Language education

The language learning opportunities available to students are specified in the Programme Specification of each degree programme. Typically, undergraduate students enrolled in Hungarian- and English-language programmes may take two semesters of language courses for credit. In most programmes, foreign language courses are offered as elective subjects in 2 × 90 min. classes per week.

Specialized English language is compulsory for first-year students in the English-language Bachelor’s programmes in Communication and Media Studies and International Relations during their first semester, and for students in the English-language Bachelor’s programme in International Business during their second semester. Students may also register for additional language courses within the limits specified in their curriculum and up to the maximum number of approved credits.

Credit-bearing language courses carry a uniform value of 3 credits per semester. In accordance with the foreign language education framework regulations approved by the Education Committee, these courses may be either tuition-free or self-funded. All language courses are also available in a fee-paying, non-credit (0-credit) format. These courses are recommended for undergraduate students who have already used the language course credits allocated in their Programme Specification.

Bachelor’s Programmes

For undergraduate students French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and as a foreign language courses at levels A1–B1 are available on a self-funded basis and carry 3 credits. After using the allocated 3+3 language credits, students may continue their language studies in a fee-paying, 0-credit format.

For undergraduate students enrolled in English-language programmes, German and Hungarian courses at levels A1–C1 are available free of charge and carry 3 credits. After using the allocated 3+3 language credits, students may continue their language studies in a fee-paying, 0-credit format.

Master’s Programmes

For Master’s students, language courses are generally available only in a fee-paying, 0-credit format, with the exception of students enrolled in the Master’s programmes in International Economy and Business and International Relations. For students in these two programmes, general and specialised language courses in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic at B2 and C1 levels are tuition-free and carry 3 credits.

Courses in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic at levels A1–B1 are fee-paying and carry 0 credits.

PhD Programmes

PhD students may study languages only in a fee-paying format.

Hungarian as a foreign language

Courses in Hungarian as a foreign language are tuition-free and carry 3 credits for recipients of the Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora Scholarships at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. For Stipendium Hungaricum students this entitlement is available for one academic year, while Diaspora Scholarship students may benefit from it throughout the entire duration of their studies.

Foreign Language for Specific Purposes Competence I

Students may not obtain their final certificate (absolutorium) and therefore cannot be admitted to the final examination unless they have completed the 0-credit compulsory requirement course entitled “ Competency test in a foreign language for specific purposes I.”

This course does not involve language instruction; instead, students’ specialised foreign-language competence is assessed during the examination period. The completion requirements are regulated by the Study and Examination Regulations. The requirement may be fulfilled in several ways, as specified in the Study and Examination Regulations.

Language Course Fees from September 2026

Students are strongly advised to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the foreign language education framework regulations approved by the Education Committee, before registering for language courses and to select courses accordingly.