| When | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| October–November 2026 | shortlist 3–5 programmes, check your credits against their requirements, order translations of your diploma and transcript |
| November 2026 – January 2027 | sit IELTS or GMAT/GRE where relevant; apply for the scholarship if eligible |
| January–April 2027 | fee-paying applications; Corvinus rewards GMAT/GRE results sent before 1 April; ELTE Data Science closes on 30 April |
| April–June 2027 | exams and interviews, decisions, advance payment |
| June–July 2027 | file the study residence permit: OIF can take up to 60 days |
| September 2027 | studies begin; some ELTE, BME and Debrecen programmes also start in February |

## Residence permit, work and staying on {#section-8}

Visa-required nationals file a residence permit for study at a Hungarian consulate before travel; in Moscow, files are accepted at the consular section and through VFS Global. The fee is €110 (about $124). The file includes the acceptance letter, proof of paid tuition, proof of funds and health insurance; OIF sets no fixed bank balance and recommends adding an account history to the balance statement. The decision is made by OIF within 60 days. See our [Hungary student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-hungary-student-visa).

During studies you may work up to 30 hours a week in term and full time for up to 90 days a year outside it. Treat it as experience rather than a way to fund tuition: OIF checks your means before the permit is issued.

After graduation you can apply in Hungary, while your study permit is still valid, for a permit to look for work or start a business for up to 9 months; it cannot be extended, and the job must match your degree level. For Russian graduates, recognition at home follows the Russia–Hungary agreement of 22 November 2018; regulated professions need a separate licence. For legal ways to pay tuition from Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Comparing programmes by title instead of credits. Admissions committees count subject hours and credits in your transcript.
- Waiting for your diploma before applying. Final-year students apply with current transcripts and send the diploma in summer.
- Assuming every graduate can apply for Stipendium Hungaricum. Some sending partners, Russia's among them, nominate only current students.
- Forgetting the advance payment. Corvinus requires a semester or a year before issuing the visa document, and €500 of it is not refunded.
- Missing the early test. A GMAT or GRE score sent to Corvinus before 1 April earns extra points and replaces the written exam.
- Confusing semester and annual fees. ELTE, BME and METU quote per semester.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How much does a master's degree in Hungary cost?

For 2026/27, ELTE charges $3,615 (€3,200) per semester for Data Science, BME $3,954 (€3,500) for most programmes, Corvinus $7,909–13,558 (€7,000–12,000) a year, and Debrecen $7,000–8,000 a year on its 2025/26 table. Housing and living costs are extra.

### Can I apply with a bachelor's degree from outside the EU?

Yes, if your transcript shows enough credits in the programme's core subjects. The admissions committee decides from your transcript, letter and exam or interview. If subjects are missing, Debrecen offers a paid pre-master semester.

### Can a Russian citizen get Stipendium Hungaricum for a master's?

Under the 2026/27 rules, only if you are a full-time student in a Russian master's programme and not in your final year; graduates who were no longer studying were not eligible. The ministry nominates, the university admits and the Tempus Public Foundation awards the scholarship.

### Do I need IELTS for a master's in Hungary?

Most programmes expect B2 English, shown by a certificate or by previous study in English. Corvinus does not require a certificate for master's programmes (except its CEMS track) and tests English itself. The admissions committee decides whether your document is sufficient.

### Are there one-year master's programmes in Hungary?

Yes. Corvinus runs 60-credit programmes such as Social Data Science, Advanced Supply Chain Management and International Accounting and Auditing at $13,558 (€12,000) a year. They usually expect a strong profile and a 240-credit bachelor's.

### Can I stay in Hungary after my master's?

You can apply for a job-seeking or business-start permit of up to 9 months while your study permit is valid; it cannot be extended. OIF decides on the application, and work afterwards requires a separate employment-based permit.

## Sources {#section-11}

- ELTE: Data Science MSc programme card (fee, length, requirements, deadline) — [apply.elte.hu/courses/course/352-msc-data-science](https://apply.elte.hu/courses/course/352-msc-data-science)
- BME: tuition fees 2026/27 — [xplore.bme.hu/tuition-fees](https://xplore.bme.hu/tuition-fees/)
- Corvinus University of Budapest: fees and advance payment — [uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/fees-and-costs](https://www.uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/fees-and-costs/); requirements and entrance exams — [uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/admissions-requirements](https://www.uni-corvinus.hu/post/landing-page/application/admissions-requirements/)
- University of Debrecen: non-medical fees 2025/26 (PDF) — [edu.unideb.hu/p/tuition-fees](https://edu.unideb.hu/p/tuition-fees)
- Budapest Metropolitan University: fees 2026/27 — [metropolitan.hu/en/tuition-fees](https://www.metropolitan.hu/en/tuition-fees)
- Stipendium Hungaricum: 2026/27 call (PDF) — [stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply](https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply/); sending partners — [stipendiumhungaricum.hu/partners](https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/partners/)
- Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education: letter MN-12/3266 of 24.11.2025 and selection rules for 2026/27 (PDF) — [files.ined.ru/ined/iph/docs/2025/24_11_2025_MH-12_3266.pdf](https://files.ined.ru/ined/iph/docs/2025/24_11_2025_MH-12_3266.pdf)
- OIF: residence permit for study — [oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/a-hallgato-tanulo-tartozkodasa](https://oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/a-hallgato-tanulo-tartozkodasa); job-seeking permit — [oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/allaskereses-vagy-vallalkozas-inditasa](https://oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/allaskereses-vagy-vallalkozas-inditasa); fees — [oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/eljarasi-dijak](https://oif.gov.hu/tajekoztatok/eljarasi-dijak)
- Embassy of Hungary in Moscow: D visa and VFS Global — [moszkva.mfa.gov.hu/ru/razreshenie-na-prebyvanie-viza-d](https://moszkva.mfa.gov.hu/ru/razreshenie-na-prebyvanie-viza-d)
- Russian National Information Centre: Russia–Hungary recognition agreement (22.11.2018) — [nic.gov.ru/ru/docs/foreign/confirmation/agreem_recog_Hungary_2018](https://nic.gov.ru/ru/docs/foreign/confirmation/agreem_recog_Hungary_2018)

All figures checked on 1 October 2026. Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 1 October 2026: €1 = $1.1298 = HUF 367.18, so $1 ≈ HUF 325. If you are still choosing a level, compare with our guide to the [bachelor's degree in Hungary](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-hungary).

If you want to work through your route, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Bachelor's Degree in Hungary: English-Taught Programmes, 2026/27 Fees and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-hungary)
- [Studying in Hungary for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-hungary)
- [Universities in Hungary: which one to choose as an international student](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-hungary)
- [Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-elte)
- [Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bme)
- [University of Debrecen: Admission, Programmes and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-debrecen)

Updated: October 2026