Hungary has become a popular destination for international students thanks to its high-quality education system and relatively low cost of living. If you’re planning to study in Hungary, obtaining a Hungary student visa, specifically the Schengen Type D visa, is the first step. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a student visa to Hungary, from requirements and procedures to costs and helpful tips.
Types of Hungary Schengen Visas
Hungary offers several types of Schengen visas depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Below is a breakdown of the main visa types:
1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
This visa allows you to stay in Hungary or any Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Common purposes include:
- Tourism in Hungary
- Visiting family or friends
- Business trips or meetings
- Attending conferences or exhibitions
- Short-term study courses or training programs
- Medical treatment for a short period
2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – National Visa
This visa is for stays longer than 90 days and is usually required for those planning to live in Hungary for educational, employment, or family purposes.
Common types include:
- Student Visa for Hungary – for university or college programs
- Work Visa for Hungary – for those who have a job offer in Hungary
- Family Reunification Visa
- Research Visa
- Internships or long-term volunteering programs
After arriving in Hungary with a Type D visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the Hungarian Immigration Office.
3. Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
- This is required for citizens of certain countries who need to transit through a Hungarian airport without entering the country.
- It does not allow you to leave the international zone of the airport.
Important Notes:
- The Type C visa allows free travel within the entire Schengen Zone during its validity.
- The Type D visa is primarily for national residence purposes and does not automatically grant full Schengen mobility, although short visits to other Schengen countries may be allowed under certain conditions.
- A visa does not guarantee entry; final approval is made by border control officers at the port of entry.
Introduction to Hungary Student Visa
The Hungary student visa is a long-term national visa (Type D) that allows non-EU students to study at an accredited institution in Hungary for more than 90 days. It is often the starting point for obtaining a residence permit for study purposes in Hungary.
Requirements for Hungary Student Visa
To apply for a Schengen student visa for Hungary, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Available on the website of the Hungarian embassy or visa application center.
- Recent Passport-Size Photos: 3.5 × 4.5 cm, with a white background.
- University Admission Letter: Proof of acceptance into a Hungarian institution, including program details and duration.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. Estimated at around €55 per day.
- Valid Health Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and be valid across the Schengen Area.
- Proof of Accommodation in Hungary: Dormitory booking or rental agreement.
- Dummy round-trip flight ticket
- Motivation Letter: Explaining why you chose Hungary, your academic goals, and how the program aligns with your career path.
- Academic Certificates: High school diploma or university degree along with transcripts.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Proof of language skills in the language of instruction (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL if in English).
Steps to Apply for a Hungary Study Visa
- Gather All Required Documents
- Book an Appointment at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country. It’s recommended to apply well in advance (at least 2-3 months before your program starts).
- Pay the Visa Fee: Around €440 ($500).
- Attend the Visa Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans and intentions.
- Wait for the Visa Decision: Processing time ranges from 15 to 60 days.
Study and Living Costs in Hungary
Hungary offers a relatively affordable student life compared to Western Europe. Below is an overview of expected costs:
- Tuition Fees:
- General programs: €1,200–€5,000/year
- Engineering: ~€5,000/year
- Medical fields: €6,000–€8,000/year
- Living Expenses:
- In Budapest: ~€600/month
- Smaller cities: ~€500/month
- Accommodation:
- Dormitories: €120–€200/month
- Private rentals: €250–€500/month
Working While Studying in Hungary
International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies:
- Up to 24 hours per week during semesters
- Up to 66 working days during holidays
Many universities offer job placement assistance.
Health Insurance for Students in Hungary
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students:
- EU students may use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU students must purchase private health insurance that meets visa requirements.
Common Reasons for Hungary Visa Rejection
Visa applications can be refused for several reasons:
- Incomplete Documentation
- Inaccurate or Misleading Information
- Insufficient Proof of Financial Means
- Lack of Evidence of Intent to Return After Studies
If your visa is denied, you may file an appeal or reapply with corrected information.
Hungary Schengen visa acceptance rate
According to the latest available statistics for 2023, Hungary had a Schengen visa rejection rate of approximately 15.13%, based on 215,799 applications processed.
This means the acceptance rate was around 84.87%, which is considered quite favorable compared to many other Schengen countries.
Hungary is generally seen as one of the more accessible countries in the Schengen Zone for visa applicants, especially for students who meet all the requirements and submit a complete, well-prepared application.
Hungary Schengen visa application form
To obtain the Hungary Schengen Visa application form, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official website of the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country
They usually provide a downloadable PDF version of the Schengen visa application form specific to Hungary.
2. Check with authorized visa application centers
Hungary often works with centers like VFS Global. You can visit their website for your country and download the Hungary visa application form from there.
3. Download from trusted visa websites
You can also get the standard Schengen Visa application form from trusted resources such
This is the official unified form used for all Schengen countries, including Hungary.
Make sure to:
- Fill out the form in capital letters
- Answer all sections truthfully
- Sign and date the form before submission
Tips for Getting Your Hungary Student Visa Approved
- Prepare a Complete and Accurate Application
- Apply Early to allow time for processing
- Practice for the Visa Interview with clear, honest answers
- Show Strong Ties to Your Home Country such as family, job prospects, or commitments to return
- Write a Strong Motivation Letter explaining your academic vision and career plan
Student Life in Hungary
Hungarian cities offer a vibrant student life with rich history, cultural events, and safe environments. Most universities provide student unions, international events, and opportunities for social engagement. Cities like Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs are known for their international student communities.
Studying in Hungary can be a rewarding and affordable experience. With the right preparation, obtaining your Hungary study visa (Type D) can be a smooth process. Make sure to meet all student visa requirements, provide all necessary documents, and clearly explain your academic goals in your motivation letter. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, or humanities, Hungary offers high-quality education and a welcoming environment for students from around the world.
