Hungary Study Permit

What Is the Hungary Study Permit?

A Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studies allows non-EU students to legally reside in Hungary while pursuing full-time education at recognized Hungarian institutions.

It allows:

• Study at Hungarian universities and higher education institutions
• Attend full-time public education programs
• Participate in university preparatory courses
• Part-time work during studies (30 hours/week max)
• Full-time work during breaks (90 days/year max)
• Legal residence for 1-3 years based on program length
• Schengen Area travel access

Who This Is For

University Students:

• Enrolled in full-time programs at state-recognized Hungarian universities
• Students at foreign universities authorized to operate in Hungary
• Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students
• Exchange students under EU or bilateral programs

Preparatory Course Students:

• Attending university-organized preparatory programs
• Language course students preparing for degree programs
• Must gain admission to full university program to extend permit

Public Education Students:

• Full-time students in registered public education institutions
• Must be enrolled in full-time school system programs

Not suitable for: Part-time students, short-term course participants, or those seeking primarily to work in Hungary.

How the Process Works

Key Requirements

Educational Requirements:

• Valid admission certificate from recognized institution
• Student status verification document
• Proof of tuition payment
• Language proficiency certification (if program requires)

Language Proficiency:

• Language certificate demonstrating required level
• OR diploma proving studies in required language
• Level must match program requirements

Financial Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
• Bank statements or scholarship certificates
• OR notarized family support declaration with proof of capacity
• Must cover accommodation, subsistence, return travel, healthcare

Accommodation:

• Valid Hungarian address declaration
• No separate documentation required (address on application form)

Health Insurance:

• Comprehensive health coverage in Hungary
• Must cover all healthcare services
• Can be via social security, international agreement, or private insurance

Travel Documents:

• Valid passport (must exceed study period by required margin)
• Proof of return travel capacity

For Minors:

• Parental consent for Hungary stay (notarized)
• Must be in Hungarian or English

For Extensions:

• Academic progress statement from institution
• Details of semesters completed vs. total program duration
• Proof of continued enrollment

Important Restrictions & Considerations

Post-Graduation Options

After successfully completing studies:

Option 1: Job Seeking Permit

• Apply while still holding valid study permit
• Allows time to find employment matching your qualification level
• Must apply BEFORE study permit expires

Option 2: Employment Permit

• Transition directly to work permit if job secured
• Employment must match your education level
• Standard work permit requirements apply

Option 3: Guest Self-Employment

• Start business in Hungary
• Must demonstrate business viability
• Separate permit application required

Work Authorization for Students

During Academic Term:

• Maximum 30 hours per week
• No separate work permit needed
• Can work for any employer
• Income helps support living costs

During Academic Breaks:

• Full-time employment allowed
• Maximum 90 days per year
• Summer, winter, spring breaks counted
• No separate work permit needed

Indicative Fees

Final prices are confirmed after consultation.

Processing Timeline

Why Work With Us

What’s Not Included

Government fees:

• HUF 26,000 (approx. €65) if submitting via Enter Hungary platform
• HUF 39,000 (approx. €98) if submitting in person in Hungary
• EUR 110 if applying at Hungarian consulate abroad

Educational costs:

• University tuition fees (must be paid before application)
• Preparatory course fees
• Language course costs
• Exam fees

Additional costs paid directly by you:

• Embassy or consular fees
• Document apostille/authentication
• Certified translations (Hungarian or English)
• Language proficiency examination fees
• Travel to Hungary for biometrics
• Health insurance premiums
• Accommodation deposits

Application Locations

Outside Hungary (Most Common for First Application):

• Required if: You’re not visa-exempt AND not holding a residence permit
• Where: Hungarian consulate in country of nationality or habitual residence
• Process: Submit application → Type D visa issued → enter Hungary → collect residence card from university

Inside Hungary (If Eligible):

• Only if: You’re visa-exempt for Hungary
• Where: Via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional office
• Note: Useful for students already in Hungary on visa-free entry

Extensions (Must Be in Hungary):

• All extensions: Only via Enter Hungary platform
• Cannot extend: From outside Hungary
• Timing: Submit up to 90 days before current permit expires

Document Checklist Summary

You’ll need:

Educational Documents:

• Admission certificate from Hungarian institution
• Student status verification document
• Proof of tuition payment
• Academic progress statement (for extensions)

Language Proficiency:

• Language certificate OR
• Diploma proving studies in required language OR
• Other credible proof of linguistic ability

Financial Documentation:

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Scholarship certificate (if applicable)
• OR notarized family support declaration with proof of supporter’s capacity

Accommodation:

• Valid Hungarian address (declared on application form)

Health Insurance:

• Proof of comprehensive health coverage
• Valid in Hungary for entire study period

Travel Documents:

• Valid passport
• Return travel ticket or funds

Additional for Minors:

• Notarized parental consent (in Hungarian or English)

Additional for Extensions:

• Academic advancement statement from institution
• Proof of completed semesters
• Continued enrollment verification

All non-Hungarian/non-English documents require certified translation.