Erasmus in Hungary: key information to make the best out of your experience

These are some of the requirements and formalities necessary for an exchange in the country:

• Submit a motivation letter, the transcript of your records and fill out the Learning Agreement.
• You must have a certificate of English language proficiency, which can be test results such as TOEFL or IELTS. In most cases, a B2 level is requested as a minimum.
• It’s necessary to apply for a residence permit for exchange students coming from a country outside the EEA (European Economic Area), as well as register the accommodation address after arrival.
• If you’re a member of the EU or EEA, and your stay is going to be longer than 90 days, you have to obtain a certificate of registration for the duration of your studies and also register the accommodation after arrival.
• Generally you’re going to have to present sufficient financial funds to support yourself during your stay in Hungary. This can be through a guarantor and/or a scholarship received.
• It’s necessary to have valid health insurance for your stay in the country. In the case of EEA students, the European Health Insurance Card can be used.

The cost of living in this country is relatively low, which is why many students choose to study here. The national currency is the Hungarian Forint (HFU) and the currency exchange rate favours those arriving with euros. In addition, the cost of day-to-day living and eating out is usually very economical for students.

The rich history and impressive architecture of cities like Budapest create a unique environment for student life. In addition to attending classes, you'll be able to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture and enjoy all it has to offer.

Let's face it, for most students learning Hungarian wouldn’t be a compelling reason to study in Hungary, as it’s not used outside of the country. However, you‘ll be able to practice English daily, as it is the language of instruction at universities (in addition to the local language) and it’s the language most commonly used by international students to communicate with each other.

Other reasons to choose Hungary as an Erasmus destination are the hospitality of the locals, the lively nightlife in the big cities and the diversity of its gastronomy (we recommend you to try dishes such as "Hungarian goulash", "lángos" and "Paprikás Csirke".

Some of the places you have to visit during your experience in this European destination are:

The capital, Budapest, is located in a strategic position on the banks of the Danube River. It’s the cultural and economic epicentre of the country, with a unique blend of historic and modern architecture. The Buda Hills offer panoramic views, while Pest is home to bustling shopping streets and lively nightlife.

The Northern Region, including the Bükk Mountains and the Carpathian Mountains, offers spectacular scenery and is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking. The city of Eger, known for its Baroque architecture and wine cellars, is located in this region.

The Lake Balaton Region boasts the largest lake in Central Europe. It’s a popular tourist destination with beaches, seaside resorts and charming seaside villages. On the other side of the country is the Great Plain or Puszta area, which is the agricultural heartland of Hungary. It has extensive agricultural fields, traditional villages and is home to the famous Hungarian horse breed.

Finally, we highlight the region that extends west of the Danube River, called Transdanubia. It combines rolling hills, forests and vineyards. It’s known for its thermal spas, historic castles and vineyards that produce renowned Hungarian wines.