Benefits and Challenges of Studying in Hungary

Hungary is a good country to select as study abroad destination. At least this is the case for most student. Some things that one finds fun and attractive may be a headache for other. For example, some students wouldn’t prefer Non-English countries as study abroad destination while some particularly choose Non-English countries to experience a different language and environment. That’s why it is important to first have knowledge of all benefits and challenges of studying in Hungary if you wish to make it your study abroad destination. In this article you will find every benefit and challenge waiting for international students in Hungary.

Benefit: Low Competition for Admission and Scholarship

Many international students from all around the world go to Hungary for higher education. However, we can’t say that it’s a popular study abroad destination. This makes it very beneficial for international students because it means less competition. Countries like USA are best in the field of higher education but hard competition makes it difficult to get admission there. As the competition is low, it is easier to get admission even in the top ranked universities of Hungary. The best thing is that you also have more chances of getting scholarship. Hungarian universities would offer reasonable scholarships to attract international students.

Challenge: Very Few Universities

There are only 25 universities in Hungary and a few colleges that offer Bachelor’s degree. This means that you have less options in study programs. None of Hungarian universities are ranked even in top 500 of the world. The most top ranked university of Hungary by QS in 2017 was University of Szeged at 501 – 550.

Benefit: Lower Living Cost

Hungary is one of the cheapest study abroad destinations in whole Europe. Other European countries may offer less tuition fees in universities but their living cost reaches almost twice to Hungary. Living cost is more difficult to handle than university fee. Hungarian universities may charge higher fees compared to other European universities but because living cost is lower in Hungary, it makes overall cost of studying abroad lower here.

To give you a clearer idea, Numbeo estimated that cost of living in Hungary is almost 89% more than cost of living in Pakistan. On other hand, cost of living in Germany is 192% more than Pakistan while France is 230% more expensive compared to Pakistan. You should also know that Germany and France are the most popular study abroad destinations of Europe.

Challenge: Non-English Country

Universities offer English-Taught programs for international students where teacher will communicate in English but Hungary is a Non-English country. Not everyone speaks English that makes it difficult to do daily life chores and become a part of society. English is an international language but only 16% population in Hungary can speak English. On the contrary, 60% of population in Pakistan can speak English. It also makes it difficult to find a job in Hungary whether as student or a professional. You also need to learn and pass test of Hungarian language before you are issued its citizenship.

Benefit: You Can Study Without IELTS or TOEFL

Though passing IELTS or TOEFL is not very difficult if you have enough language skills to study abroad, still many students find it a bit of pickle in their way. Good news for them is that many universities in Hungary do not require you to have IELTS or TOEFL certification to get admission. However, they ask for complete understanding of English languages if you plan to study English-Taught program. Moreover, you have option to study in Hungarian or German language.

Challenge: Less Chances of Getting Job After Study

It won’t be a bad idea to start a business in Hungary but it is very difficult to find a job for foreigners in Hungary. You can get part time student job even with basic Hungarian language. On the other hand, if you are planning to make career in Hungary you will definitely have problem. Unemployment rate in Hungary is 4.30% that is not very bad compared 5.90% of Pakistan. The real problem is that companies cannot hire a foreigner unless they prove that no Hungarian resident was available for the job.

Benefit: Member of European Union and Schengen States

Hungary is a European country that is also part of European Union and Schengen States. It opens door to a lot more opportunities than most countries. You will be taught according to European level and your degree will be more respected all around Europe. If you decide to do business in Hungary, you have support of whole European market. Moreover, if you get permanent residency of Hungary, you have access to all Schengen States. There are many more perks for you in every field because Hungary is a member of European Union and Schengen States.

Challenge: Not Ranked in HESS

There are some organizations that rank all universities and countries for their higher education system. QS is most followed and respected in the world among these organization. Every year QS publishes a list of top 50 study abroad destinations and top 700 universities in the world. Pakistan was ranked 50^th in this list of Higher Education System Strength while Hungary was not even ranked in this list. This puts a lot students in doubt when deciding to study abroad in Hungary.

Here See Complete Free Guide to Study Abroad in Hungary by StudyAbroad