Hundreds of international students come here every year. Tuition fees for medicine and dentistry in Hungary are around per year.
Over the past several years, the medical schools in Hungary have emerged on the European scene as one of the most popular choices for international students. They make use of the latest interactive technologies and techniques to make studying more interesting and rewarding.
In addition, tuition fees are much more appealing in contrast to those of the UK universities. Living costs are also on the low-end.
One of the most famous Hungarian personalities is Ignaz Semmelweis, who was described as the “Saviour of mothers”.
His discovery was the way to drastically reduce the “childbed fever” by using hand disinfection in obstetrical clinics. Although his discovery reduced mortality, it was rejected because of the lack of scientific proofs.
Many years later, Louis Pasteur finally managed to prove and confirm Ignaz’s germ theory.
Currently, Hungary has 4 universities that are happy to welcome international students who want to study medicine abroad. Every year, they accept over 850 new students in their English-speaking medicine programmes.
Check out our price breakdown of medical schools in Hungary
Semmelweis University was founded all the way back in 1769, making it the oldest medical school in Hungary. Throughout its history, it has educated some of the most influential minds in medicine, and continues to prepare students to the absolute highest standard of modern medicine. Today it hosts over 11,000 students, a third of which international.
McDaniel College Budapest is an American private college with a campus in Budapest. Since 1990 it has been preparing students determined to apply for a full-time medical course. During the preparatory course at McDaniel College, you will acquire knowledge in the basic science subjects necessary to apply for medical school. It prepares you for the entrance exams and grants you a competitive score.
The University of Veterinary Medicine is the oldest veterinary school in Hungary, founded all the way back in 1787. In addition, it has also been teaching international students the longest, for over 30 years now. The curriculum will prepare students for real-world situations with practice at 4 different clinics for domestic and exotic animals.
The University of Debrecen has been offering its esteemed medical programmes in English since 1987, allowing international students who wish to study medicine in Europe the chance to graduate with degrees in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Today, the curriculum is internationally respected, and degrees from Debrecen are recognised in the UK and beyond.
The University of Pecs was founded in 1912, making one of Hungary's oldest and most prestigious institutes of higher learning. It currently hosts over 20,000 students, a fifth of which from outside Hungary and enrolled in one of the university's English-language programs, including medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
The University of Szeged is one of the oldest and most important research institutes in Hungary. It offers programmes in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry taught entirely in English, including an 8-month pre-med year. Graduates' diplomas are recognised by the GMC and allow them to practise medicine anywhere in the world.
In comparison with the other European countries, the tuition fees in Hungary are pretty low. The average cost of medicine and dentistry programmes is around per year.
Pharmacy is not likely to go higher than €11,000 annually. The cost of the preparatory courses in Hungary is around €6,000
1. Medical University of Debrecen consists of 22 basic science departments and 25 clinical departments. It was founded in 1912.
Nowadays, this medical school serves as a city hospital, which makes it easy for students to practise on-site. A degree from this university will allow you to work all around the world.
If you don’t feel prepared enough to take on the road to the medical world, this school offers a 6-month preparatory course. But if you are confident in your choice, it provides English language courses in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
The duration of the medical programme is 6 years, costing annually. Dentistry and Pharmacy last 5 years. The D.M.D. course’s cost is per year, and the pharmacy's is per year.
The Medical University of Debrecen owns several hostels on its main campus with single, double and triple rooms. The rooms are fully furnished, equivalent to a 3-star hotel. And the prices are lower than expected, around per semester.
The entry requirements for this university are like most European medical schools. You need an English language proficiency, and high school certificate, and you will have to pass a written and oral exam in biology and chemistry or physics.
2. Semmelweis University of Medicine was founded in 1969 in Budapest, named after Ignaz Semmelweis. Budapest is the Hungarian capital and is well-developed in every aspect you may think of, like media, commerce, education, entertainment, etc.
Semmelweis Medical University offers medicine, dentistry and pharmacy programmes in English.
After successful graduation, the degree you will receive is recognised all around the European Union, GMC, WHO, the State Education Department and the Medical Board of California.
Studying medicine here will take you 6 years and will cost around per year. Dentistry lasts 5 years and costs for the first 2 years, and then for the last 3 years. The pharmacy also lasts 5 years, and the price is per year.
This medical school has 5 dormitories with a total capacity of 700 beds. However, because of the high number of students there, it might be a little harder to get a room.
This will cause you no trouble because rent prices in Budapest are around monthly.
Your admission will depend on your results on the entrance exam. It consists of 4 multiple-choice tests with 20 questions for 20 minutes per subject.
The subjects are Biology, Chemistry, General English and Biomedical English. Also, you will need to attend an interview to outline your knowledge, skills and motivation.
3. Szeged University was founded in 1872, but in 1951 the medical school was established as an independent institution. In total, more than 21,000 students attend this university.
It offers not only medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy courses but also a foundation year, all in English.
The medicine programme duration is 6 years and costs around per year. It starts with 2 years of studying the foundations of medicine.
During years 3 and 4, you will extend your training with clinical practice. And the 5th and 6th years are the clerkship years. Dentistry lasts 5 years with a price of per year.
The pharmacy course lasts 5 years at the cost of annually. After successful graduation, you receive the title Doctor of Pharmacy, and your degree is accepted all over Europe and the United States.
To apply for this university, you will need a high school certificate, an English language certificate, and to pass an entrance examination.
4. University of Pecs is a Hungarian public educational institution located in Pecs. It was established in 1912 and nowadays hosts over 20,000 students, of whom around 20% are international.
This medical school offers medicine, dentistry and pharmacy programmes in English as well as a preparatory course.
Here, you can choose the duration of the preparatory course, which can be 5, 10 or 15 months. Its fee varies according to the duration between and .
The M.D. programme lasts 6 years and costs per year. The course is mostly dedicated to bedside training. The dentistry course duration is 5 years at the cost of annually.
Pharmacy takes 5 years, and the price is per year.
Pecs University has 4 dormitories for the students. And at a very reasonable price of monthly.
The buildings have everything you would ever need during your studies - lounge, gym, bike storage, parking slots, study rooms and more.
One of the best things about the application here is that you need no entrance exams, just a high school diploma and English language certificate.
5. The University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest was established in 1787, making it the oldest veterinary school in Hungary. Budapest as a capital offers many types of entertainment for every visitor.
The school has only a veterinary course in English.
Studying veterinary medicine here takes 5 years to complete. The annual tuition fee is , paid in 2 instalments before the beginning of each term.
The University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest offers a dormitory with a total capacity of 346 students. But if you prefer private accommodation, there is plenty of options around the city.
The application process here includes taking an entrance exam and attending an oral interview. The written test is in Biology and Chemistry held in English. The interview will evaluate your motivation to study.
The EAEVE recognises the university, and after graduation, you are allowed to start practising as a veterinary doctor all around the world.
All Hungarian universities require a high school diploma and an English proficiency certificate for non-native speakers. Most of them (excluding the University of Pecs) also require an entry examination. The exams usually test the applicant’s knowledge of Biology and Chemistry. Finally, some universities require an interview with the applicant to determine their eligibility.
From a financial perspective, Hungary is relatively advantageous to study in. While tuition costs in a typical Hungary medical university fall in the upper midrange for Europe, the living costs are quite affordable, especially so in Szeged, Pecs, and Debrecen.
In comparison with Western European countries, the tuition fees to study Medicine in Hungary are low. The average fee to study in a medical or dental programme is around per year.
Pharmacy fees are not likely to go higher than €11,000 annually. The cost of the preparatory courses in Hungary is around €6,000
| Rent | Utilities | Transport | Food | Leisure |
| ~€320 | ~€150 | ~€30 | ~€200 | ~€125 |
Monthly living costs per 1 person average €650 without rent in Budapest. The rent is another €320 to €420 depending on the location. There is an option for a dormitory in Semmelweis, and room prices start from €200.
Since Budapest is the capital of Hungary, living costs there are the highest in the country. In contrast, prices in Szeged, Pecs, and Debrecen are 20% to 25% lower. Rent prices are also a lot cheaper ranging from €220 to €320 for a single-bedroom apartment. Dormitory prices are also a lot lower starting from €100.
No university in Hungary offers a graduate entry into medicine.
At Medlink Students, we constantly update our information and will upload any news regarding the graduate entry medicine in Hungary.
Meanwhile, you may consider other countries which offer graduate-entry routes, such as Poland.
Hungary is a central European country that provides high-quality education at a competitive price for the region. Furthermore, the cost of living in the country is very affordable, especially for a Schengen area nation.
Still, there are many intangible benefits of studying in Hungary. The country is among the oldest ones in Europe, and it has a rich cultural heritage to explore as an international student.
Here are the main reasons to choose Hungary as a country where to get your mbbs / md degree from:
If you are considering a direct start without the need for a preparatory year, read more about first-year entry programs that are available in Europe or the Caribbean.
Hungary is famous for its spa culture. Over 80% of the country has geothermal springs, and they are utilized by over 450 public baths. The baths combine the best elements of Roman, Turkish, and Northern traditions to create a unique and popular experience.
Another feature of Hungarian recreation is local wine-making. The quality of the product has been applauded and immortalised by giants such as Beethoven, Liszt, and Goethe. Needless to say, wine tastings are popular social events where aspiring doctors love to mix and mingle.
Furthermore, Hungarian cuisine is a landmark of its own. The country gave paprika and goulash to the world, but it kept plenty of excellent dishes safe within its borders. Hungarians rely heavily on poultry, game meats, and fish, and the resulting recipes can savour anyone’s palette.
Finally, Hungarian folk music and dancing are an adventure of their own. While they are popular during national holidays, international explorers can always enrol in a dance class. Thus, they’ll get a personal experience of customs dating back to medieval times.
You will study in one of the best education systems in the world. Moreover, successful graduation means you have the right to practise all around the world. In addition, most universities offer a preparatory course in case you don’t feel prepared enough.
Tuition fees are in the upper midrange when compared with other options to study medicine abroad in Europe. In contrast, living expenses, rent, and dormitory fees in Hungary are lower than the average in Europe.
Finally, Hungary is an excellent culture to discover and explore. The ancient Magyar hospitality is present to this day, and still growing strong thanks to Austro-Hungarian sophistication and European humanism.
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Yes, you can. University of Pecs offers 5, 10 or 15-month preparatory course. Szeged University also has a foundation year.
The medicine will take you 6 years. Dentistry and Pharmacy duration is 5 years.
The average price of medical education in Hungary is per year.
Yes. The medical universities that we work with all offer their esteemed medical and dentistry programmes in English to international students.
Absolutely. Hungarian universities provide medical degrees that are internationally recognised by the GMC, AMA and many other organisations. Meanwhile, the living costs and tuition fees are lower than they are in the UK.
Hungary is one of the safest countries in Europe. The TravelSafe Abroad safety index scores it 83 out of 100 in terms of how safe it is for internationals. This is one of the highest scores for any country in the world.
Yes, Hungary joined NATO in 1999. NATO is a defensive alliance intended to make Europe much safer, which should be a reassurance to any students concerned about the events in Ukraine.
Yes. International students coming from the EEA can work freely in Hungary without requiring work visas. Non-EEA students can be employed with their residence permit for study purposes and work a 24-hour work week.
