Record number of Hungarian students flee the country for higher education abroad

More and more Hungarian students are deciding to continue their studies abroad. While the five most popular destinations have not changed in recent years, certain trends can be seen in the latest data.

Hungarian students abroad

As Portfolio writes, the 2023/2024 academic year is setting a new record for the number of Hungarian students studying abroad, now exceeding 17,500, according to Engame Academy. While Germany and the Netherlands remain popular destinations, the Netherlands is close to overtaking Germany due to recent shifts in students’ preferences. Brexit’s effects continue to impact applications to the UK, while the appeal of the Netherlands is rising. Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK continue to rank as the top five destinations for Hungarian students, although their order has shifted in recent years. Engame Academy’s Rita Nádas advises students planning to study abroad to monitor these changing trends and start preparing during secondary school. Nádas says:

Many Hungarian students only decide on their higher education options in the final year of secondary school, often just before applying for admission. But abroad, successful university admission requires a strong application profile, with sound career guidance and skills development.

Source: canva.com

The top three

Austria and Germany remain top choices for Hungarian students studying abroad, with Austria attracting 3,862 students and Germany 2,986. Austria’s appeal lies in its free tuition and proximity, while Germany has seen a rise in Hungarian enrolment, nearing 3,000 students. The Netherlands, now in third place with 2,926 students, has become especially popular since Brexit due to its extensive English-language programmes, affordable fees of about EUR 2,500 per year, and an international environment that eases adaptation for non-Dutch speakers.

Denmark and the UK are popular options too

Denmark has secured fourth place for Hungarian students studying abroad, attracting 1,263 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. Known for its high-quality, tuition-free education for EU students, Denmark’s appeal has grown with more English-language courses, driving a 5% rise in Hungarian enrolments. Despite the high cost of living, Denmark’s educational offerings remain attractive to Hungarian students, surpassing the United Kingdom, which has dropped to fifth place. In contrast, only 1,154 Hungarian students currently study in the UK, which has declined significantly post-Brexit due to increased tuition fees and the removal of student loans for EU students.

Photo: depositphotos.com

While the UK previously saw growing interest from Hungarian students, with a record 2,650 enrolments in 2020/2021, Brexit has created substantial obstacles. Ireland is emerging as an alternative, although it still hosts only 161 students from Hungary due to stringent admission requirements.

Read also:

• The rise of international students in Hungary: a global perspective on education
• Top 6 UK universities for Hungarian students to consider