Cost of Studying in Hungary for Indian Students in 2025: Tuition, Living & Hidden Expenses

Cost of Studying in Hungary for Indian Students in 2025: A Complete Guide

Hungary is fast becoming a popular study destination for Indian students seeking quality education in Europe without burning a hole in their pockets. In fact, over 2,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Hungarian universities, thanks to affordable tuition fees, low living costs, and a growing number of English-taught programs. With top institutions like the University of Pécs, Budapest Business School, and the University of Miskolc, Hungary combines academic quality with vibrant student life and a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive choice for Indian students.

In this blog, we’ll explore the cost of studying in Hungary, breaking down tuition fees, living expenses, and hidden costs Indian students should consider when planning their education in 2025.

Why Choose Hungary?

Hungary offers internationally recognized degrees, particularly in medicine, engineering, IT, business, and the humanities. Institutions like Eötvös Loránd University, University of Debrecen, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics consistently attract international students.

The biggest draw for Indian students is Hungary’s affordability, with overall costs nearly 50% lower than countries like the US, UK, or Western Europe. This makes Hungary an attractive choice for those who want to study abroad without accumulating massive student debt.

1. Tuition Fees in Hungarian Universities

Tuition fees are the biggest part of the cost of studying in Hungary, typically ranging from €1,500 to €5,000 per year. Compared to countries like Germany or the Netherlands, Hungarian universities often offer similar quality education at significantly lower fees, making it a cost-effective choice for Indian students.

Bachelor’s Programs:

• Average tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from €2,000 to €5,000 per year.
• Courses in humanities and social sciences are on the lower end.
• Technical programs like IT, engineering, and business cost around €3,000 to €5,000 annually.

Master’s Programs:

• Master’s degrees usually range between €3,000 and €6,000 per year.
• Medicine and health-related programs can cost as much as €8,000 to €12,000 per year.

Medical Degrees:

Hungary is known for its affordable and high-quality medical education.

MBBS programs generally cost around €12,000 to €16,000 annually, still much cheaper than Western counterparts.

While these numbers may seem high, they are still relatively affordable compared to many other European countries, making studying in Hungary manageable for Indian students.

2. Cost of Living in Hungary

Aside from tuition, living expenses play a significant role in calculating the cost of studying in Hungary. Hungary is known for being student-friendly in terms of affordability.

Monthly Breakdown of Living Costs:

• Accommodation: €200–€450 (depending on the city and type of housing)
• Food and groceries: €100–€150
• Transportation: €10–€20 (student pass)
• Utilities & internet: €40–€60
• Leisure and personal expenses: €50–€100

On average, Indian students spend between €500 and €800 per month, bringing the annual living cost to approximately €6,000 to €9,600. This makes studying in Hungary much more affordable than in countries like Germany, France, or the Netherlands.

3. Most Affordable Student Cities in Hungary

The cost of studying in Hungary also depends on where you live. Budapest, the capital, is the most expensive city in Hungary, but it’s still more affordable than most Western capitals. Its vibrant nightlife, rich history, efficient public transport, and abundance of student-friendly cafés and events make it an attractive choice for Indian students despite the slightly higher living costs.

 Other cities offer even more budget-friendly options:

• Debrecen: Home to the University of Debrecen, this city is known for its lower rent and quieter student lifestyle.
• Szeged: Known for its beauty and excellent student amenities, living here costs about 20% less than in Budapest.
• Pécs: Another great student city offering low rent and affordable entertainment.

Choosing a smaller city can significantly reduce studying costs in Hungary without compromising on quality education.

4. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

While Hungary is affordable, there are a few hidden expenses Indian students should be aware of. Factoring these in gives a more accurate picture of the total cost of studying in Hungary.

Residence Permit & Visa Costs:

• Long-stay visa (Type D) fee: around €60
• Residence permit application: approx. €110

Health Insurance:

• Students must have health insurance coverage.
• Public insurance: €20–€30/month
• Private insurance (mandatory for some programs): €100–€150 annually

University Registration Fees:

• One-time fees of around €100–€200 may apply for enrollment and orientation.

Books & Study Materials:

• Books and study materials cost around €200–€400 yearly, but students can save by using libraries, e-books, and free online resources.

Language Prep (Optional):

• Although many courses are taught in English, some programs may require Hungarian language preparation (additional €500–€1,000).

When budgeting, Indian students should always include these additional expenses in their cost of studying in Hungary calculations to avoid surprises later.

5. Scholarships for Indian Students

Several scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of studying in Hungary.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship:

• Covers full tuition fees
• Provides monthly stipend (~€120)
• Offers free dormitory accommodation or housing allowance
• Covers basic medical insurance, which typically includes essential healthcare services such as general consultations and emergency care, but may not cover advanced treatments or dental services.

University-Specific Scholarships:

• Some universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships.
• For instance, University of Debrecen and Eötvös Loránd University offer discounts for top-performing international students.

Applying for these scholarships can drastically reduce the cost of studying in Hungary, making it even more accessible to Indian students.

6. Part-Time Work Opportunities

Indian students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays.

• Part-time jobs in hospitality, tutoring, or retail pay around €5–€8/hour.
• Working part-time helps manage day-to-day expenses and reduce the overall cost of studying in Hungary.

However, students should focus on academics and not entirely rely on part-time work to fund their education.

7. Comparing Costs: Hungary vs. Other European Destinations

Let’s briefly compare the cost of studying in Hungary with other popular study destinations in Europe:

Hungary strikes an excellent balance between affordability and quality education, making it a strong contender against Western European countries.

8. Health and Safety: What Indian Students Need to Know

When calculating the cost of studying in Hungary, healthcare and safety are two essential aspects of student life abroad.

All non-EU international students, including those from India, are required to have private health insurance. This typically costs between €150 to €500 annually, depending on the provider and coverage level. Some universities offer student group health plans and scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum, which often includes basic medical insurance covering emergency treatments and general consultations.

9. Cultural Adjustment: Embracing Diversity in Hungary

Moving to a new country always comes with a cultural learning curve. The good news is that Hungarian universities are increasingly international, and many have robust support systems for global students.

Whether at Budapest Business School or the University of Miskolc, you’ll find international student offices, orientation programs, and peer mentorship initiatives that help Indian students transition smoothly.

10. Graduate Employment Opportunities: Return on Your Investment

One of the most pressing concerns when analyzing the cost of studying in Hungary is whether your investment leads to job opportunities.

The short answer? Yes, Hungary offers solid post-graduate work options, both locally and across the EU.

Thanks to the “9-month job search visa”, international students can legally stay in Hungary after completing their studies to look for work or start a business. Engineering, IT, healthcare, and business fields have a growing demand for skilled professionals. Budapest, in particular, is home to several multinational companies that offer English-speaking job roles.

Conclusion: Is Hungary Worth It?

Absolutely. For Indian students seeking an affordable, culturally rich, and academically sound experience in Europe, Hungary ticks all the boxes. From low tuition fees and affordable living costs to world-class universities and abundant scholarship opportunities, the cost of studying in Hungary makes it one of the most appealing destinations in 2025.

If you’re planning your higher education abroad and want to maximize value without compromising on quality, Hungary deserves serious consideration.