Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) — Student Guide

ELTE is Hungary’s oldest and one of its strongest universities (founded 1635) with ~30,000 students across eight faculties. This page explains what matters for applicants: English-taught programmes, fees with official links, scholarships, housing and cost of living — plus how to apply.

Budapest city campus + riverside science campus Strong in CS, Maths, Psychology, IR, Linguistics 400+ Erasmus+ partners

Official site (EN) Programme finder & Apply Dormitory Centre Housing Office

Why students like ELTE & Budapest

Reputation & breadth: solid academics from humanities to computer science.
City life: safe, vibrant capital with great public transport and student-friendly prices.
Locations: historic downtown buildings for humanities/law; modern riverside Lágymányos campus for science & informatics.

Faculties & fields (overview)

Humanities and Social Sciences (languages, literature, history, communication)
Law
Informatics (programming, data, AI)
Science (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology)
Education & Psychology
Social Sciences (International Relations, sociology, etc.)
Special needs education; Teacher training

English-taught programmes — examples

Computer Science (BSc / MSc)
Applied Mathematics (MSc)
International Relations (BA / MA)
English Studies (MA)
Communication & Media Studies (MA)

Find everything in one place: apply.elte.hu/courses (programme finder & application portal).

Browse all programmes

Tuition fees by programme (per semester)

Always double-check the programme page — amounts and windows can change.

Programme	Level	Tuition (EUR/sem)	Official source
Computer Science	BSc	€3,200	Course page
Computer Science	MSc	€3,200	Course page
International Relations	BA	€2,700	Course page
International Relations	MA	€3,500	Course page
English Studies	MA	€3,500	Course page
Applied Mathematics	MSc	€4,200 see fee note (EU reductions)	Dept. fee page
English Foundation Course	Preparatory	€2,400	Foundation page

Scholarships — Stipendium Hungaricum (SH)

What it can cover: tuition waiver, monthly stipend, dorm place or housing contribution, health entitlements.
Who can apply: non-Hungarian citizens from partner countries (via national sending partner + Tempus system).

About SH at ELTE ELTE programmes in SH Application Guide (PDF)

Scholarship calls and benefits are updated yearly — always read the current call before applying.

Apply & Entry Requirements — per programme

Use the programme page for the official rules and the application link (“Apply” / “Admission requirements”). Examples:

BSc Computer Science: Apply & requirements
MSc Computer Science: Apply & requirements
BA International Relations: Apply & requirements
MA International Relations: Apply & requirements
MA English Studies: Apply & requirements (often higher English level)
MSc Applied Mathematics: Dept. page (admission & fees)
English Foundation Course: Apply & details

Quick checklist

Eligibility: diploma and any subject requirements for your programme.
Language: English-taught → English test (IELTS/TOEFL, programme-specific minimums). Local-language programme → that language (often B2–C1).
Documents: transcript, passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation; portfolio/interview if required.
Fees: application fee (programme page), plus any test/visa costs.
Deadlines: EU vs non-EU may differ — follow the programme page.

Housing — dorms & private rentals

Dormitories (indicative monthly fees)

Dorm	Room type	Fee (HUF/month)	Official source
Erdős Pál	2–3-bed rooms	55,000–70,000	Dorm page
Kőrösi Csoma Sándor	2–3-bed rooms	55,000–70,000	Price list
Zágrábi / Vezér, etc.	various	50,000–80,000	Price list

Places are limited and fees are charged per begun calendar month. Apply early via the Dormitory Centre.

Private rentals (Budapest)

Typical room/flat prices: €400–700 / month depending on area and condition.
Deposit: usually around two months’ rent.
Use ELTE Housing Office and major portals for listings.

Housing Office Dormitory Centre Find rentals (ingatlan.com)

Cost of living (Budapest)

~€600–900 per month including rent, food and transport. Your actual costs depend mostly on housing choice and lifestyle.

How to apply — simple steps

Choose a programme in the catalogue: apply.elte.hu/courses.
Read its Admission requirements (subjects, grades, documents).
Language: English-taught → English test (IELTS/TOEFL, programme minimums). Local-language → that language (often B2–C1).
Apply online via the programme page and pay the application fee.
Complete any entrance test/interview if required.
Decision & enrolment → arrange housing; if needed, residence permit/visa.

For admissions decisions, only the programme page and faculty rules apply.

Language & recognition — quick rules

English-taught programme → English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, programme-specific minimums).
Hungarian / other-language programme → that language (often B2–C1).
Some programmes may accept a “medium of instruction” letter, but always check the programme page.

Application timeline (general)

Application windows vary by programme. Many run in Spring–Summer for a September start.
Deadlines and decision dates are set by the faculty/programme. Always follow your programme page.

Student life — snapshot

Classic big-city student vibe: historic downtown buildings for humanities and law, a modern riverside Science & Informatics campus on the Danube, and endless cafés, thermal baths and concerts across Budapest.

Official links

Last updated: 2025-09-14 — Numbers are indicative; always verify on the official programme page.