Studying abroad offers plenty of life opportunities and learning experiences. However, preparing for it can be quite challenging, too. From choosing a destination to university to preparing your application, you’ll need to exert effort and dig deep through your resource. Most countries require visas, too, before foreigners can enter and stay for a long time.

Hungary is among the top destinations for international students due to the world-class education and low cost of living compared to other European countries. If you’re from one of these countries, you might not need a visa to enter Hungary. Instead, you will need to apply for a single-entry permanent residence permit if you intend to say for more than 90 days. Ideally, you can confirm with the Hungarian embassy if such a case applies to you. Otherwise, make sure you know how to get a student visa in Hungary.

What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Hungary?

To apply for a student visa, here are the documents you will need.

  • Accomplished application form for the residence permit
  • Passport with two free pages and at least three months validity after the date of leaving Hungary, and must be issued within the last 10 years
  • Two colored photos (size 3.5 by 4.5) taken within the last six months
  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Letter of acceptance from a university in Hungary
  • Study details with the start date of classes and payment information (for fee-paying students)
  • Accommodation agreement and property document issued within the last one month, if you’re staying in non-university lodging
  • Proof of financial means or, if applicable, proof of scholarship

You’ll also need to prepare photocopies of the following documents:

  • Copy of passport including the holder’s information and signature
  • ID card
  • Medical Insurance
  • Flight ticket
  • Marriage certificate if traveling with a spouse

Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students

How much money do you need for a Hungarian Student Visa?

While the Hungary student visa processing fee is $70, there are other expenses that you need to prepare to get your student visa. As proof of sufficient financial means, you’ll need at least $830 per month for the duration of your stay.

Besides that, you’ll also have to prepare for your tuition costs. This may vary on public and private universities, and across programs. In public universities, tuition costs around $2,300 to $3,500 per year. Some programs like Engineering, Dentistry, and Medicine may cost more, at around $7,100 to $9,500 annually. You can expect to pay more if you’re choosing a private university.

Your living costs depend on your spending habits and which type of accommodation you chose. Typically, a dormitory at the university costs around $120 per month. In some cities, you can find private dormitories that cost $240 monthly. If you’re going to rent a flat, you can prepare around $275 to $750 monthly due.

Here are other estimates to help you with your monthly budget:

  • Food: $135 to $177
  • Transportation: $12 to $18 per month via monthly public transport pass
  • Entertainment: $27 to $40

Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Hungary

After considering your documentary and financial requirements, here are the steps to apply for a student visa in Hungary:

1. Apply and Accept an Offer from a University in Hungary

Before you can apply for a Hungary student visa, make sure you have already been accepted to a university in Hungary. Check the university website you intend to apply to for the application requirements and schedule of submission. Prepare those as soon as you can, so you’ll be ready to submit them when the application period opens. Ideally, your application should exceed the minimum standard of the university to have a better chance of getting accepted.

Once you confirm your acceptance at the university, you might need to pay a deposit fee and sign the acceptance offer. After which, the university will provide you the “Confirmation of Acceptance Letter” that you will use to apply for a visa.

2. Contact the Embassy

Make sure to contact the Hungarian embassy in your country to confirm the Hungarian student visa requirements. Although the general list of requirements is listed here, the consul might still ask you for additional documents so it is best to confirm those ahead. You can check the embassy and consulate information here.

Checking the embassy website for its visa services or calling to confirm if you need an appointment to submit your requirements can save you a lot of time and effort. More importantly, there might be some regulations you need to know before you visit the embassy.

For example, the Hungarian embassy in Washington, USA, requires all applicants to set an appointment first. They do not accept walk-in applications at all.

3. Prepare Your Application Documents

Make sure to wholly and legibly complete your visa application form. You can download the form here and make sure to get the form that matches your stay duration. Verify all information included in your application documents and ensure that all documents are original copies. The consul can reject a visa application due to false data.

4. Go To Your Embassy Appointment

Once you’re ready to submit your Hungary student visa application at the embassy, you can set an appointment here. On your appointment date, bring all your application documents and follow the security protocols in the embassy. You will need to provide your biometric data, such as photos and fingerprints during your visit. As you will be applying for a residence permit as well, you will need to submit your application to the consulate officer. In some cases, the consul might require other supporting documents for visa application. Finally, you’ll need to pay the application fee during your visit to the embassy.

5. Receive Your Passport with Type D Visa

Application for a long-term study visa and resident permit can take up to 30 days. Once the consul receives the decision, they will notify you to pick up your passport. It will have a type D single entry visa so you can enter Hungary. This visa is only valid for 30 days so you’ll need to get your residence permit as soon as you arrive in the country.

In case you won’t be able to get your passport in person, you can confirm with the embassy if you can receive it by post.

 

We hope that this article on how to get a student visa in Hungary was helpful! If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

Share this article via

Leave A Comment