List of Cheapest Universities in Hungary With Tuition Fees
Hungary is a landlocked country in central Europe with its capital in Budapest known for its architectural structures abs design from Buda castle Hill, which also the Danube river flow across. The capital Budapest is also the largest city where most residents speak English commonly, unlike in the older rural regions where the Hungarian language is common. Her economy is described as high, with health care and Education sectors well developed, and most enjoy free tuition fees and free health care.
1. Pazmany Peter Catholic University
Year of establishment – 1635
Location – Budapest
Average Tuition Fees – $2000
Website – https://www.ppke.hu
This is one of the oldest private universities, most affordable established by the Roman Catholic church. It specializes in research and scientific innovations. Owing to its low cost, quality education, and varied courses, it’s one of the sought-after institutions in the country.
2. Szent Istvan University
Year of establishment – 2000
Location – Gödöllö
Average Tuition Fees – $4500
Website – https://sziu.hu
Is the second cheapest university with a specialization in technological advancement, it was formed by merging some institutions of higher learning and has campuses across Hungary in Szarvas, Bekescsaba, Jaszbereny, Gödöllö, and Gyula.
3. Eötvös Loránd University
Year of establishment – 1635
Location – Budapest
Average Tuition Fees – $4500
Website – https://www.elte.hu
Is a government-owned university, the largest one of the cheapest established by the Catholic church under the episcopal see of cardinal Peter Pazmany in Nagyszombat before it was moved to Budapest.
4. University of Dunaujvaros
Year of establishment – 1953
Location – Dunaujvaros
Average Tuition Fees – $4700
Website – https://www.uniduna.hu
Is a government-owned and only university in this region, established to specialize in engineering and technology, majorly in mechanical engineering and metallurgy until 2016 when it gained university status.
5. University of Szeged
Year of establishment – 1872
Location – Szeged
Average Tuition Fees – $4900
Website – https://www.u-szeged.hu
This is one of the best and most affordable universities in Hungary and Central Europe. It was established by the emperor Franz Joseph 1 and was formerly known as the university of Kolozsvar.
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
Hungary uses the forint (HUF) and is a European Union and Schengen member. It has become popular with international students because many universities offer English-taught degrees at tuition levels well below Western Europe, particularly in medicine, dentistry and engineering.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — expect one connection from Lagos or Abuja to Budapest
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: Hungarian universities offer a wide range of English-taught programmes and commonly require IELTS or TOEFL. Some waive it where your previous degree was taught in English. Confirm with admissions before booking a test.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Student visa holders in the EU are generally permitted limited working hours during term time, with conditions set by national immigration law. Limits are enforced strictly. Confirm your exact entitlement with the university’s international office and never work outside your permit terms.
Is Hungary the right choice for you?
Hungary suits you if you want an EU degree with Schengen access at a fraction of Western European tuition. Its medical and engineering programmes in particular attract large numbers of international students.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Hungary?
Yes. Hungarian universities admit international students including Nigerians, and many programmes are delivered entirely in English. You will need an offer, proof of funds and a student residence permit.
Does a Hungarian student visa give me Schengen access?
A Hungarian residence permit for study generally allows travel within the Schengen area subject to the usual limits on duration. Confirm current rules with the Hungarian immigration authority before making travel plans.
Is Hungary cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Hungary is substantially cheaper than the UK, Germany’s private sector or North America, while still providing an EU-recognised qualification.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.