Top 5 student cities in Hungary

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Hungary and what makes them unique.

If you’re starting to plan your university exchange and want to discover the top five student cities in Hungary, this guide’ll help you compare the country's main university cities according to your budget, lifestyle and needs as an international student. In recent years, Hungary has become a popular destination for foreign students thanks to its historic universities, youthful atmosphere, and a cost of living that’s more affordable than in other parts of Western Europe.

Throughout the article, you’ll find practical information about each city: the advantages and disadvantages of choosing it, the most prominent universities, and rental prices for students. This’ll allow you to easily compare and understand what each destination has to offer before making a decision.

In addition, from our online student accommodation platform, you can search for rooms in major Hungarian cities, compare prices between different options, and make a secure booking before arriving in the country. This’ll allow you to organise your exchange with greater peace of mind and without any surprises.

Budapest

Budapest is one of the leading university cities in both Hungary and Central Europe. It has a lively student atmosphere, an incredible and varied nightlife, and an affordable cost of living compared to other capitals on the continent. In addition, its universities are of very high academic quality and it has excellent connections to other cities.

Pros and cons of studying in Budapest

Budapest stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Budapest

Large, active and multicultural international community.
Its cultural and leisure offerings are among the best in the country, with museums, theatres, thermal baths, bars and outdoor events.
The nightlife is very lively, especially in the Pest area.
It has efficient and economical public transport.

Cons of studying in Budapest

The cost of living is higher than in other Hungarian cities.
It’s a very touristy city, which means a higher concentration of people and higher prices.
It can be difficult to find affordable accommodation if you’re searching during peak season.

Top Universities in Budapest

The Hungarian capital is home to two of the country's most renowned institutions.

Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem (ELTE - Eötvös Loránd University)

Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest is one of the most prestigious institutions in Central Europe and one of the oldest in Hungary. It has several campuses in Budapest, such as the Belvárosi Campus in the historic centre and the Trefort-Kert Campus in the Józsefváros district.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the Eötvös Loránd University.

Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest)

Corvinus University of Budapest is a prestigious institution that excels particularly in areas such as economics, business, and social sciences. Its main campus is located in the Hungarian capital and is called Campus Közgáz.

In this guide, we tell you more about its location and how to find housing close to Corvinus University of Budapest.

Student housing in Budapest

Rental prices in the capital are usually among the highest in the country, especially in central districts. Students often opt for rooms in shared flats, with prices typically ranging from €200 to €500 per month. As it’s a very touristy city, costs decrease considerably in areas further away from the centre.

Are you looking for accommodation in Hungary? Read our guide to student accommodation in Budapest, featuring the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Pécs

Pécs, a university city located in southern Hungary, offers a very peaceful atmosphere surrounded by history. It’s ideal for foreign students looking to learn about the local culture in a more relaxed destination with good academic offerings. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and compared to Budapest, it’s much more affordable and its winters are usually milder.

Pros and cons of studying in Pécs

Studying in Pécs can be amazing, although there are also some drawbacks to bear in mind.

Pros of studying in Pécs

It’s a safe city with a more relaxed pace of life than the capital.
The climate in winter is milder than in Budapest.
Rent and other expenses are more affordable.
It has an active student community, and cultural life is centred around it.

Cons of studying in Pécs

The leisure and nightlife options are more limited than in Budapest.
Fewer programmes are taught in English, and Hungarian is very difficult to learn.
Its connections with other countries and cities in Hungary are more limited.

Top Universities in Pécs

One institution in particular stands out in Pécs:

Pécsi Tudományegyetem (University of Pécs)

The University of Pécs is among the oldest universities in Hungary and Central Europe. It’s a leader in fields such as medicine, arts, economics, engineering and social sciences. Its buildings are located in different areas of the city.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near the University of Pécs.

Student housing in Pécs

Rent in Pécs is usually considerably cheaper than in Budapest and also more affordable than in cities such as Debrecen. Single rooms in shared flats generally have a minimum price of around €100 per month.

If you’d like to see all the available options, check out our guide to student housing in Pecs.

Szeged

Szeged is another one of Hungary's most important university cities, also located in the south of the country. It’s known for its young, safe and welcoming atmosphere, and has a slightly more pleasant climate than Budapest. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet city with a good cultural life, affordable prices and a good academic environment.

Pros and cons of studying in Szeged

Choosing Szeged as a place to study has many advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

Pros of studying in Szeged

It has a good student atmosphere throughout the year.
The cost of living is more affordable than in Budapest.
It has a variety of cultural activities, festivals, and outdoor events.
Its climate in winter is more pleasant than in the capital, and it usually rains and snows less.

Cons of studying in Szeged

Less variety of evening plans.
Job opportunities are scarcer for foreigners, mainly because it is less touristy.
More limited transport connections for travelling to other countries.

Top Universities in Szeged

This Hungarian city is mainly known for one institution:

Szegedi Tudományegyetem (University of Szeged)

The University of Szeged is one of the best universities in Hungary, particularly renowned for its medicine, natural sciences, philology, and research programmes. It also offers many programmes taught in English. Its campuses are located in different parts of Szeged, including several buildings in the historic centre.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Szeged.

Student housing in Szeged

Rental prices in Szeged are generally lower than in Budapest and comparable (and even slightly cheaper) than in Pécs. Students usually choose to live in single rooms, which typically cost between €100 and €150 per month.

Are you planning to study in Hungary? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Szeged, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Debrecen

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and an important university centre in the country. Despite its size, it maintains a quiet atmosphere and is very student-oriented, with good infrastructure, large parks and an active cultural life. It tends to attract those looking for a large city that is less touristy and more economical than Budapest.

Pros and cons of studying in Debrecen

Debrecen offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.

Pros of studying in Debrecen

A large city with a peaceful atmosphere.
International student environment thanks to its programmes in English.
The cost of living is lower than in Budapest.
Its cultural and leisure offerings are very varied, and it has many green spaces.

Cons of studying in Debrecen

Air connections aren’t that extensive.
There are fewer leisure activities during the week compared to Budapest.
Accommodation options are more limited.

Top Universities in Debrecen

In this city in eastern Hungary, there’s an institution that welcomes the largest number of international students.

Debreceni Egyetem (University of Debrecen)

The University of Debrecen is renowned for its educational quality and English-language programmes, attracting foreign students from various disciplines. Its modern main campus is located in the north of the city, in the Egyetemváros district, which literally translates to University Town.

Student housing in Debrecen

Debrecen generally offers more affordable rental prices than Budapest and slightly higher prices than smaller cities such as Szeged. Students usually look for rooms in shared flats, which cost around €200 per month on average.

Győr

Győr, located in northern Hungary, is a modern, orderly city with a very good quality of life. It’s situated between Budapest and Vienna. It’s an attractive option for students who want to live in a medium-sized city with a quiet and safe atmosphere and good connections to the capital. In addition, the presence of its university and several technology and industrial companies creates a youthful atmosphere full of opportunities.

Pros and cons of studying in Győr

Studying in Győr can be amazing, although there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Pros of studying in Győr

A clean, safe and easy-to-navigate city.
Good location for travelling in and out of Hungary.
University with highly regarded programmes in English.
Moderate cost of living and more affordable rents than in Budapest.

Cons of studying in Győr

More limited nightlife than in larger cities such as Budapest or Szeged.
Less cultural offerings compared to other destinations in the country.
English-language programmes are less common compared to mainstream universities.

Top Universities in Győr

One institution stands out in this city in northern Hungary:

Széchenyi István Egyetem (University of Győr)

Also known as the University of Győr, it’s renowned for its programmes in engineering, industrial design, management, computer science and economics. It collaborates with international companies and has a practical approach that attracts students interested in technology and business.

Its main campus is just a few minutes from the city centre.

Student housing in Győr

Compared to the Hungarian capital, rental prices in Győr tend to be lower, relatively similar to those in Debrecen. Most students opt for rooms in shared flats, which cost around €200 on average in areas close to the city centre and the campus.

Find accommodation in Hungary with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the top 5 student cities in Hungary depends on your priorities: seeking an intense urban life in Budapest, a relaxed student atmosphere in Pécs, a balance in Debrecen, a youthful and accessible environment in Szeged, or a modern and well-connected city like Győr.

All offer quality universities, a good standard of living, and interesting academic opportunities. Therefore, the final decision depends on the type of experience you want to have.

If you already have a city in mind, you can use our platform to search for verified student accommodation in Hungary, compare prices and book securely before you travel. That way, you'll arrive with everything organised and ready to enjoy your exchange.

Other guides on studying and living in Hungary

Need more information to help you choose your destination? Find everything you need to know in our guides: