Medical studies Budapest
Semmelweis University

Semmelweis University: History, reputation and international significance

Semmelweis University Budapest is not just any medical faculty - it is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. It was founded in 1769 and named after Ignaz Semmelweis, the "saviour of mothers", who is considered a pioneer of antiseptic medicine.

Today, the university has around 9,200 students, including over 1,600 international students. Particularly noteworthy: around 4,000 doctors who trained at Semmelweis University are now practising successfully in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This figure speaks for itself - and for the high quality and recognition of the degree.

The medical training follows the latest standards and is offered in three teaching languages: Hungarian, German and English. This makes Semmelweis University one of the few universities in the world to offer several international programmes at the same time - a real advantage for German-speaking applicants.

Why Hungary? Advantages for German-speaking students

One major advantage of studying medicine in Hungary is that access is not restricted by a Numerus Clausus limited. Instead, a fair admissions procedure, consisting of a test, interview and letter of motivation, decides on the allocation of study places.

In addition, there is full EU recognition: the degree programme at Semmelweis University complies with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, which means that the degree is readily recognised in all EU countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. You can then go straight into specialist training or the practical year.

Semmelweis University also maintains close cooperation with German institutions such as the Asklepios Campus Hamburg, which opens up connections to Germany during your studies.

Budapest as a study location: culture, quality of life, security

The Hungarian capital Budapest is one of the most exciting and liveable cities in Europe. With around 1.7 million inhabitants, it is not only one of the largest cities in the EU, but also one of the most attractive - for tourists and students alike.

Budapest combines a historic cityscape with vibrant city life: The Danube, the parliament, the castle palace, thermal baths and the historic centre create a special atmosphere. Restaurants, cafés, theatres, clubs and festivals ensure an active student life.

At the same time, life in Budapest is significantly cheaper than in Vienna, Munich or Berlin. Rooms in shared flats, food, public transport and leisure activities are affordable without you having to sacrifice comfort. The city is also considered safe, well-organised and extremely student-friendly.

Study programmes & languages of instruction

Human medicine, dentistry and pharmacy

Semmelweis University offers three central study programmes in the field of medical education:

• Human Medicine (General Medicine) - duration of study: 6 years

• Dentistry - Duration of study: 5 years

• Pharmacy - Duration of study: 5 years

All programmes are strongly practice-oriented, scientifically sound and aligned with international standards. During your studies, you will become as familiar with medical theory as you are with patient practice - especially from the third year onwards.

The medical faculty is modernly equipped, teaching is provided by experienced, multilingual lecturers, and clinical training is supplemented by practical assignments in the university's own clinics.

Study language: German, English or Hungarian

What makes Semmelweis University special is its multilingual teaching. Depending on the degree programme and availability of places, you can choose the following languages:

• German-language degree programme: particularly popular with German and Austrian students.

• English-language degree programme: international orientation, good preparation for the global labour market.

• Hungarian: for local or very language-savvy applicants.

EU-compliant structure & international recognition

By complying with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, the study structure is fully compatible with medical training in other EU countries. This means:

• Professional doctorate is recognised

• Specialist training in the EU is possible directly afterwards

• PJ in Germany or Austria possible

The degree is also recognised worldwide - with additional USMLE preparation, even USA or Canada realistic options. So you not only gain knowledge and practice, but also real career prospects.

Study conditions & campus life

Faculties, laboratories, clinics & research centres

The Faculty of Medicine at Semmelweis University in Budapest is one of the most advanced medical training centres in Europe. Students have access to a variety of laboratories, clinical departments and research centres - all located directly on the modern campus.

Particularly noteworthy are:

• The university hospital where the practical training takes place

• Anatomical and biochemical laboratories

• Teaching centres for clinical skills with realistic patient simulators

• Digital learning platforms for e-learning and lecture streaming

From the third year onwards, students take an active part in patient care, accompanied by experienced medical specialists.

Modern teaching methods & multinational community

Teaching at Semmelweis University is based on the latest research. Methods such as:

• Problem-based learning (PBL)

• Team-orientated learning

• Objective structured clinical trials (OSCE)

• and digital skills training programmes.

A big plus point: the university focusses on interactive teaching and supervises small groups. This creates a close connection to the teaching staff and allows for more individualised support.

Life on campus: leisure, living, mobility

The Semmelweis University campus is centrally located in Budapest - with direct access to public transport, shopping facilities, cafés and recreational parks. You can reach everything you need on foot or by metro.

This means for your student life:

• Accommodation in a hall of residence or in private shared flats

• Student discounts on transport, museums and cultural activities

• Sports centres, libraries, study rooms and canteen on campus

• Diverse nightlife: student clubs, regulars' tables and leisure groups

Budapest is a pleasant place to live: the infrastructure is excellent, there is fast internet, good medical care - and you will quickly feel at home in the city.

Admission & entrance test

Application, application deadline & required documents

To get a place at Semmelweis University, you must first apply via an official channel - for example, using our application platform. The application process is clearly structured and is divided into:

1. Online application

2. Submission of documents (certificates, ID, letter of motivation)

3. Participation in the entrance test

4. Zoom interview with the faculty

The application deadline for the winter semester is usually between May and July - but beware: the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting your preferred place. Demand is high.

Contents of the entrance test & preparation (biology, chemistry, English)

The entrance exam comprises four subject areas:

• Biology (e.g. cell biology, genetics, physiology)

• Chemistry (organic and inorganic)

• General English (grammar, reading comprehension)

• Biomedical English (medical terminology, simple case studies)

The test is written and standardised - usually in multiple-choice format. It is taken online or at official test centres. If you pass the test, you will be invited to an interview.

Personal interview & letter of motivation

The test is followed by a 20-minute Zoom interview with representatives of the faculty. The aim is to test your personality, motivation and aptitude. Typical questions:

• Why do you want to study medicine??

• Why did you choose Semmelweis?

• How do you deal with stress?

• What are your professional goals?

You must also submit a letter of motivation beforehand - in English. In it, you explain why you are interested in the Medizinstudienplatz what motivates you, what experience you bring to the table.

Optimum preparation with futuredoctor

E-learning platform & learning app

With our specially developed e-learning platform, you have everything you need for a successful application - directly on your laptop or smartphone. The platform offers:

• 90+ educational videos in biology and chemistry

• Test simulations with real exam questions

• Progress tracking for your learning success

There is also an app version so that you can learn efficiently on the go - whether on the underground or in bed at night.

Tests, learning videos & round-the-clock support

In addition to learning content, you will also have a support team at your side: teachers, doctors and medical students will support you with questions, corrections or motivation lows.

The future-doctor team will also prepare you specifically:

• the interview,

• the audit strategy

• and your personal learning structure.

You will not be left alone - and can go into the selection process with real self-confidence.

Preparation courses & interview training

In addition to digital preparation, live courses, crash courses and individual coaching sessions are also offered - either on site or online. These courses deal specifically with:

• Test strategy

• Biochemical expertise

• English communication in a medical context

• Interview preparation with real questions

You will be optimally prepared for the requirements of Semmelweis University - regardless of whether you want to study human medicine, dentistry or Study pharmacy want.

Tuition fees & cost of living

Fees for human medicine, dentistry & pharmacy

Studying at Semmelweis University Budapest is subject to a fee, but is fairly priced compared to many private universities in Germany. The current tuition fees per year (as of 2025) are:

• Human medicine: approx. 16,750 EUR per year

• Dentistry: approx. EUR 17,000 per year

• Pharmacy: approx. 8,000-9,000 EUR per year

Payment is usually made on a semester basis. There are also smaller additional costs for enrolment, administration, books and materials. Despite the investment, the degree programme is worthwhile - due to its EU-wide recognition, high quality and international prospects.

Living in Budapest: shared flat, hall of residence or flat

What makes living in Budapest particularly pleasant is that it is comparatively cheap. While you can easily pay over EUR 600 for a room in a shared flat in Munich or Vienna, you get the same in Budapest:

• A room in a WGfrom 350-450 EUR

• One-room flat in a good location: approx. 400-500 EUR

• Dormitory room (depending on comfort): from 200-300 EUR

However, demand is high - if you look early, it's easier to find. Popular neighbourhoods are Districts V, VI, VII and XIII - central, safe and student-friendly.

Monthly costs & savings tips for students

The total cost of living is around EUR 600-850 per month (including rent). This makes Budapest very affordable by European standards. Here is an overview:

Tip: As a student, you get discounts at museums, cinemas, theatres, gyms and cafés - a real bonus for everyday life.

Recognition & career prospects

EU Directive 2005/36/EC & specialist training

Your degree at Semmelweis University is based on the Bologna model and is fully recognised in the EU by EU Directive 2005/36/EC. This means:

• You can apply directly for specialist training

• Your degree programme is equivalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries

• You will receive a professional doctorate with which you can start your career

Important for you: No additional examinations or nostrification necessary - your degree programme is automatically valid.

Professional practice in Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Around 4,000 graduates of Semmelweis University now work in German clinics, Austrian hospitals or Swiss medical practices. This is not only due to recognition, but also to the high level of training.

The university not only teaches you specialised knowledge, but also:

• Medical communication

• Patient safety

• Clinical practice

• Ethics and intercultural competences

This makes you attractive to employers throughout Europe - from municipal hospitals to university clinics.

Co-operations such as Asklepios Campus Hamburg

Semmelweis University maintains direct partnerships with medical institutions in Germany - in particular with the well-known Asklepios Campus Hamburg. This co-operation enables:

• Exchange programmes

• Practical stays

• Direct connection options after graduation

These connections are a clear advantage for your career start.