Study In Hungary: Hungary Student Visa Application Processes

Hungary has 67 higher education institutions and provides a high-quality education to all citizens. There are numerous advantages to studying in Hungary, including free healthcare, free tuition, high-quality education, and many others.

International students who wish to study in Hungary must get a student visa.

The main need for acquiring a Hungarian Student visa is that you be accepted into a Hungarian university before beginning your application procedure.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Hungary?

Whether you need a Hungarian student visa or not depends on your nationality:

• Citizens outside of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to obtain a student visa and residence permit to enter Hungary for the purpose of education.
• Nationals from the US, Japan, Canada, etc., are exempt from the visa requirement, but they must apply for a residence permit for the purpose of education.

Hungary Student Visa Document Checklist

Enclose the following documents to complete your Hungary student visa application.

• Valid passport. Enclose a valid and original passport with two blank pages for stamping. Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years.
• Visa Application Form. Fill out the application form for a student visa with true information and submit it to the competent authority.
• Passport-size photographs. Attach two recently taken photos within the last six months to your application. Glue one photo to the application and include the other in the documents. Photos should conform to the Schengen requirements.
• Medical insurance. The university in Hungary should state in the invitation letter whether the medical insurance is covered by them. If not, you must include a document of travel insurance proving you have an amount of €30.000 to cover your medical expenses. The medical insurance must be valid for the whole Schengen Area.
• Letter of acceptance from the university. The letter should contain information on the beginning date of classes and payment information (if applicable).
• Proof of accommodation. If the Hungarian University provides accommodation, it must be noted in the invitation letter. If you have to provide an accommodation place for yourself, you must submit a rental agreement with the owner of the building and a property document issued within the last month.
• Proof of paid fee. Students who are recipients of the “Stipendium Hungaricum” state scholarship are exempt from this requirement.
• Financial status. Everyone must submit a translated bank reference and bank statement of the last six months.
  Students should also submit a letter from the university (in English or translated into English), including the address and contacts of the educational institution, signature, and stamp of the person in charge.

If there is a lack of income, you should present a sponsorship letter from your parents stating they will cover all costs.

Copy of following documents:

• Passport pages with your information and signature.
• Copy of all Schengen visas received within the last three years. (if applicable)
• ID card.
• Schengen Travel Health Insurance.
• Flight Ticket.
• Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (if applicable)

Note: All documents must be submitted in A4 format, and the Migration Department of Hungary may require additional documents.

How to Get a Hungary Student Visa?

The application process for a Hungarian Student visa is performed in four easy steps:

• Accept an invitation from a Hungarian university. You can apply for a student visa only if you are enrolled in a higher educational institution in Hungary. After receiving your acceptance letter and invitation, you can proceed to apply for a study visa.
• Book an appointment. Contact the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate and arrange an appointment for your student visa. You can book an appointment three months prior to traveling to the territory of Hungary.
• Complete the application procedures. Fill out the application form and attach the required documents to it.
• Receive an answer. Wait for a response from the embassy regarding your visa application. Usually, the embassy will notify you via email or SMS.

Note: You are required to submit the documents and application form scanned via email five days before your visa appointment to speed up the application process.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Hungary Student Visa?

The Migration Department of Hungary is responsible for making a decision on your visa application. The application review process may take from two weeks to one month. You can apply for a visa six months before you travel.

Duration of a Student Visa

A Hungarian student visa is valid until you finish your educational program. If you wish to continue your stay after your student visa expires, you can start to look for a job and get a work permit.

After You Enter Hungary With a Student Visa

When you arrive in Hungary, you can stay in your university’s dorm. However, if the institution does not offer you with a place to live, you must hunt for a rental.

It is recommended that you obtain a Hungarian phone number from one of the network service providers.

You must also register with the Office of Immigration and Nationality’s regional directorate within 93 days and save a duplicate copy of the accommodation registration form as proof of compliance.

As a student enrolled in a higher education institution, you are also entitled to free medical treatment.

Note: For any dilemmas regarding the entering process, you should approach the student services at your university.

Can I Work in Hungary With a Student Visa?

Yes, you can work in Hungary while on a student visa. EU students are free to work in Hungary, however non-EU international students must seek a permit.

Students from third countries with a study permit can work full-time throughout their studies for a maximum of 24 hours per week and outside of their study term for a maximum of 90 days or 66 working days each year.

Can My Family Come With Me?

If you wish to bring your family members with you to Hungary, they need to apply and obtain a family visa. Once they are granted the family visa, they will be allowed to enter the country.

How Can I Stay in Hungary After I Graduate?

Students who wish to remain in Hungary after graduating from a Hungarian university may apply for a residence visa for the purpose of job hunting or entrepreneurship. The application must be submitted 15 days before the expiration of your study visa.

This form of residence for job searching is only valid for nine months and cannot be extended.

You have nine months to look for work and apply for a work visa and a residence permit for the purpose of working.

Can I Get a Permanent Registration Card In Hungary as a Student?

Students studying at higher education institutions in Hungary will be granted a residence permit once they have obtained a student visa. After holding a residence permit for a while, people can apply for a national resident permit or an interim permanent residence permit.

After five years of continuous residency in Hungary, EEA citizens are provided with a permanent registration card.

Health Insurance for Students in Hungary

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is responsible for funding the healthcare system in Hungary. Among other groups funded by the NHIF, students, and education institutions are also part of the health coverage.

The National Health Insurance Fund covers the following medical services:

• Registration and consultation;
• Medicines and medical consumables;
• Investigations;
• Dental and ophthalmological services;
• Inpatient care services;
• Procedures;
• Surgical services;
• Medical and orthopedic appliances;
• Rehabilitative services.