Student life

Frequently Asked
Questions

Academic Information

After the first completed semester there’s a variety of opportunities at one of our partner institutions. Make sure you get familiar with the specific requirements before submitting an application.

More info on Pannonia Long-term Mobility for 2-12 months HERE, Pannonia Scholarship of Excellence (max. 6 months) HERE, and regarding the Pannonia Short-term Mobility HERE.

The academic calendar is available on our website HERE.

If you have further questions regarding important dates or the exam period, please contact Ms. Csilla Páhán or Ms. Brigitta Orbán at the Registrar’s Office (pahan.csilla@tf.hu and orban.brigitta@tf.hu) or contact your professors.

Accommodation & Spending

Yes! With your student ID card, you can get a discount on city, county, and national passes. You can learn about the relevant rules and the ticket validation process on the website of BKK: https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/monthly-budapest-pass-for-students/

The cost of living for a student in Hungary is approximately 500-750 EUR / month. This sum covers accommodation (a room in a dorm or shared flat), meals, public transportation, and possibly a few extra costs (movie, theatre, concert, etc.). Actual expenditures will vary depending on individual spending habits.

Campus Life

Yes, we have a mentorship program for our freshman students called the Buddy Program. It is managed by Hungarian and international students to support those joining HUSS. If you are a freshman and would like to request a buddy, visit our webpage to submit the request form.

Yes, HUSS organises various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. These events include international food festivals, cultural nights, and traditional Hungarian celebrations. Keep an eye on the university’s event calendar and announcements for upcoming events.

Financial Information

To set up a bank account in Budapest as a student, you’ll typically need your passport or ID, residence permit, address card and proof of enrolment from your university. Visit a bank branch, fill out an application, and provide these documents for verification.

Health & Safety

Medications – such as painkillers, remedies for fever and cramps – can be purchased without prescriptions; however, most medicines can only be bought on prescription. You can buy medicine that doesn’t require a prescription at every pharmacy. If you need to get a prescription drug you need to take a medical examination first. Read more info HERE.

HUSS provides an opportunity for students to seek mental health counselling if they have a personal problem, have learning difficulties, or if their mental health requires it. The counselling is free of charge. If you would like to talk through your difficulties with someone and find a solution to your problem, book a consultation by e-mail at tanacsadas.tf@ppk.elte.hu.

Anyone residing or traveling in Hungary, regardless of citizenship status, can call for an ambulance if she or he needs emergency medical care or is in contact with anyone who does. The direct toll-free number for the Ambulance Service emergency dispatch is 104. Your call will automatically be routed to the nearest emergency dispatch centre. The European emergency number, 112, also works and offers better language support. You can also go to the nearest hospital’s emergency department. If you have a TAJ card, make sure to bring it with you to the hospital. More information HERE.

Policies & Procedures

If you lose your passport or residence permit follow these steps:

1. Report the Loss:

  • Local Police: Immediately report the loss or theft to the local police. Obtain a police report, as it will be required for the replacement process.
  • Your Embassy/Consulate: Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate in Hungary to report the loss and seek assistance.
  • In case you have lost your residence permit in Hungary, contacting the Embassy is not required, instead reach out to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

2. Obtain a New Passport:

  • Apply for Replacement: Submit an application for a new passport at your home country’s embassy or consulate. Requirements may vary, but you will generally need to provide:
    • The police report
    • Proof of identity (e.g., a copy of your lost passport, national ID, or birth certificate).
    • Passport-sized photo
    • Application fee
  • Processing Time: Be aware that processing time for a new passport can vary. In urgent cases, ask if an emergency passport or temporary travel document can be issued.
  • Make sure you are well-informed about the procedure and the list of documents you must submit.

3. Replace your residence permit:

  • Notify the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing: Inform the Hungarian immigration authorities about the loss of your residence permit.
  • Gather Required Documents and Submit an Application via EnterHungary. You can find more information about the procedure HERE.
  • If you’ve lost your residence permit abroad, once again the relevant Embassy can help you with the exact steps.

4. Inform Your University:

  •  Notify Administration: Inform the colleagues of the International Relations Center. They can provide guidance and support throughout the replacement process.

5. Stay Informed:

  • Follow Updates: Stay in contact with your embassy/consulate and the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing to receive updates on the status of your new passport and/or permit. Once you’ve submitted a request via EnterHungary for a new permit, regularly check the case.
  • Keep Copies: Once you receive your new passport and/or permit, make copies and store them in a safe place. Keep digital copies on a secure cloud service for easy access if needed.

Taking prompt action to replace your lost passport and/or permit will help minimize disruptions to your studies and ensure you remain in compliance with immigration regulations.

Depending on your citizenship, there are different rights and obligations. If you are a student coming from an EEA state (member states of the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein), there is no limitation regarding the working hours and you need to hold a registration card.

If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the European Economic Area (non-EEA state), you can be employed during your studies with a residence permit for study purposes and work 30 hours a week during your study period, or 90 days or 66 working days outside your study period.

More info HERE.

To avoid any administrative or study-related issues, make sure your work does not interfere with your academic progress.

To receive a new residence permit, you must submit an extension request via the EnterHungary website at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
Do not wait until your permit has expired, as this will result in automatic expulsion from Hungary.

Learn more about the extension procedure HERE.

Please note that you cannot travel with an expired permit. While your extension request is being processed, you should not leave Hungary. Foreign border authorities will only see your expired permit, and you may be denied re-entry to Hungary or face additional complications.

Others

We do suggest finding a good balance of studying and working. To find part-time job opportunities in Budapest, consider using LinkedIn for professional networking, connecting with local professionals, and searching for job postings or simply join such groups on social media. Networking within your university community can also be valuable; student offices also provide information on student agencies and job opportunities tailored to students. These agencies specialize in matching students with part-time work opportunities that fit their schedules and skills.

Yes, a welcome guide is available for international students, which contains the most important pieces of information. Starting a new life in a new country is just as challenging as exciting. With this short guide, our aim is to give you a warm welcome and make your first time in our beautiful capital a wonderful experience. Find the Welcome Guide HERE.