Medical studies in Hungary

Studying medicine in Hungary: Advantages

Hungary is a very popular destination for prospective medical students from all over the world and offers students many advantages. Here are some of the most important reasons why students choose to study medicine in Hungary:

Numerus Clausus (NC)-free study of human medicine in German

Anyone who is ready to go abroad for the dream of studying medicine has a big step ahead of them. Moving to a new country and getting used to a completely different environment and culture can be a big challenge. Hungarian universities are accommodating to future students and offer medical studies in German, which makes learning the complexities of medicine much easier. The large number of international and German-speaking students can also make arriving in another country much easier.

High quality medical education

Modern facilities, outstanding quality of teaching and academic excellence characterise the medical universities in Hungary. The study programme is modern and practice-oriented. Small-group teaching creates a familiar atmosphere and students have close contact with both their lecturers and fellow students.

Beautiful student towns and a multicultural environment

Hungarian student cities offer an exciting student life with many leisure opportunities and sights.

Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is particularly popular with students. The Hungarian capital attracts countless tourists every year with its historic buildings and many small cafés and restaurants where you can get good food for little money. In the city that never sleeps, you can experience something at any time of the day or night.
The convenient train and bus connections are perfect for weekend excursions to other European cities such as Bratislava or Vienna.

You will find students from all over the world on university campuses in Hungary. This unique multicultural environment offers the opportunity for exchange and learning from each other.

Transfer to a university in Germany possible

If you are nevertheless drawn back to Germany as a student, studying in Hungary offers you a great opportunity: the structure of the medical degree programme at Hungarian universities is adapted to that of German universities. This means that students have the opportunity to transfer to a university in Germany after the pre-clinical phase (the second year of the medical degree programme) and continue their studies there - provided, of course, that they are offered a place to study in Germany. This simple transfer is not possible in other countries.

Recognition of medical studies in Germany and Austria

If you complete your medical studies in Hungary, you can easily apply for a licence to practise medicine in Germany or other EU countries. In accordance with the EU Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications, completed medical students from Hungary have the same rights to a medical professional licence as students at German universities.

Which universities are suitable for medical studies in Hungary?

There are three major universities in Hungary that would be suitable for your medical studies. Here you can find an overview of the individual universities:

University of Budapest: Semmelweis University

The Semmelweis University is one of the oldest and most renowned medical universities in Hungary. It is possible to study medicine here in both English and German. Lessons are held in small groups and there is direct contact with the professors. Teaching focuses on independent critical thinking and the acquisition of practical skills. After the Physikum, students have the opportunity to transfer from Semmelweis University to the Asklepios Campus Hamburg. Prospective students can choose between a place on a degree programme in human medicine or a degree programme in dentistry.

Medical University of Pécs

The University of Pécs is one of the 500 best universities in the world and is particularly well known as a research university. Students with an interest in research have the opportunity to participate in exciting projects while studying medicine in Hungary. The degree programme is also highly customisable. With over 400 elective courses, it can be adapted to your personal interests. At the Medical University in Pecs, you can study medicine (human medicine or dentistry) in Hungarian, English or even German.

University of Szeged

German NC-free studies are also possible in degree programmes at the University of Szeged possible. The school advertises itself with its excellent academic education, which scores well in numerous world rankings. The small group classes create a familiar atmosphere and students have close contact with their lecturers. The University of Szeged, which considers itself to be one of the "greenest" universities in the world, attaches great importance to the use of sustainable energy sources and waste avoidance.

Students come from over 126 countries around the world and take advantage of numerous offers, such as the International Cultural Evening, picnics and jam sessions, to make contacts. The medical faculty is very centrally located and the cycle paths are very well developed in the student city.

Requirements for studying medicine in Hungary

Unlike some universities abroad, there is no fixed NC for prospective students at a Hungarian university (human medicine or dentistry).

Advantages for a successful application:

• Good Abitur results (no fixed NC, but a grade point average of better than 2.5 is desirable)

• Completed professional medical training (e.g. nursing assistant, paramedic)

• Internships in the health sector

• Voluntary social year in the health sector

No entrance test is currently required for German-language degree programmes at Hungarian universities. For English-language degree programmes, there are individual admission procedures consisting of a science test and an interview.

As it is possible to study in German, no further language skills are required.

The only restriction: applicants to the University of Szeged must be or become of age during the year of their application.

Studying medicine in Hungary: content and structure

Currently, studies in Hungary start once a year in the winter semester, usually at the beginning of September.

If the basic knowledge of biology and chemistry still needs to be refreshed, we at futuredoctor offer appropriate preparatory courses before you start your studies.

The Duration of medical studies is also 6 years, as in Germany and Austria, and the curriculum is structured very similarly:

The first two years of the programme (1st to 4th semester) include the teaching of natural science subjects such as medicinal chemistry, biology for medical doctors, biophysics, molecular and cell biology, anatomy, histology and physiology.

In the third year (5th and 6th semester), students are taught knowledge in the field of pathology and pathophysiology, as well as microbiology. The teaching of internal medicine is also started. This is then intensified from the 7th semester onwards. In addition, there are the subjects of surgery, traumatology, orthopaedics, paediatrics and obstetrics and other specialities. Behavioural science-oriented subjects (e.g. ethics, medical psychology) are also taught.  

The 6th year of the degree programme is the practical year, during which you can gain clinical experience on different wards in the hospital.

Costs and financing of medical studies in Hungary

Universities in Hungary charge high tuition fees for teaching. At Semmelweis University in Budapest, students pay 8,300 euros per semester. The University of Szeged charges 7,600 euros every semester. The Costs for studying medicine abroad are significantly higher here than in other countries within Europe.

But the cost of living is all the more affordable! You should budget about 700 to 1,000 euros per month, including rent. This is around 300 to 500 euros, depending on the location and living situation. Food, both in restaurants and supermarkets, is much cheaper than in Germany and you can also save quite a bit of money on clothes - especially if you use the numerous good second-hand shops.

Country and People: 3 Facts You Didn't Know About Hungary

• Hungary is home to the largest lake in Central Europe: Lake Balaton (or Plattensee) attracts visitors with its kilometre-long beaches and numerous leisure activities such as horseback riding, sailing, fishing or beach volleyball.

• More than just goulash! Even though Hungarian cuisine is best known for its goulash, it has much more to offer! Hearty dishes include, for example, töltött káposzta (cabbage roll), lecsó (vegetable ragout) or lángos (fried dough with cheese). A great place to take a culinary journey into the world of Hungarian delicacies is the Budapest Market Hall.
  In addition to Hungarian food, you will also find numerous international restaurants with dishes from all over the world.

• Free public transport for all EU citizens! If you like to travel by tram and bus, you can use them free of charge and only need a valid photo ID. A great option - not only for checking out the numerous sights in the cities.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Hungary?

As places to study medicine are also in great demand in Hungary itself, it is important to submit a comprehensive and very good application. At Semmelweis University in Budapest, for example, around 10 applicants apply for one place.

Good news for all those who don't have an Abitur: There are also opportunities in other European countries to obtain a Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate to make!

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Hungary? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.