Deepen your computer-science skills at Hungary's #1 research university — in English, for very low tuition. Strong foundations in algorithms and mathematics, a growing Budapest tech scene, and a 9-month post-study permit into the EU job market.
2 years
Full-time duration
€5,200
Tuition / year
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at Hungary's #1 research university(QS 2026)
✓English-taught, with a strong algorithms & mathematics tradition
✓ Very low tuition + a growing Budapest tech scene & 9-month post-study permit
The MSc builds advanced skills across algorithms, software technology, data science, and theory, with specialisation options and a research thesis. ELTE's Faculty of Informatics is Hungary's strongest, and Budapest's expanding tech ecosystem offers internships and jobs.
Graduates move into software engineering, data and research roles in Hungary and across the EU. Low tuition plus scholarships make it exceptional value for a European CS master's.
Bachelor's in computer science or closely related field
Prerequisites
Programming, algorithms, discrete maths, linear algebra
English
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (English-taught)
Assessment
Entrance interview / evaluation for some tracks
💡
Coming from a related (non-CS) degree? Your counsellor checks your module match and advises on bridging options so your application is strong.
What you'll study
Core areas
01 Advanced Algorithms
02 Software Technology
03 Machine Learning
04 Data Science
05 Theory & Specialisation
06 Master's Thesis
After you graduate
Career outcomes
Growing tech
Budapest's expanding IT & startup scene
9-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Hungary
Roles
Software, data science, research
EU mobility
Work across the European Union
How to apply
Application timeline
Autumn 2025 – spring 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take IELTS, and prepare your CV and motivation letter. Your counsellor reviews everything free.
Winter – spring 2026
Submit to ELTE
Apply through the ELTE portal for the September intake, and complete any entrance interview or evaluation.
Spring – summer 2026
Offer & scholarships
Receive your offer and any Stipendium Hungaricum or merit award. Your counsellor helps you weigh funding.
Summer 2026
Residence permit
Apply for your Hungarian study residence permit with proof of funds and health insurance.
September 2026
Orientation & start
Arrive in Budapest for orientation and begin your master's.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
€5,200
Total programme cost
2 years
≈€10,400
Health insurance
Min. €50,000 cover
≈€40/month
Residence permit fee
Study residence permit
≈€110
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Stipendium Hungaricum
Hungarian Government · Fully funded
Tuition + stipend
Coverage: Tuition waiver + €130/month + dormitory
Eligibility: Citizens of 80+ partner countries, merit
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: January–February annually
Source: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
University Merit Scholarship
Eötvös Loránd University
10–50% off tuition
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Academic performance
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Deadline: With admission application
Source: elte.hu
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — STEM often prioritised
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner
Available for international students at select European universities. No cosigner, collateral, or local credit history required.
Work during studies
Student residence permit · Up to 24 hrs/week
Work up to 24 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays — Budapest's tech scene offers working-student roles for developers.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Budapest
Budapest is one of Europe's most affordable and beautiful capitals — rich in history, safe, and full of international students. Sharing accommodation keeps costs low.
Rent (shared flat)€300–€500
Food & groceries€180–€280
Transport (student pass)€10
Health insurance€40
Books & supplies€30–€60
Personal & leisure€100–€200
Estimated total€600–€950/month
Residence-permit financial proof: about €500/month in living funds in addition to tuition — via bank statements or a sponsor.
Residence permit
Hungarian study residence permit
Permit type
Residence Permit for Study Purposes
Admission letter
Letter of acceptance from ELTE
Application fee
≈€110
Financial proof
≈€500/month living funds + tuition
Health insurance
Mandatory — min. €50,000 cover
Post-graduation
9-month job-seeking residence permit
Student stories
Hear from our students
"ELTE's algorithms teaching is seriously strong, and studying CS in English for €5,200 a year is unbeatable. Budapest's tech scene gave me an internship, and my counsellor made the application and permit simple."
SB
Sara B.
MSc Computer Science, ELTE — Class of 2027 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"Budapest is affordable and gorgeous, and the university is top in Hungary. The 9-month post-study permit gave me time to land a developer role after graduating."
AF
Ali F.
MSc Computer Science, ELTE — Class of 2026 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How strong is ELTE for computer science?
ELTE is Hungary's leading research university and its Faculty of Informatics is the country's strongest for computer science, with deep traditions in mathematics and algorithms. Budapest also has a fast-growing tech scene with many startups and international IT employers.
Is it taught in English?
Yes — ELTE runs its MSc Computer Science fully in English for international students, so you don't need Hungarian to study. Basic Hungarian helps with daily life and internships, and the university offers language support.
What background do I need?
You need a bachelor's in computer science or a closely related field, with solid programming, algorithms and mathematics. Your counsellor confirms your module fit against ELTE's requirements free of charge.
Can I work in Hungary after graduating?
Yes. Hungary offers a 9-month post-study job-seeking residence permit, and you can work up to 24 hours per week while studying. Budapest's tech sector is growing fast, with strong demand for software developers.
How affordable is Budapest?
Very. Budapest is one of Europe's most affordable capitals — budget roughly €600–€950/month all-in, and tuition is only €5,200/year. Stipendium Hungaricum can cover tuition plus a stipend and dormitory for eligible students.
