2023-08-09
Congratulations! You have been granted the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship, which not only offers financial support but also gives you the opportunity to grow both personally and academically. Countless exciting opportunities, community events, and new friendships await you. As you prepare for your journey to Hungary and your university studies, we are here to provide you with all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
The Academic year
In Hungary, the academic year is divided into two semesters. Each of them starts with a registration period which is followed by the study and an examination period afterwards. The autumn semester usually starts in September and lasts until mid-December. Then, the two-week winter break is followed by the exam period until the end of January. The spring semester usually starts at the beginning of February and lasts until mid-May, which is followed by a one-month exam period until the end of June.
The first few weeks of the academic year are usually the period designated for enrollment and course registration. Then Students should visit the host institution’s coordinators, who will provide basic information and help with the necessary administrative tasks. Thus It is recommended to plan your arrival for the week before the registration period
During the following 14–15 week long study period, you will take part in the university lectures and seminars. At the lectures, where a higher number of students take part, professors pass on their theoretical knowledge, usually with the help of a presentation. In contrast, the seminars are held in small groups, where students learn how they can apply the theory in practice.
Legal stay
While many of the Diaspora Scholarship Holders are exempt from the visa requirement based on their citizenship, some of you need a visa to successfully enter Hungary. In both cases, we have collected some useful information to help you with the preparation in the following link: Information on visa for newcomer scholarship holders.
Remember, the visa application process can take longer, so the sooner you start it, the better!
Accommodation
Scholarship holders also receive housing support. In this regard, you can choose between free dormitory accommodation or a housing allowance.
Dormitory buildings. Depending on the institution, students can also request a private room, but it is more common in dormitories to share the room with other students. Most buildings are equipped with the basic tools and functions necessary for housing. In any case, you can find information about these on the host institution’s website. Among the advantages of dormitory life, it is worth mentioning cost savings and the opportunity to quickly meet new people and become part of the vibrant university life.
The housing allowance amounts to 40.000 HUF per month and is valid for the entire duration of the scholarship. This amount can be used to rent a private apartment/room or private dormitory accommodation. However, it is important to note that in larger cities – primarily in Budapest – this amount only covers a fraction of the rent. Moreover, when moving in, landlords ask for a deposit in addition to the current month’s rent, which is equivalent to 1-2 months’ rent and is returned upon moving out. In order to obtain a residence permit, you will also need a registered address, so an official contract with the landlord must be concluded. If you prefer a private residence instead of a dormitory, ask for help from the international office of your host university, or your student mentor, or look around in the social media groups.
Currency
The forint (HUF) has been the official currency in Hungary since 1946. There are 500, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000 and 20.000 HUF banknotes and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 HUF coins.
In addition to cash payment or bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) payments are also accepted in most places. Revolut is popular among students coming from abroad, but it is also possible to open accounts with major Hungarian banks as well. However, before you do this, it is worth checking the relevant websites about the terms and conditions as well as the necessary documents. Banks are usually open on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In Budapest and other tourist centres, the euro is also often accepted. However, it is recommended that you always have the official currency with you. You can make the exchange at a bank branch or a small shop. It is worth avoiding different automatic machines due to the high exchange rate.
You can check the current exchange rate on the website of the National Bank.
With the cost calculator available on the Study in Hungary website, you can easily calculate how much you will have to spend.
Health and insurance
In Hungary, foreign students are also entitled to use emergency and first aid services free of charge. The Stipendium Hungaricum and Hungarian Diaspora scholarship holders can also receive other health services free of charge during their studies. In order to use these, you will need a health insurance (TAJ) card. The coordinator(s) of the host institution can assist you in requesting this, you will need the following document:
- Residence permit
- Passport
- Address card
- Letter of Award
- Scholarship agreement
- Proof of student status
Universities also provide additional health care services up to 65.000 HUF a year.
You can buy basic pharmaceutical products in pharmacies (“gyógyszertár” or “patika” in Hungarian). These can be found in several places in the city, mostly near shopping malls and sometimes near universities as well. The opening hours may vary, but stores are usually open between 8 am and 6-7 pm on weekdays. If you need emergency medical services, you can call the free emergency telephone number ‘112’.
Last but not least, we wish you good luck with your studies and see you soon in Hungary!
Sources:
stipendiumhungaricum.hu, studyinhungary.hu
Photos: Shutterstock, Unsplash
