Attending high school in Hungary gives students the opportunity to study in an affordable European Union country with a long educational tradition, in the heart of Central Europe. Hungarian high schools stand out for their strong traditions especially in mathematics and science, their bilingual education programs and structures that prepare students for university studies in Europe.
Hungary is still chosen by a limited number of students from Turkey for high school education. Students from Turkey usually attend high school in Hungary through international schools in Budapest, bilingual high schools or exchange programs lasting one semester or one year. For families looking for an affordable international education in Europe, Hungary is an option worth considering.
Attending high school in Hungary offers students important academic and personal advantages.
Hungary is a Central European country and a member of the European Union. Its capital is Budapest. The official language is Hungarian; English and German are widely spoken foreign languages, especially among young people. The currency is the Hungarian forint.
Hungary is known for the historic buildings of Budapest on the Danube, its thermal baths, Lake Balaton and its rich musical tradition. The country has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The historical ties between Turkey and Hungary mean Turkish students are warmly welcomed in the country.
In Hungary, students move on to high school, usually at the age of 14, after eight years of basic education. High school usually lasts four years. Some gimnázium schools also offer six- or eight-year programs that admit students at an earlier age.
High school ends with the national maturity exam, and its results are used for university admission in Hungary. At Hungarian high schools, grades are given from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. In bilingual programs, high school usually lasts five years, including a one-year intensive language preparation year.
The types of high schools international students can choose from in Hungary are:
There are different programs for high school education in Hungary depending on the student's goals and the length of stay:
Application requirements for high schools in Hungary vary depending on the type of program and the school. For exchange programs, students are usually expected to be within a certain age range, have a good academic record and be open to adapting to a different culture. Exchange programs usually do not require prior knowledge of Hungarian.
International schools and bilingual high schools usually ask for report cards from recent years, a transcript, teacher references and a copy of the passport. These schools may also hold an English proficiency assessment, an entrance exam and an interview. For full-time education, previous school documents may need to be recognized in Hungary.
The school year in Hungary starts in early September and ends in mid-June. It is divided into two semesters, with autumn, winter and spring breaks.
Applications for exchange programs are usually made 6 to 12 months before the program starts. International schools usually accept applications throughout the year. The central application and exam process for entry to Hungarian high schools takes place in the winter before the school year. Since residence permit processes take time, applying early is very important.
High school options for international students in Hungary are largely concentrated in the capital, Budapest. In exchange programs, students are placed in the city or town where their host family lives.
Public high schools in Hungary are tuition-free. However, this right applies to families residing in Hungary. In addition, since public high schools teach in Hungarian, students who want full-time education there need a good command of Hungarian.
The most common way for students from Turkey to attend Hungarian high schools is through exchange programs. In these programs, no tuition is paid to the school; however, a program fee is paid to the organizing institution for host family placement, organization, insurance and support services. International schools and private high schools charge fees.
The cost of high school education in Hungary varies depending on the type of program. Fees for exchange programs vary depending on the length of the program, host family placement and the services included.
Fees at international schools in Budapest are generally lower than at similar schools in Western Europe. When planning your budget, you should account for accommodation, airfare, health insurance, residence permit costs, pocket money and school trips in addition to the school or program fee.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and goals.
The main accommodation options for high school students in Hungary are:
In all options, students' safety and wellbeing come first. Exchange students receive support from local coordinators throughout the program.
Turkish citizens need a visa to attend high school in Hungary. Studies longer than 90 days require a residence permit for study purposes. For students taking part in exchange programs, the application is usually made with documents issued by the program organization.
The application requires documents such as the letter of acceptance from the school or exchange organization, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance and, for minor students, a notarized parental consent form. Applications are made through Hungary's missions in Turkey or the Hungarian immigration authority's online system.
Since residence permit processing can take time, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of this process.
Students who take part in a high school exchange program in Hungary or complete part of their high school education there must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn a Hungarian high school or IB diploma must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned in Hungary must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with your school and the Provincial Directorate of National Education before the program starts to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Hungary and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, language goals and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable program. Where needed, we also share alternative options in other European countries with you.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Hungary together.
Public high schools in Hungary teach in Hungarian. At bilingual high schools, part of the lessons are taught in a foreign language such as English or German, and at international schools in Budapest all lessons are in English.
Bilingual high schools are Hungarian high schools that teach part of their lessons in Hungarian and part in a foreign language such as English or German. Studies at these schools usually start with a one-year intensive language preparation year.
Public high schools in Hungary are tuition-free, but this right applies to families residing in Hungary. Students from Turkey usually study through exchange programs, for which a program fee is paid, or at fee-paying international schools.
High school in Hungary usually lasts four years. Some gimnázium schools offer six- or eight-year programs, and bilingual programs usually last five years.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and continue your education in Turkey where you left off.
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