What You Need to Know Before You Study Medicine in Hungary

What You Need to Know Before You Study Medicine in Hungary

Many students don’t expect Hungary to rank highly on a list of the top education systems in the world, yet it places at a surprisingly high position of #22. Programs across a wide variety of fields are popular here, both for international and domestic students, but by far one of the most popular is medicine. Within the field, students have the opportunity to study pharmacy, dentistry, biochemistry, and a slew of other options, helping make Hungary a country of diverse and high-quality offerings. That’s why they come from around the globe to this premier destination for studying medicine.

Before you decide where you want to take your medical studies, here are 5 things you should know about Hungary and its medical universities:

Hungarian Medical Universities with English Medical Programs

Hungary is home four medical universities with acclaimed and accredited programs taught in English. Each complies with European standards, allowing them to be recognized by both the European Union and the United States, as well as many other locations around the planet. Here is a ranking of the medical universities with English programs, according to QS World University Rankings:

1. Semmelweis University
   The top-ranked medical university in Hungary is Semmelweis University. Founded in 1769, the Faculty of Medicine is the University’s oldest and largest faculty, and partners with universities across Europe to enhance student experience.
2. University of Debrecen
   Serving as Central Europe's first campus medical school, Debrecen’s Faculty of Medicine boasts 22 departments of basic sciences and 25 clinical departments. Across its 45 theoretical and clinical units, the Faculty engages in international research in a wide array of life sciences.
3. University of Pécs
   With one of the most internationally-attended programs in the country, the University of Pécs welcomes almost 4,000 students from almost 70 countries to enroll in its Medical School each year. It is also home to the Faculty of Pharmacy as well as Dentistry and Microbiology Programs.
4. Szeged University
   Home to state-of-the-art laboratories where research has been carried out in various fields of life sciences, Szeged University’s Faculty of Medicine rounds out the list of Top Medical Programs in Hungary. The school boasts various Nobel Prize Winners in its alumni network.

Cost

Hungary welcomes prospective medical students from around the world to one of its four accredited and acclaimed Medical Universities. For many students who have the intelligence and experience but lack the funds to study in top universities in the US and UK, Hungary is a top-tier alternative with programs recognized on a global scale. While students in the UK and US will pay an average of 185,000 USD and 243,000 USD for an MD degree, respectively, those in Hungary will pay a fraction of that price. [insert link to Why Study in Hungary]

Here is the tuition breakdown of the fees at the country’s four medical universities:

1. Szeged University
   First Year: 16,520 USD
   2-5 Year: 16,300 USD
   6 Year: 8,150 USD
   Total: 89,870 USD
2. University of Pécs
   1-6 Year: 16,750 USD
   Total: 100,500 USD
3. University of Debrecen
   1-6 Year: 16,500 USD
   Total: 101,400 USD
4. Semmelweis University
   1-6 year: 18,200 USD
   Total: 109,200 USD

English

Because English has become widely recognized as the world’s universal language, having the opportunity to be taught by an English-speaking professor or doctor can provide students with an enviable advantage. Luckily, many Hungarian universities offer medical degree programs, all taught by internationally renowned medical professionals in English.

With English courses and programs at all levels, from 6-year undergraduate programs to 4- or 5-year graduate programs, and even to PhD programs, Hungary has everything students interested in medicine need. The fact that an array of its universities use English to conduct their lectures only serves to increase both the quality of education and the accessibility of the programs.

Application

The application can be the most daunting part of choosing which medical university you wish to attend in Hungary. Overall the process is considered relatively straightforward; however, it should be noted that each program, university, and degree level requires unique aspects to the application process.

Some universities require that prospective students submit a variety of components to their applications: the online portion, a non-refundable fee, transcripts from prior educational institutions, letters of recommendation, and health information such as immunization records. Other universities will additionally require an in-person interview at an international location or a video interview via Skype.

If this sounds overwhelming, don’t panic! Companies like Yes Atlas exist to help students through their application and international study process, every step of the way, Simply reach out and connect with an admissions guide to begin your application process.

International Experience

Students of all backgrounds, especially those pursuing a medical degree, benefit from international experience. Having the opportunity to learn a new culture, engage with locals, and work in a new setting prepares medical students for the world of healthcare into which they hope to enter.

Hungarian universities not only expose students to an alternative culture, which will help them as they advance through their educations and careers, but also align with some of the top programs in the world - in other words, the universities in Poland are in compliance with the US and EU standards of teaching. This means that students can apply for residency and continued education opportunities in these locations and a slew of others.