Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s Master’s MBA Visa Information

Submitting a valid application

Follow these steps when you apply so we can start processing your application immediately:

Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus University of Budapest

Step 1

Supply all the requested personal details

Corvinus University of Budapest

Step 2

Upload the required documents for your programme

Corvinus University of Budapest

Step 3

Upload a valid passport or national ID document (EU students)

Corvinus University of Budapest

Step 4

Pay your application fee

information icon

Where required.

Corvinus University of Budapest

Step 5

Submit your application

Entry requirements

Bachelor’s

  • €75 compulsory and non-refundable for self-funded applicants
  • No application fee for Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora scholarship applicants
  • Proof of secondary education: original and translated transcripts and final certificate. If you are still studying at the time of applying, you can provide “in-progress” academic transcripts, to include your last fully completed academic year or term. Your final documents must be submitted as soon as they become available. There are no subject or GPA requirements at Corvinus. Admission is based on an entrance exam. We accept the following education:
    • National Curriculum 
    • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma 
    • 3 A levels (we do not accept GCSEs or AS levels) 
    • GED where studies are proven by transcripts 
  • Valid passport or national ID (EU applicants) 
  • Application fee (only for self-funded applicants) 
  • Letter of motivation (only for scholarship applicants) 
  • Medical certificate (only for scholarship applicants, by April 15th) 

Corvinus accepts the following English language certificates, to be submitted note later than 1 August, with the following minimum scores:

Test providerCambridgeIELTSTOEFLTOEFL iBTTOEICDuolingo
Min score (B2 equiv.)FCE6.06572785100

Note: the above certificates are only valid for two years after taking the test with the exception of the Cambridge FCE, which has no expiry.

You are exempt from providing an English language certificate if:

  • you are a native English speaker – defined as per the list of countries recognised by the UK government – https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english If your country is not on the list, you will not be considered as a native English speaker and will need to provide a certificate.
  • you have a minimum grade B A-level or International A-level exam in English Langauge
  • you have an International Baccalaureate in English Language, Standard Level 5, Higher Level 4 or higher
  • you have an advanced level Matura exam in English Language obtained in Hungary with a minimum grade of 45%
  • you have a minimum grade 6 (or B) GCSE or IGCSE exam in English Language
  • you completed an internationally recognised preparatory programme, for example INTO, Study Group, Kaplan, Navitas or Corvinus Preparatory Programme, and the provider certifies that your English language skill is at least a B2 level

Note: We do NOT accept English as a medium of secondary education as an exemption.

We organise admission exams each month for self-funded applicants. For scholarship applicants the entrance exam period is April-May each year. If you are an applicant for one of the following, you will be required to pass Corvinus’s internal mathematics exam: 

  • BSc Applied Economics 
  • BSc Business and Management 
  • BSc Data Science in Business 
  • BSc International Business 
  • BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE). 

Exemptions  

You are exempt from the mathematics exam if you can produce any of the following, with the scores stated. Please note that if you are still studying towards an IB Diploma or an A level, you will need to sit the Corvinus mathematics exam:  

  • A minimum grade 3 Advanced Placement Exam (“APE”) (Mathematics AB or BC) 
  • SAT Math Level II with a minimum of 680 points in the mathematics component 
  • ACT exam with minimum of 27 points in the mathematics component 
  • International Baccalaureate in Mathematics, Standard Level 5, Higher Level 4 or higher 
  • Advanced level Matura exam in Mathematics obtained in Hungary with a minimum grade of 45% 
  • A-level (or International A-level) exam in Mathematics with a minimum grade of B 

The entrance exam 

You will receive an email inviting you to participate 3 days before the exam. The mathematics test consists of 26 questions and is 60 minutes long. Questions can be of two types: problem solving and data sufficiency. To answer them, you need some knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra and geometry. 

Sample questions and answers are available here (these questions are the same as in the practice paper below). 

Click here for a practice paper in the real test environment. You will only get one attempt, and you will receive your score at the end of the test. Please do not use another email account to attempt the practice test multiple times. We recommend that you only take the practice paper after you have studied the sample questions and answers. 

We organize admissions exams each month for self-funded applicants. For scholarship applicants the entrance exam period is April-May. You will be invited for an interview if you are an applicant for: 

Our interviews are generally held online via Teams and they usually last 10-15 minutes. Please make sure you have a reliable internet connection for the event. You should receive an email inviting you to schedule an interview a minimum of five days before the interview date. The following will be assessed at your interview:

  • Knowledge relevant to your programme 
  • Skills relevant to your programme 
  • Motivation

Note: applicants for BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) must pass both the mathematics exam and the interview to be admitted to Corvinus. 

You will achieve a score out of 100. For each programme, the Dean will set a points threshold. Applicants scoring above the points threshold will be conditionally accepted – the points thresholds can vary from year-to-year and programme-to-programme.

Self-funded applicants will receive the results in the Corvinus University DreamApply system, typically within 2-3 weeks of the entrance exam period.

Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora applicants will be notified of their results via the DreamApply application platform by the end of May.

Master’s

  • €75 compulsory and non-refundable application fee for self-funded applicants
  • No application fee for Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora scholarship applicants
  • Proof of completed or in-progress undergraduate education: transcripts, degree certificate, along with their English translations
  • A valid passport or national ID (EU applicants)
  • Application fee (only for self-funded applicants)
  • Letter of motivation (only for scholarship applicants)
  • Medical certificate (only for scholarship applicants by April 15th)
  • You will also need to meet the minimum credit requirements for your programme of study (see below).

Applicants are not required to submit an English language proficiency certificate, except for Management and Leadership, which is an integrated CEMS programme. Please see further details below.

Admissions exams are held each month for self-funded applicants.

For scholarship applicants, the entrance exam period is April-May.

There are two types of entrance exam:

Skill Area TestedSub-SkillDefinition / DescriptionType AType B
Logical Reasoning / Data InsightsCritical ThinkingAbility to objectively analyze and evaluate information and ideas, understand cause-and-effect relationships without being influenced by subjectivity/biasYESYES
 Analysis under uncertaintyAbility to understand what is implied and draw conclusions in scenarios with incomplete or ambiguous informationYESYES
 Pattern analysisAbility to infer patterns, trends and exceptions, even in the face of multiple informationYESYES
 Spatial intelligenceVisualization of complex and multifaceted structures, with simultaneous processing from different perspectivesYESYES
 Lateral and creative thinkingAbility to approach problems in unconventional ways, generating new and original ideasNOYES
 PlanningAbility to organize ideas and tasks around a project, to identify priorities and propose efficient sequencingYESYES
Quantitative SkillsQuantitative reasoningAbility to use basic algebra, arithmetic and geometry to decipher and solve problems or to ascertain what data are sufficient for a problem to be solvedYESNO
English / InterpretationEnglishProficiency of English language skills, including vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehensionYESYES

The written examination can be waived in the following circumstances:

  • If you have a diploma graded at least good/B (ECTS) issued by a university with a AACSB or EQUIS accreditation or by a CEMS member university, including Corvinus.
  • If you have a diploma with a good (4) grade, you will get 50 points for the written exam, or 75 points if there is no oral examination).
  • If you have a diploma with an excellent (5) grade, you will get 60 points for the written exam (or 90 points if there is no oral examination)
  • Results from a recognised international test will also be accepted, if minimum scores have been achieved: at least 500 on GMAT, 300 on GRE, 150 on NMAT or 485 on GMAT FE.

Please note that as these are minimum scores, you may need to achieve more points to be admitted.

Oral entrance exam

Oral interviews are held online, and usually last 10-15 minutes. Please make sure you have a reliable internet connection for the event.

10 extra points

If you choose to replace the written exam with an international exam (GMAT, GMAT FE, GRE, NMAT) and submit your results before 1st April, you will receive an additional 10 points. 

How to prepare for the exam

Watch videos of our entrance exam demo sessions here:

The written exam is worth 60 points, and the oral exam can add up to 30 points. If there is no oral exam, the written exam is worth 90 points. The Dean set a points threshold. Applicants scoring above the points threshold will be conditionally accepted.

Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora applicants will be notified of their results via the DreamApply application platform by the end of May.

Self-funded applicants will receive their results in the Corvinus University DreamApply system, typically within 2-3 weeks of the entrance exam period.

In Hungary, there are legal pre-requisite credit requirements to study graduate programmes. Please make sure you meet the minimum requirements for this programme before applying.

The Hungarian authorities recognise approximately 30 learning hours as 1 ECTS. Therefore, the first step when preparing your credit recognition request is to estimate your total credits in ECTS if you have studied in a country that uses a different credit system.

In some cases, applicants meet the minimum credit requirements, but not the maximum requirements for the programme. If this applies to you, you will be asked to complete bridging courses in your first two semesters whilst studying at Corvinus. Do not worry, this is common, many students have bridging courses, it will simply mean some extra work for you in the short term.

If your application progresses to “conditional acceptance” you will be informed about the next steps regarding credit recognition.

You can find the details by programmes here.

ProgrammeRequirements
  
Management and Leadership – CEMS
  • In-house written admission exam, type ‘A’ – 60 points  

topics: language skills; quantitative analyitical skills; logical reasoning and data insights 

  • Oral examination – 30 points  

topics: intellectual potential, critical thinking, international openness and intercultural competence, interpersonal skills, performance orientation, integrity 

One of these language certificates (name of language examination and the minimum advanced level:  

TOEFL iBT – 100 

IELTS – 7.0 

CPE – C 

CAE – B 

C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) – B 

Corvinus Business English – C1 

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition – 100, plus 20 in each section 

Pearson test of English Academic (PTE) – 68

MBA

  • €75 compulsory and non-refundable application fee for self-funded applicants
  • No application fee for Stipendium Hungaricum or Diaspora scholarship applicants
  • Proof of completed bachelor’s or master’s degree, including transcripts, degree certificate, and English translations of both)
  • Letter of motivation
  • CV/resume, employment certificate, recommendation letters
  • A valid passport or national ID (EU applicants)
  • Proof of paid application fee (only for self-funded applicants)
  • Medical certificate (only for scholarship applicants by April 15th)

Applicants must have a minimum B2 level of English. This will be assessed during the entrance interview. Applicants are NOT required to submit an English language proficiency certificate.

The programme is post-experience, so we are expecting prospective students with at least 3 years of professional experience. It is recommended they prove experience from a relevant field. The 3 years can be completed by the commencement of the academic year.

Interviews are generally held online via Teams, once a month for self-funded students. For Scholarship applicants the entrance exam period is April-May.

The following will be assessed at interview:

  • Knowledge relevant to your programme
  • Skills relevant to your programme
  • English language proficiency
  • Motivation

Before the interview applicants are asked to submit an essay. The topic of the essay will be provided at the beginning of the entrance exam process.

You will achieve a score out of 100. For each programme, the Dean will set a points threshold. Applicants scoring above this will be conditionally accepted. Points thresholds can vary from year-to-year and programme-to-programme.

Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora applicants will be notified of their results via the DreamApply application platform by the end of May.

Self-funded applicants will receive the results in the Corvinus University DreamApply system, typically within 2-3 weeks of the entrance exam period.

In Hungary, there are legal pre-requisite credit requirements to study postgraduate programmes. 

Please make sure you meet the minimum requirements for this programme before applying. Missing credits must be acquired in accordance with the study and exam regulations of the higher education institution.

 

Full-time MBA 

International MBA 

Credit requirement 

Minimum credit requirement: 6 ECTS credits. Full credit requirement: 18 ECTS credits. 

 

Minimum credit requirement: 12 ECTS credits. Full credit requirement: 24 ECTS credits. 

 

Subject 

-Methodology (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, IT) 6 ECTS credits; 

-Economics (e.g. Micro- and Macroeconomics, International Economics, Environmental Economics, Economic Theory, Economic Statistics, History of Economic Theory, Economic Modelling, Economic Policy, Sectoral and Functional Economics, Community Economics, World and European Economics, Public Policy) 3 ECTS credits; 

– Business Studies (e.g. Corporate Economics, Finance, Economic Law, Decision Theory and Methodology, Business Ethics, Business Communication) 3 ECTS credits. 

– Social Sciences (e.g. European Union, General and Economic Law, Economic History, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology) 3 ECTS credits; 

– Professional Knowledge (e.g. Organisational Behaviour, Accounting) 3 ECTS credits. 

– Methodology (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, IT) 9 ECTS credits; 

– Economics (e.g. Micro- and Macroeconomics, International Economics, Environmental Economics, Economic Theory, Economic Statistics, History of Economic Theory, Economic Modelling, Economic Policy, Sectoral and Functional Economics, Community Economics, World and European Economics, Public Policy) 3 ECTS credits; 

– Business Studies (e.g. Corporate Economics, Finance, Economic Law, Decision Theory and Methodology, Business Ethics, Business Communication) 6 ECTS credits. 

– Social Sciences (e.g. European Union, General and Economic Law, Economic History, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology) 3 ECTS credits; 

– Professional Knowledge (e.g. Organisational Behaviour, Accounting) 3 ECTS credits. 

 

Visa Information

Students have to apply for their visa and residence permit individually. There are three categories of students – check which you are.

  • EU & EEA citizens do not need a visa. Register with the immigration office after you arrive in Hungary and enrol. You will then be able to apply for a registration card.

Non-EU/EEA “visa waiver” nationals. Check to see if your passport is “OP” (ordinary passport) on this list. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you too can travel to and enter Hungary without a visa. Once you arrive in Hungary you will need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival. You will need a visa (“Type D”) for study purposes – this will allow you to remain in Hungary for the duration of your studies.

Non-EU/EEA nationals need a visa to enter Hungary. Apply for a 30-day residence permit first by completing a form. You will then typically require an interview at your country’s Hungarian Embassy or Consulate. On arrival, you will then apply for a long-term residence permit/visa (“Type D”) for study purposes.

To apply for a 30-day residence permit (category 3), you will need the following:

  1. The application form
  2. Two passport-style photos
  3. Your passport, valid for at least three months longer than your stay, with at least two blank pages.
  4. Copies of any previous visas you have been issued.
  5. Your unconditional acceptance letter from Corvinus University of Budapest.
  6. Health insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 in Hungary and the Schengen area. Not required for scholarship students.
  7. Bank statements to cover living costs (minimum equivalent to €9,000 recommended). These should be in your name (highly recommended). Alternatively, statements from a parent/guardian along with written proof (for example, a signed letter) that you have access to the funds, along with documents (for example, birth certificates) proving your relationship. Statements from other family members will not be accepted. Not required for scholarship students.
  8. Letter of award of scholarship, for Stipendium and Diaspora applicants. Not required for self-funded students.
  9. Your flight ticket(s).
  10. Your accommodation reservation – this may be a temporary address, for example a hotel or Airbnb reservation.
  11. English language proficiency certificate.

Bear in mind that the visa process might take 4-5 weeks, so category 3 students should apply for a visa and secure an interview as soon as possible.

Insurance tips

  • EU Citizens should acquire a European health insurance card in their home country.
  • Non-EU Citizens need to get health insurance for them to get a residence permit. Even though there are a lot of options, not all are recognised by the relevant authorities in Hungary. Recommended packages are coming soon.
Copied to clipboard
×