Studying, Working and Living in Hungary: What Do You Need to Know?

Are you considering Hungary as a destination for study or work? ElWijha presents the essential information on admission, scholarships, residence and living costs to help you understand your options and prepare for your next step.

Residence permits vary according to your purpose: study, employment, scientific research, self-employment or family reunification. The permit you choose determines your rights and your options for changing your status later.

If you need a visa and do not hold a Hungarian residence permit, you generally submit your application outside Hungary to the competent diplomatic or consular mission. For certain routes, including study, the application includes the entry visa needed to collect the residence permit.

Required qualifications, language evidence, examinations, documents and deadlines vary by programme and university.

Student residence also requires evidence of study, financial resources, accommodation and healthcare coverage. University admission alone does not guarantee approval of a residence permit.

Eligible students may work up to 30 hours per week during the study period, and full-time outside that period for a maximum of 90 days per year.

The Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme (Stipendium Hungaricum) provides tuition fee exemption, a monthly allowance, a university dormitory place or an accommodation contribution, and healthcare coverage, subject to the programme’s conditions.

However, these benefits do not cover all living expenses. Eligibility and available programmes vary by country and the scholarship programme’s agreements.

Eligibility depends on nationality, qualifications, the position and the residence permit.the published rules for the residence permit for the purpose of employment listed Georgia, Armenia and the Philippines among the eligible nationalities, with special provisions for extensions and reissuance. Other routes exist, including the EU Blue Card and the Hungarian Card, each with its own requirements.

A specific permit is available for self-employment or managing a company; registering a company does not automatically grant residence rights. The White Card covers certain remote-working arrangements connected to an employer or company outside Hungary and does not allow employment with a Hungarian employer.

Student residence, post-study job-seeking residence, the employment permit mentioned above, the guest worker permit and the White Card do not allow holders to bring their family through family reunification.

For self-employment, applicants generally need to have held the permit for at least one year before family reunification becomes available, subject to exceptions and special provisions for children born in Hungary.

Accommodation options include university dormitories, shared housing and private apartments. Budget for rent, the security deposit, utilities, food, transport, insurance and tuition fees according to your chosen city.

Also check your insurance benefits and coverage start date: university enrolment does not automatically provide access to all healthcare services.

After graduation, a holder of a valid student residence permit who meets the requirements may apply for a permit to seek employment or start a business matching their level of study. Its maximum duration is nine months and it cannot be extended. The application must be submitted in Hungary at least 15 days before the student permit expires.

Under the general route, the EU Residence Card for long-term residence requires five years of lawful residence and additional conditions. It cannot be granted to someone currently residing for study or vocational training. Applicants subject to the requirements for the National Residence Card or EU Residence Card must pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge examination, subject to applicable exemptions.

International protection has separate procedures and specific application arrangements that differ from study and employment routes.