Costs of Studying in Hungary for Pakistani Students

Studying in Hungary has become a popular choice for Pakistani students due to its affordable tuition fees and low cost of living compared to other European countries. While Hungary is part of the European Union, its living standards are comparable to Western Europe, but the expenses remain much more budget-friendly. This balance of affordability and quality makes Hungary a practical destination for international students.

Below, we break down the key expenses Pakistani students should plan for when studying in Hungary.

Tuition Fees in Hungary

One of the main reasons Hungary attracts international students is its low tuition fee structure. Tuition varies depending on the program, degree level, and university, but it remains much more affordable compared to countries like the UK, USA, or Germany.

Bachelor’s Programs: €2,000 – €6,000 per year
Master’s Programs: €3,000 – €7,000 per year
PhD Programs: €3,000 – €5,000 per year
Medical Programs (MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy): €8,000 – €15,000 per year

Pakistani students applying through scholarships such as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship may receive full or partial tuition fee waivers, making education almost free in many cases.

Living Expenses in Hungary

Hungary is considered one of the most cost-effective countries in Europe for international students. On average, Pakistani students can expect to spend between €400 – €700 per month depending on lifestyle and city.

Breakdown of Monthly Living Costs:

Accommodation: €150 – €350 (shared apartment or student dormitory)
Food & Groceries: €100 – €200
Transport (public): €20 – €40 (student discounts available)
Books & Study Materials: €30 – €50
Health Insurance: €30 – €60
Leisure & Personal Expenses: €50 – €100
Estimated Monthly Total: €400 – €700
Estimated Yearly Total: €5,000 – €8,000

Accommodation Costs

Finding affordable accommodation is an important consideration for Pakistani students in Hungary.

University Dormitories: €100 – €200 per month (most budget-friendly option).
Shared Apartments: €200 – €350 per month.
Private Apartments: €400 – €600 per month (suitable for students preferring privacy).

Major student cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged offer a wide range of options depending on budget.

Transportation Costs

Hungary has a well-developed and affordable public transportation system. Students are eligible for discounted travel passes, making commuting very affordable.

Monthly Student Transport Pass: €10 – €15 (within Budapest and other cities).
Intercity Travel: €5 – €20 (depending on distance).

Many students prefer cycling, especially in smaller cities like Szeged and Pécs, which reduces transport expenses further.

Healthcare & Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Hungary. Pakistani students usually spend around €30 – €60 per month for coverage, depending on the provider.
Some scholarships, such as Stipendium Hungaricum, include free health insurance as part of the benefits.

Additional Expenses

Apart from tuition and living costs, students should budget for additional expenses:

Visa & Residence Permit Fees: €110 – €150 (one-time cost).
Flight Tickets from Pakistan to Hungary: €500 – €700 (round trip).
Language Courses (if required): €500 – €1,000 per semester.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

To reduce costs, Pakistani students can apply for scholarships, such as:

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowance).
University-specific scholarships for academic excellence.
Erasmus+ Program (mobility scholarships for exchange students).

Estimated Budget for Pakistani Students

Here’s a quick overview of the average yearly costs:

Expense Category	Estimated Yearly Cost
Tuition Fees	€2,000 – €7,000 (average programs)
Accommodation	€1,800 – €4,000
Living Expenses (food, utilities, etc.)	€2,000 – €3,500
Transportation	€150 – €300
Health Insurance	€300 – €600
Miscellaneous Expenses	€500 – €1,000
Total (per year)	€6,500 – €14,000

This budget may vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of university.

Final Thoughts

For Pakistani students, Hungary offers one of the best value-for-money education experiences in Europe. With tuition fees significantly lower than in other EU countries and living expenses that remain manageable, Hungary is a financially viable destination without compromising on the quality of education. By applying for scholarships and choosing cost-effective housing, Pakistani students can pursue their academic dreams in Europe without the burden of heavy financial stress.