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Frequently asked questions: international applicants

Before submitting your application

What scholarship opportunities do I have as an international student?

In general, Corvinus does not offer scholarships for international applicants.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you may be eligible to apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, financed and administered by the Tempus Public Foundation. To visit the scholarship’s official website and find out more, click here.

If you have Hungarian roots and you live outside of Hungary, the Diaspora scholarship can be an exciting option for you! Click here to access their website for more information.

Note: scholarship application deadlines differ from the university’s. Technical requirements may differ from the university’s. Make sure to check out the entry requirements of any institution you are applying to and read the “Call for applications” document on the scholarship’s website.

When can I apply? When is the application period?

Our academic year starts in September.

For our self-funded applicants, we open our application platform in the preceding October/November (for example: if you would like to start your studies in September 2024, the application portal will be open from October/November 2023). You will be able to submit your application until the end of April.

For scholarship applicants, Tempus Public Foundation opens the application portal in mid-November. The application period is open until mid-January for Stipendium Hungaricum applicants and the end of January for Diaspora scholarship applicants.

Is there an application fee? Is it possible to waive the fee?

For self-funded full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes the application fee is 75 EUR. You will receive an invoice (payment instructions) once you start an application in our online self-funded application system, DreamApply. You can pay the fee via bank transfer (through Revolut or Wise as well) or SimplePay (coming soon).

For a comprehensive guide on how to pay the application fee via bank transfer, click here.

The application fee is mandatory for all applicants, no exemptions apply. Please do not contact the Admissions team with waiver requests, as they are not possible.

You will be asked to upload proof of making the payment in DreamApply. Without paying the fee by the application deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.

If you apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora scholarship, there is no application fee. If within the application portal there is a section, requesting proof of application fee payment, you are creating the application in the wrong portal.

For the preparatory programme, there are application and administration fees.

For the Executive MBA programme(s), the application fee is 9,000 HUF. You will receive an invoice (with payment instructions) once you start an application in our online self-funded application system. The SimplePay option will be available soon as well.

If you are applying as a transfer student, the application fee is 18,600 HUF.

Corvinus University of Budapest reserves the right to change administration and programme fees.

How can I find out more about my programme?

All information – including entry requirements, syllabus, learning hours, and tuition fees – on our programmes is available on individual programme pages. Find the programme(s) you want to browse from the link(s) below:

Note: curricula can vary from year to year – the documents on our website should be considered only as a general guide of what you will study.

How much are the tuition fees?

Tuition fees vary from programme to programme, so make sure to check out our website for more information. You can find the tuition fees for English language programmes herenote: these are per semester fees, not annual or total fees.

Can I have a place in Corvinus’ dormitories (student accommodation)?

Usually, due to limited spaces and high demand, it can be hard to secure a place in one of our dormitories. However, Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora scholarship holders and/or first-year students will be prioritised.

Therefore, it can be challenging for self-funded student to secure a dormitory place and we encourage you to pursue third-party alternatives. Click here and explore our housing guide to find the best accommodation for your personal needs.

Application for dormitory places is managed by the accommodation managers themselves, not the International Student Recruitment or Admissions team. The application period usually commences in August – you will be notified via email.

When submitting your application

How do I know if I am eligible for my chosen programme?

Before you apply:

If you are applying for BA/BSc programme, you will need to have completed high school in your country (minimum 11 years of schooling). There are no subject, GPA or grade requirements for Corvinus.

If you are applying for an MA/MSc/MBA programme, you will need to have a full Bachelor’s degree. There are also minimum credit requirements. Typically, you will need to have some previous credits related to your chosen programme of study. Check that you are likely to meet the minimum credit requirements before you decide on and apply for a particular programme.

For MBA programmes – minimum work experience requirements apply. Check the MBA programme pages for details. Only work experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree counts – work experience before or during a Bachelor’s degree will not be considered.

If you are completing your studies in the summer before you start your studies at Corvinus, that is generally fine. However, you will need your final diploma and transcripts before September, when your studies at Corvinus will start!

Once you have applied – see the “Entrance exams” and “After entrance exams” sections.

What are the general admission requirements? What documents do I need?

You need to upload the following documents to your DreamApply application profile when submitting your application:

  • Academic documents – your highest level graduation certificate and transcripts or an “in-progress transcripts” if you have not finished your studies yet
  • Passport(s) – if you have dual citizenship, please upload scans of documents from both countries; if you are an EU citizen, your national ID card is also fine
  • Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native speakers) – check to see which qualifications we accept in the “Proof of English language proficiency certificates” section below
  • GMAT/GMAT FE, NMAT or GRE certificate (for MA/MSc applicants only) – you are only required to sit one of these exams.
  • Proof of application fee payment (for self-funded applicants only)
  • Medical examination template and necessary attachments (for scholarship applicants only)
  • Letter of motivation (for scholarship applicants only)

After you have submitted your application with all the necessary documents you will be invited to participate in the entrance exams (if those are required for your chosen programme), provided you meet the requirements. During the entrance exam period, you will need to pass a written and/or oral exam (depending on the programme you applied to).

Do your best to prepare for and perform well in entrance exams because it is competitive to secure a place on our programmes! Points thresholds are set by our Deans. The higher the score in the entrance exam, the better chance you have of being accepted (on conditional basis).

Entrance exam preparation materials are available on our website:

Which proof of English language proficiency certificates does Corvinus accept?

For BA/BSc applicants: 
Corvinus accepts the following language certificates with minimum scores required listed below.

Test providerCambridgeIELTSTOEFLTOEFL iBTTOEICDuolingo
B2FCE6.06572785100

Note: the above are valid for two years after you take the test. For example, if you are applying to study at Corvinus in September 2024, your test date should be later than 1 September 2022, otherwise, you will need to renew the certificate (unless you meet the exemptions below).

English language exemptions

You are exempt from needing an English language proficiency certificate if (and only if) any of the following apply.

  • You are a native English speaker – and hold a passport of one of the countries listed by the UK government at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english (if your country is not on the list, you will need one of the above certificates). If you have completed high school in one of these countries, you may also be exempt.
  • If you have an A-level (or internationl A-level) exam in English language with a minimum grade of B.
  • If you have an International Baccalaureate in English language, Standard Level 5 or Higher Level 4 or higher.
  • If you have an advanced level matura exam in English language obtained in Hungary with a minimum grade of 45%.
  • If you have a GCSE (or IGCSE) exam in English language with a minimum grade of 6 (or B).
  • If you completed an internationally recognised international foundation year (e.g. INTO, Study Group, Kaplan or Navitas).

For MA/MSc/MBA applicants:

Your English language skills should be a minimum of B2. This is assessed from your NMAT, GMAT/GMAT FE or GRE score, or a degree from AACSB, AMBA-accredited or CEMS-member university with an average grade equivalent to “B”. Note: you must have already graduated.

Please note: requirements differ for the MSc Management and Leadership and MBA programmes. You can find these requirements here.

Please provide proof of English proficiency or exemption upon making your application – you will not be invited to proceed in the application process without this.

The deadline to provide your proof of English language proficiency for self-funded students is the application deadline.

If you are applying for a scholarship programme (e.g. Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora), please see the call for applications.

Where do I apply?

Self-funded applicants click here to make your online application through Corvinus University of Budapest’s online application portal DreamApply.

Note: please do not apply through multiple systems. For example, if you are a Stipendium Hungaricum applicant, you do not need to make another application through the Corvinus self-funded system too!

Stipendium Hungaricum

What is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship?

If you are a non-EU student you can study in Hungary for free!

The scholarship also provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with: 

  • 43,000 HUF ≈ €120 per month for cost of living
  • And university accommodation or up to 40,000 HUF ≈ €110 per month for private accommodation. 




Scholarships are available for different programs depending on your nationality. To check which programs are available to you, please visit the Study in Hungary website. 

For more information, download our Stipendium Hungaricum factsheet, or visit the Study in Hungary website.

How is my application assessed?

First, applications will be shortlisted. If you make it to the next stage you will be invited for a Skype interview. 
For admission onto some of our Master’s programs, you may be given a short admissions task or test. 

If you pass the interview and any required tasks/tests you will be offered a place on the program. 

The process is the same as making a regular application (see Section 2. Above).

Is there an application fee for Stipendium Hungaricum?

No.

When can I make my application for a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and programme?

Applications open online Study in Hungary website after 16 November. 
You must make your application before 15 January (for the next academic year) because the online application system will close.

If I fail my interview or test, can I be admitted as a self-funded student?

If you are not shortlisted for an interview, yes, you can make an application via before 15 June 2021. 
If you fail the interview or test/task, we may invite you to start at our university preparation program (see Section 5.). You are also welcome to make an application to this program, but your English language should be a minimum of B1 level.

Do I need a medical certificate to make my application?

No, you do not. You will be invited to take part in a medical examination (organised by Corvinus) upon enrolment.

Accommodation/costs of living

How much does accommodation cost in Budapest?

Accommodation ranges from approximately €3,000 – 4,000 per year.

What additional costs of living are there?

We would advise you to allow €1,500-2,000 per year for food and travel.
Does the university offer dormitory/accommodation? 
Please note that as of December 2020, all university accommodations are closed due to the global pandemic and governmental legislation.


If an accommodation becomes available for September 22021, there will be limited spaces available, with Stipendium Hungaricum students given first priority. 


We encourage students to source private accommodation.

Can the university help me to source private accommodation?

We can offer limited support by recommending you to some third party suppliers. Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions [redirect to 3.2 of new landing page].

University Preparation Program

What is the University Preparation Program?

In some countries, high school ends at a lower level than in Hungary. We, therefore, will ask certain applicants to start on the University Preparation Program (depending on the level of their high school qualification). However, you are welcome to apply for an undergraduate degree. We will refer you to the preparation program if this is a better fit for you. 

If you have B1 English-language knowledge, we will refer you to the preparation program as the requirements for our undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programs are B2 leveled.
If your English language level is below B1, it would be deemed too low for the preparation program.
The University Preparation Program focuses heavily on English language. Participants also benefit from Hungarian classes, mathematics and subject-specific introductions in business, economics and social sciences. The program offers mentoring, support and helps students to adapt life in Hungary. Participants leave the program well-prepared for further studies at Corvinus.

What are the fees for the preparation program?

The fees are €4,670 (this excludes accommodation).

Can I apply for Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship?

Not for the preparation program. However, you can for any further studies (if your program and nationality makes you eligible – see Section 3. for further details).

When is the next intake?

We have two intakes per year. October and February for the preparation program. 
Can I go straight onto my undergraduate, postgraduate or executive program after finishing the preparation program? 

Yes, subject to satisfactory attendance, and passing our internal English test (pass mark 70%).

Visa questions (non-EU students)

Note: EU students may live, work and study freely in Hungary without a visa.

What do I need?

You should have your letter of offer, original qualifications and English-language certificates. You should pay your first semester’s fee.

Can my spouse join me in Hungary under my student visa?

No. However, they can obtain a 3-month visa and apply for residency (though they must work or study to be a resident).

Visa questions (non-EU students)

Note: EU students may live, work and study in Hungary without a visa.

How long do I need to apply for my visa?

We recommend you allow at least 30 days.

What do I need?

You should have your offer letter, original qualifications and English language certificates. You should pay your first semester’s fee.

Can I work whilst studying?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week.

Can my spouse join me in Hungary under my student visa?

No. However, they can obtain a 3-month visa and apply for residency (though they must work or study to be a resident).

What are the post-study options for international students here in Hungary?

You can remain in Hungary if you secure employment before graduation. Many multinational firms in Budapest hire talented English-speaking staff.

Do I need medical insurance?

If you are a Stipendium Hungaricum student, you do not need insurance.
If you are a self-funded student, you should obtain medical insurance.

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GEN.:2023.12.07. - 17:41:00