Why Hungary is the gateway to the EU for many foreign students

Ever since the establishment of educational institutions around the world, student mobility has been an important part of many cities and local economies. There are many countries around the world that attract tens of thousands of international students each and every year. Traditionally, popular destinations for education include the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Italy, and other countries. Primarily, student mobility has been popular across Europe due to the high quality of education.

Universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Sciences Po, and other prominent universities are considered some of the best globally. Thousands of people apply for just a few spots every year, hence the extremely high competition within these institutions. With very low acceptance rates and high requirements, the world’s top universities truly deliver on the expectations.

High quality of education usually results in widespread employment opportunities all around the world. With a Harvard Law School diploma, one can get practically any job within the area of expertise. However, acquiring a degree comes at a high cost. The vast majority of those universities are quite expensive. From registration and application to tuition fees, getting into one of the world’s top universities will cost you a fortune.

Moreover, the important factor to take into account is the cost of living. Countries like Britain, the US, and France are barely affordable. Most of the top universities according to global rankings are based in those nations and some of the most expensive cities on earth. Even, if one can afford the tuition fees, paying for accommodation and transportation, along with food and daily expenses, can be quite a challenge. Rents are almost unaffordable across London and similar cities for locals, needless to say, that the vast majority of students experience more difficulties.

Amidst the high rate of economic development, one country is gaining more and more attention as a leading destination for international students.

Hungary is home to some of Europe’s most elegant cities, beautiful landscapes, exquisite landmarks, and top universities.

Unfortunately, the country’s educational sector is often overshadowed by western members of the European Union. Nevertheless, if researched properly, this country allows employment opportunities alongside great education at the nation’s leading universities.

Being a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the country hosts some of the best examples of royal architecture and design. With vast parks, eccentric cultural venues, and amazing public transit systems, Hungary offers an amazing environment to international students. Moreover, this nation is a rapidly emerging economy, meaning that unemployment is quite low and new job opportunities arise at all times.

Student employment in Hungary

Due to its strategic location in Central Europe, Hungary attracts many foreign businesses and a growing amount of foreign direct investments. The cost of living in Hungary is quite low in comparison to neighboring countries like Austria and Slovenia. Therefore, foreign businesses often prefer operating from Hungary at a lower cost.

Over the recent decade, a growing number of financial institutions have been established in the country, primarily in the capital Budapest.

These financial companies work for overseas clients and require English-speaking staff. Most recently, more and more Forex brokers have been establishing their offices in Budapest. According to Forexbrokerslist.org, some of Europe’s best forex brokerage firms are now present in the Hungarian market. This is a great employment opportunity for international students and generally migrants based in Hungary.

The low cost of living for a high quality of life

Unlike the vast majority of western and northern European countries, Hungary is known for being extremely cheap. For someone coming from western Europe, the cost of living might not be a priority when going to a university. However, for those coming from outside the European Union, particularly from poorer Asian and African countries, Hungary is an opportunity to study and live without essentially selling a house back home.

Capital Budapest is the most expensive part of the country. Home to over 3 million people, this dazzling metropolis has everything one might need. From major retail areas to commercial centers, cultural venues, and bars, Budapest offers a lot to its residents. The same quality of entertainment and life as in many other western European cities is available here at just a fraction of the price.

For instance, one can rent a newly refurbished studio apartment within the center of Budapest for roughly 400-600 Euros a month.

The price includes utilities and overhead costs. The public transport pass is also much cheaper than anywhere in Europe with some significant student discounts available. The transit system itself is quite vast and expansive, covering all areas of the metropolitan area. 4 lines of metro system work from around 5 am with the recently inaugurated line 4 being fully automated and driverless. The city is also home to a major tram network and the longest tram-train in the world. Moreover, the network includes buses, minibusses, boats, and the suburban railway system called “HEV”. All in all, getting around in Budapest is quite easy, cheap, and simple. You will surely not be late for classes thanks to the efficient transport system.

Most importantly: EU quality education at affordable prices

Hungary features amazing educational institutions all across the country.

First off, we should start by naming universities outside Budapest. The country has so-called “student cities” with significant young populations. For instance, Debrecen in the east of the country is a medium-sized urban area with an amazing research university. The prices are even more affordable than in Budapest whilst the university of Debrecen offers a high-quality education for low prices. They also provide dorms and student hostels for international students. Other cities with similar scenarios include Szeged, Pecs, Sopron, and Godollo along with the others.

Then there is Budapest where the vast majority of Hungary’s top universities are concentrated. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) is one of the most widely-recognized educational institutions in Hungary. Founded in 1653, it also is one of the oldest of its kind in the region. Tue public university has over 18,000 students and has raised Nobel Prize winners and Olympic champions.

Budapest University of Technology and Economics is the oldest technological university in the whole of Europe.

It was founded in the 18th century and to this date, is considered one of the best technological universities in the region. The BME offers a wide spectrum of degrees such as Computer Engineering, biomedical sciences, Civil Engineering, robotics, and others. 

Other institutions in Budapest are Corvinus University, the Budapest Metropolitan University, the Budapest Business School, and others. The country also offers a wide range of art schools and conservatories. Therefore, pretty much anyone looking for a university degree can get one in Hungary at affordable prices.