To start your studies in Budapest, in most cases you will need a special student visa entitling you to a Hungarian residence permit. There are certain countries from which students can enter Hungary without a visa. Before making any travel arrangements, check the rules of entry applying to your country of origin. You can find this information HERE.
Those who can enter Hungary without a visa still need to apply for a residence permit once they have arrived.
If you need a visa to enter the country, you should keep in mind that in case of a successful application, the visa itself only allows you to travel to Hungary and pick up the residence permit. The visa is valid for a single entry and expires 30 days after arriving in Hungary so it’s crucial to obtain the permit in time. The residence permit card will be sent to the university, it’s not necessary to visit the authorities.
You can apply for a visa/residence permit for the purpose of studies at the nearest Hungarian Embassy in the country of your origin or the one closest to your place of residence. Please check in due time where you should submit your application so you can prepare accordingly. The list of missions can be found HERE.
Before you can submit your visa application you must book an appointment with the Embassy. Please do this well in advance as during busy periods it can take a few weeks even to receive an appointment date. The earliest date you can book is 90 days before entering Hungary.
Reaching out to the Embassy in time is also important so that you can confirm the list of documents you will need to submit. Please keep in mind that embassies have the right to create their own list of supporting documents.
the completed application form and its appendix
passport-sized photo (no older than 3 months)
supporting documents
payment of the procedural fee
The application shall be submitted with the form “Application for Residence Permit” and “Appendix 13” completed and printed. Both documents can be downloaded from the official website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing where you can also check the list of the supporting documents you need to submit in all cases.
Making the necessary payments stipulated in the Conditional Acceptance Letter:
Till the given deadline indicated in the Letter
Receiving the Final Acceptance Letter:
A couple of days after the payment has been confirmed
Contacting the relevant Embassy/checking their website to book an appointment and inquire about supporting documents:
As soon as possible after receiving the Final Acceptance Letter
Earliest date that can be considered:
90 days before entering Hungary
Collecting the relevant supporting documents:
As soon as you have a confirmed appointment
Preparing for any possible questions related to your studies:
A couple of days before the appointment
Waiting for the results:
The decision-making procedure usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks
Updating the university about the results and your arrival date
Arriving to Hungary:
Preferably a week before the studies commence
