Why Indian Students Are Choosing Hungary Over the UK – Full Comparison (2025)
By Manav Malhotra · Global Scholarship & Financial Aid Strategist · Published 2025-06-01T07:36:31.980Z
Indian students choosing Hungary over the UK benefit from lower costs, easier residency options, and quality education. However, the UK offers better Indian food availability and diverse part-time job opportunities. Knowing local language helps in Hungary for smoother living.
For many years, the United Kingdom (UK) was the dream destination for Indian students wanting to pursue higher education abroad. The UK is famous for its world-class universities , historic colleges, and vibrant student life. However, in recent years, a new destination is rising rapidly in popularity among Indian students: Hungary . Many students are now considering Hungary as a better option compared to the UK due to several practical reasons including cost, visa policies, scholarships, and living conditions.
Let’s dive deep into this trend, understand the differences, and explore why Hungary is becoming a preferred choice for Indian students in 2025.
Quick Comparison: Hungary vs UK
Feature
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Tuition Fees
₹2–4 lakh/year
₹10–25 lakh/year
Living Costs
₹30,000–₹50,000/month
₹80,000–₹1.2 lakh/month
IELTS Required?
Often Not Required
Usually Required
Scholarships
Many full scholarships (e.g. Stipendium Hungaricum )
Limited & highly competitive
Visa Approval Rate
High
Declining recently
Post-Study Work Visa
1 year (can extend)
2 years ( Graduate Route )
PR (Permanent Residency)
Easier after 3–5 years ( Permanent residency )
Longer, more complex process (5+ years)
Language of Study
English (widely available)
English
1. Tuition Fees – Huge Savings in Hungary
One of the biggest reasons why Indian students are choosing Hungary is the low tuition fee . In the UK, international students typically pay:
Between ₹10 to ₹25 lakh per year , depending on the course and university. For popular courses like Medicine , Engineering , or Business , fees can be even higher.
In contrast, Hungary offers similar degrees at a fraction of the cost:
Tuition fees range from ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh per year even in the top universities.
These universities provide English -taught programs, so language is not a barrier.
This massive difference means students and their families can save a lot of money while still getting a quality education recognized across the world.
Source: Education in Hungary – Wikipedia | Tuition Fees – UK
2. Cost of Living – Affordable Student Life
Living expenses in the UK are notoriously high. Cities like London , Manchester , or Birmingham charge students:
Rent, food, transportation, and other essentials amount to ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month .
London especially is one of the most expensive cities globally.
Hungary, on the other hand, offers a much cheaper lifestyle. Cities like Budapest , Debrecen , and Szeged have:
Monthly living costs between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 .
Affordable accommodation options such as dormitories and shared apartments.
Cheap public transportation and food.
Because of this, many students find they can live comfortably and still save money for travel or other activities.
Cost of living – Wikipedia
3. IELTS and Language Requirements
In the UK, most universities require international students to submit IELTS or other English proficiency test scores. The minimum band score required is often 6.0 to 7.0 , which is difficult for many students to achieve.
Hungary provides more flexibility:
Many universities do not require IELTS if the student’s previous education was in English.
Some universities conduct their own English test or a simple video interview.
This reduces extra exam stress and expenses for students.
This easier language requirement encourages more Indian students to choose Hungary.
4. Top Hungarian Universities for International Students
Hungary has several universities with internationally recognized degrees and quality education standards. Many of these universities offer courses in English and attract students from all over the world.
Some of the popular universities include:
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) — One of Hungary’s largest and most prestigious universities.
University of Debrecen — Famous for its medical and science programs.
Semmelweis University — Top choice for Medicine and Health Sciences.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) — Excellent for Engineering and Technology degrees.
Degrees from these universities are recognized throughout the European Union (EU) and often accepted by universities and employers worldwide.
5. Scholarships – Generous Funding Opportunities
Scholarships are another reason why Hungary attracts Indian students. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship , funded by the Hungarian government, covers:
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (₹25,000 to ₹35,000)
Accommodation or allowance for housing
Health insurance
In contrast, scholarships in the UK such as Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships are very competitive and limited.
Indian students are advised to apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship between November and February for admission the next academic year.
6. Visa Process – Simple and Fast in Hungary
The UK visa process has become more complicated in recent years with stricter rules and higher rejection rates.
Hungary offers:
A smooth Type D student visa process.
Higher visa approval rates for Indian students.
No expensive NHS surcharge or complex documentation.
Students must submit clear documents including admission letters, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Visa policy of the European Union – Wikipedia
7. Part-Time Jobs and Work Opportunities
Indian students in both Hungary and the UK can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
In Hungary, students often work in:
Restaurants, cafes, delivery services.
Internships in IT, business, or research sectors.
Earnings can be between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000 per month depending on the city and job type.
After completing their studies, students in Hungary can apply for a job-seeking visa valid for one year, which allows them to find employment and apply for work permits.
Post-study work visa – Wikipedia
8. Permanent Residency (PR) – Easier and Faster in Hungary
Hungary offers Indian students a faster route to permanent residency:
After 3 to 5 years of legal stay and employment, students can apply for Permanent Residency .
The process involves fewer hurdles compared to the UK.
The UK requires a longer stay (5+ years) under strict visa categories before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) .
9. Growing Indian Community and Cultural Support
Hungary’s Indian community is growing rapidly, with over 10,000 Indian students and professionals living in cities like Budapest , Debrecen , and Szeged .
Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with enthusiasm.
Many Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural groups provide support and a home-away-from-home feeling to new students.
Indians in Hungary – Wikipedia
Conclusion: Which Country Should You Choose?
Hungary provides:
Quality education at affordable costs.
Generous scholarships.
Easy visa process.
Vibrant Indian community.
Faster path to PR.
The UK still holds prestige and offers some world-class universities but is much more expensive and harder to get into.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Indian students work part-time while studying in Hungary or the UK?
Yes, Indian students can work part-time in both Hungary and the UK during their studies, but there are specific limits on working hours. In the UK, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations. In Hungary, part-time work is allowed but depends on the university rules and visa conditions. Always check your visa terms carefully.
Is health insurance mandatory for Indian students in Hungary and the UK?
Yes, having valid health insurance is mandatory for international students in both countries. The UK requires students to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which covers NHS services. Hungary requires students to have health insurance either from their home country recognized in Hungary or buy local insurance.
Are Indian meals and groceries easily available in Hungary compared to the UK?
Indian food and groceries are more widely available and accessible in the UK due to a larger Indian diaspora and more Indian restaurants and stores. Hungary has fewer Indian-specific shops but you can still find Indian groceries in major cities like Budapest. Cooking Indian food might be a bit challenging initially in Hungary compared to the UK.
Does studying in Hungary offer easier pathways to permanent residency compared to the UK?
Hungary offers relatively easier and faster routes to permanent residency and citizenship after studies compared to the UK. After graduation, students can apply for work permits and stay longer, and Hungary's immigration policies are considered more lenient. The UK has more complex and stricter immigration rules post-study.
Is it necessary to learn the local language when studying in Hungary?
While many courses in Hungary are offered in English, learning basic Hungarian can greatly help in daily life, internships, and part-time jobs. It improves cultural integration and makes living easier. In the UK, since English is the primary language, language barriers are less of a concern.