Between Poland, the Czech Republic, and Serbia, Hungary sits in the middle — geographically, academically, and financially: an EU country with a venerable medical history and medical schools that have taught in English for many decades, attracting thousands of international students each year. Most importantly: its medical degrees are recognized in Europe, the United States, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
But what most distinguishes Hungary is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship — one of the broadest European government scholarship programs for international students, which opens its doors to Saudi students. In this guide, the Future Way Academy team reviews everything: the universities — foremost among them the University of Debrecen — the specializations, the costs, the scholarships, and Saudi recognition.
| 🇪🇺 EU A member since 2004 | 120+ years Teaching medicine in English | €10,000 – 16,000 Annual medicine tuition | Stipendium A comprehensive government scholarship | Recognized in Saudi Arabia and worldwide |
Why choose Hungary as a medical destination in 2026?
An unmatched medical history — more than a century in English
What distinguishes Hungary from many European destinations is that its English-taught medical programs were not born yesterday but have a history spanning more than a hundred years. The University of Debrecen has taught medicine in English since 1987, and the Universities of Pécs and Semmelweis for similar decades. This means a stable curriculum, professors with long international experience, and graduates who succeed in medical licensing exams around the world.
◈ An objective comparison — Hungary versus competing destinations
| Criterion | Hungary | Czech Republic | Poland | Lithuania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU membership | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual medicine tuition (€) | 10,000 – 16,000 | 13,000 – 16,000 | 10,000 – 14,000 | 12,000 – 14,000 |
| Monthly living costs (€) | 500 – 800 | 700 – 1,000 | 600 – 900 | 600 – 900 |
| Saudi recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Comprehensive government scholarships for internationals | Stipendium — broad | Limited | Limited | Partial Erasmus |
| Number of English medical universities | 4 main universities | 3-4 universities | 5+ universities | 1-2 universities |
| Admission competition | Medium – high | High | Medium | Medium |
| USMLE / PLAB recognition | Successful graduates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hungary’s exceptional strength Hungary offers what universities in Lithuania or Serbia do not: the full Stipendium Hungaricum government scholarship (tuition + accommodation + a monthly stipend) available to Saudi students. For anyone who wants a European medical degree at zero cost, Hungary is the actual option closest to this goal. |
Budapest — an exceptional cultural and university capital
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and most active capitals. It is home to several of the region’s leading international medical universities. The city is consistently ranked among the most suitable cities for student life in Europe in terms of the balance between quality and cost.
University of Debrecen — the leading Hungarian university for Saudi students
In the city of Debrecen — Hungary’s second-largest city — sits the University of Debrecen, which is among the Hungarian universities most attractive to Arab and Saudi students. It was founded in 1912, and its English-taught medical faculty is one of the oldest and most renowned English-taught medical faculties in Hungary.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 — a venerable university with a long academic history |
| Location | Debrecen — Hungary’s second-largest city (208,000 people) |
| Total students | 28,000+ students |
| International students | 6,500+ students from 100+ countries |
| Faculties | 14 faculties — including English-taught medical and dental faculties |
| International ranking | Among the world’s top 1000 universities (QS) |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized — listed in WHED and WDOMS |
| US and UK recognition | Graduates licensed via USMLE and PLAB |
| Academic network membership | Member of the European University Association (EUA) |
Why Debrecen specifically?
- The English-taught medical faculty was founded in 1987 — one of the oldest in Hungary
- Graduates hold medical licenses in Europe, America, and the Kingdom
- A huge university hospital for clinical training on campus
- A genuine international environment — 6,500 foreign students in a relatively small city
- The city of Debrecen is quieter and about 20-30% cheaper than Budapest
- One of the most important veterinary medicine centers in Europe as well
| 💡 Debrecen compared with Budapest A student in Debrecen lives in a concentrated university city — at a lower cost and with a higher academic focus. Budapest is livelier and more entertaining but more expensive. For anyone whose goal is serious medical study on a disciplined budget: Debrecen is the wiser choice. |
Specializations available in English in Hungary — University of Debrecen and others
The medical faculties at the University of Debrecen
| Human Medicine — General Medicine — MD / Doctor of Medicine | |||
| Duration 6 years | Annual tuition €13,000 – 15,000 / year | International student places Limited — high competition | Strength University hospital on campus — intensive clinical training |
| Dentistry — DMD / Doctor of Dental Medicine | |||
| Duration 5 years | Annual tuition €10,000 – 12,000 / year | International student places Broader than human medicine | Strength Modern university clinics — training on real patients |
| Pharmacy — MPharm | |||
| Duration 5 years | Annual tuition €8,000 – 10,000 / year | International student places Available to internationals | Strength Advanced pharmaceutical labs — clinical and industrial pharmacy |
| Veterinary Medicine — DVM | |||
| Duration 5 years | Annual tuition €10,000 – 12,000 / year | International student places Debrecen is a European veterinary center | Strength One of the best veterinary medicine faculties in Europe |
| Public Health — MPH (master’s) | |||
| Duration 2 years | Annual tuition €6,000 – 8,000 / year | International student places Available after a bachelor’s | Strength Suitable for those working in the Saudi health sector |
Other Hungarian universities with English medical programs
| University | City | Leading English specializations | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semmelweis University | Budapest | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | The most famous in Budapest — slightly higher tuition |
| University of Pécs | Pécs | Medicine, dentistry, health sciences | A strong competitor to Debrecen — a quieter city |
| University of Szeged | Szeged | Medicine, pharmacy, sciences | An excellent university city — competitive tuition |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) | Budapest | Engineering, information technology, business | A leader in engineering — outside the medical field |
| A map of the Hungarian universities Debrecen, Pécs, and Szeged: three medical options in quiet university cities at lower prices. Semmelweis: for those seeking the full Budapest experience with the prestige of Hungary’s oldest medical university. BME: for engineering and technology in the capital. |
The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship — the golden opportunity for Saudi students
Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s major government scholarship for international students, and a scholarship agreement has been concluded with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in Europe — it covers not only the tuition but full living expenses.
| What the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship covers |
| Full tuition exemption throughout the program duration Managed university accommodation (in the designated student housing) A monthly stipend: 40,460 Hungarian forints (~$110) for a bachelor’s / more for postgraduate Comprehensive medical insurance throughout the study period Allows study at Debrecen, Semmelweis, Pécs, and Szeged Deadline: an annual application window via the official Stipendium website |
Conditions for applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Saudi citizens (under the bilateral agreement) |
| Study level | Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate |
| Age | No more than 45 years for a doctorate — lower for lower levels |
| Academic GPA | Very good or higher — medicine requires excellent |
| Language | IELTS 5.5+ for English programs |
| Current scholarship status | Not holding another government scholarship at the same time |
| Apply via | The official Stipendium portal + the Saudi sending body’s channel |
| Application deadline | Usually January – February (changes annually — check the official website) |
| The difference between Stipendium and the Saudi scholarship Stipendium is a Hungarian government scholarship offered to citizens of the countries it has agreements with, including Saudi Arabia — you apply for it directly via its official portal. The Saudi scholarship, on the other hand, is an independent program funded by the Saudi government. Some students combine the Hungarian scholarship with self-funding. To review the details of the Saudi scholarship and the possibility of applying it to Hungary, see: |
the Saudi external scholarship.
The cost of study and living in Hungary — the full figures
Annual tuition at the University of Debrecen
| Specialization | Annual tuition (€) | Annual tuition (SAR) | Full total (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MD) | 13,000 – 15,000 | 52,000 – 60,000 | 78,000 – 90,000 (6 years) |
| Dentistry (DMD) | 10,000 – 12,000 | 40,000 – 48,000 | 50,000 – 60,000 (5 years) |
| Pharmacy (MPharm) | 8,000 – 10,000 | 32,000 – 40,000 | 40,000 – 50,000 (5 years) |
| Veterinary medicine (DVM) | 10,000 – 12,000 | 40,000 – 48,000 | 50,000 – 60,000 (5 years) |
| Engineering and applied sciences | 5,000 – 8,000 | 20,000 – 32,000 | 20,000 – 32,000 (4 years) |
| Master’s (general) | 5,000 – 8,000 | 20,000 – 32,000 | 10,000 – 16,000 (2 years) |
Monthly living costs in Debrecen and Budapest
| Item | Debrecen ($) | Budapest ($) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| University housing | 100 – 180 | 150 – 280 | Debrecen is 25% cheaper |
| Shared apartment | 180 – 300 | 250 – 450 | Varies by location |
| Food and groceries | 150 – 250 | 180 – 300 | Supermarkets cheaper than Western Europe |
| Public transport | 15 – 30 | 25 – 50 | Bus and metro in Budapest |
| Phone and internet | 10 – 20 | 12 – 22 | Fast, cheap internet |
| Books and supplies | 30 – 60 | 30 – 60 | University library is free |
| Entertainment and activities | 60 – 120 | 100 – 200 | Budapest is richer in events |
| Monthly total | 430 – 760 | 595 – 1,062 | – |
The full picture — total of 6 years of medicine in Debrecen
| Item | Amount (€) | Amount (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total tuition (6 years) | 78,000 – 90,000 | 312,000 – 360,000 |
| Total living (6 years in Debrecen) | 30,960 – 54,720 | 123,840 – 218,880 |
| Travel tickets and procedures over the six years | 3,000 – 5,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Full estimated total | 111,960 – 149,720 | 447,840 – 598,880 |
| With the Stipendium scholarship (tuition exemption) | 30,960 – 59,720 (living only) | 123,840 – 238,880 |
| Savings with Stipendium Hungaricum If you obtain the full Stipendium scholarship, the total cost of 6 years of medicine drops from SAR 450,000-600,000 to SAR 124,000-239,000 (living only). Savings of between SAR 324,000 and 361,000 — roughly equivalent to the value of an apartment in some Saudi cities. |
Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus) – إيطاليا
Admission requirements at the University of Debrecen for Saudi students
| Specialization | Minimum GPA | Required tests | Admission competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MD) | 85%+ (very competitive) | Biology and chemistry — entrance exam | Very high |
| Dentistry (DMD) | 80%+ (competitive) | Biology and chemistry | High |
| Pharmacy (MPharm) | 75%+ | Chemistry and biology | Medium |
| Veterinary medicine | 75%+ | Biology and chemistry | Medium |
| Natural sciences | 70%+ | Chemistry or physics | Low – medium |
The medicine entrance exam (the most important)
The medical faculty in Debrecen runs a mandatory entrance exam covering biology, chemistry, and physics in English. This exam determines much of the admission rate independently of the high school GPA alone. Preparing for it is worth time and systematic review — the Future Way team guides you to the appropriate resources.
English language requirements
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 (no section below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: 79 or more
- Cambridge Advanced (CAE): accepted
- Prior study in English — accepted with official proof
Required documents
- High school certificate + transcript — translated and certified
- Valid passport
- An accredited English language certificate
- Motivation letter in English
- Two academic recommendation letters (for some programs)
- Personal photos on a white background
- Application fee: €100 – 150 (non-refundable)
| Early application — not advice but a necessity International seats at the medical faculty in Debrecen are very limited. Anyone who applies in January has a far greater chance than one who applies in May. The university sometimes accepts year-round but closes its waiting lists as soon as they fill. The Future Way team recommends applying at least 6 months early. |
Saudi recognition of University of Debrecen and Hungarian university degrees
Hungary is an EU member state, and the University of Debrecen is listed in WHED and WDOMS. Saudi recognition is available for the main medical specializations, with documented successful equivalency precedents.
For full details of the equivalency steps, see our article: equivalency of European certificates in Saudi Arabia.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Debrecen listed in WHED | Yes |
| Listed in WDOMS (WHO) — for medicine | Yes |
| A successful equivalency precedent in Saudi Arabia | Yes — documented for medical specializations |
| Hungary in the EU | Yes — since 2004 |
| USMLE / PLAB recognition | Graduates licensed in America and Britain |
| Most-recognized specializations in Saudi Arabia | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy |
| Estimated equivalency time | 3 – 6 months (with complete documents) |
Daily life for the Saudi student in Debrecen and Hungary
Halal food and the Muslim community
Hungary has a Muslim community that has existed for centuries, and halal restaurants in the major university cities. Debrecen is not teeming with halal restaurants, but they are sufficient. Buying from the supermarket and home cooking is also a common choice among Arab students and noticeably lowers the cost.
The climate in Hungary
Hungary’s climate is continental: hot summers (25-35°C) that remind some of those coming from Saudi Arabia of the familiar climate, and cold winters with possible snowfall (−5 to −10°C), milder than the Baltic states and Poland in winter.
Safety and the social environment
Hungary is one of the safe countries in Europe with low crime rates. Debrecen is a quiet, organized, and safe city for foreign students. Hungarians are reserved by nature at first but deal respectfully with international students, who have become a firmly established part of the university scene.
| 🗣️ A Saudi student’s testimonial at the medical faculty — University of Debrecen “I chose Debrecen over Pécs because the university hospital is larger and more varied in its clinical cases. The curriculum is hard, especially in the first four years, but the professors are serious and honest in their assessment. The fifth and sixth years in the hospital are the most enjoyable — you really feel you are learning real medicine.” |
Frequently asked questions about studying in Hungary for Saudis
Is the University of Debrecen recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, the University of Debrecen is listed in WHED and WDOMS, and its medical degrees are recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with documented successful equivalency precedents for Saudi graduates. Verifying the specific specialization before enrolling is advised.
How much does studying medicine in Hungary cost for Saudis?
Tuition for the medical faculty ranges between €13,000 and €15,000 per year, equivalent to SAR 52,000 – 60,000. Living in Debrecen is $430 – 760 per month. The estimated annual total is between SAR 116,000 and 168,000. With the Stipendium scholarship the tuition is waived and only living costs remain.
Can I obtain the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship as a Saudi student?
Yes, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with an agreement in the Stipendium Hungaricum program. Applying is done via the scholarship’s official portal during the annual application window (usually January – February). The scholarship covers tuition + accommodation + a monthly stipend + medical insurance.
What is the difference between Hungary and Poland for studying medicine?
Both are EU countries with medical degrees recognized in Saudi Arabia. Poland: more universities and broader options. Hungary: a longer history of teaching medicine in English and the broader-reaching Stipendium government scholarship. The tuition is comparable; the real deciding factor is the degree of admission competition and the available scholarships.
What are the admission requirements for the medical faculty in Debrecen?
A GPA of no less than 85% with high grades in biology and chemistry is required, in addition to a mandatory entrance exam in the sciences in English, and an English language certificate (IELTS 6.0+). The competition is very high — early application is very important to secure a place on the applicant list.
| Hungary is waiting for you — Stipendium and a genuine opportunity The Future Way team helps you apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and the University of Debrecen admission file. Our experience with Saudi students in Hungary saves you time and costly mistakes. |
