Study global politics in the heart of Central Europe, at Hungary's #1 research university — in English, for very low tuition. A gateway to diplomacy, international organisations and policy, in a city full of embassies and NGOs, with a 9-month post-study permit.
3 years
Full-time duration
€4,200
Tuition / year
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at Hungary's #1 research university(QS 2026)
✓English-taught, in a Central-European hub for diplomacy & NGOs
✓ Very low tuition + a 9-month post-study permit and EU mobility
The BA covers international-relations theory, comparative politics, international law, economics and regional studies, with a focus on Europe and the wider world. Budapest's diplomatic and NGO scene gives you access to guest lectures, events and internship opportunities.
Graduates move into diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy, journalism and business, or continue to a master's. Low tuition plus scholarships make it exceptional value for a global-affairs foundation.
Academic record review; entrance evaluation for some
English
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (English-taught)
Profile
Interest in politics & global affairs valued
💡
ELTE weighs your whole profile. Your counsellor helps you present your academics and motivation and prepares you for any entrance evaluation.
What you'll study
Core areas
01 IR Theory
02 Comparative Politics
03 International Law
04 International Economics
05 Regional & Area Studies
06 Bachelor Thesis
After you graduate
Career outcomes
Diplomacy hub
Embassies & NGOs across Budapest
9-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Hungary
Fields
Diplomacy, NGOs, policy, journalism, business
Next step
Strong base for an IR / policy master's
How to apply
Application timeline
Autumn 2025 – spring 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take IELTS, and prepare your documents and motivation. Your counsellor reviews everything free.
Winter – spring 2026
Submit to ELTE
Apply through the ELTE portal for the September intake and complete any entrance 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 BA.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
€4,200
Total degree cost
3 years (indicative)
≈€12,600
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
Duration: Full degree
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 NGOs and organisations offer internships for IR students.
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
"Studying IR in Budapest means embassies and NGOs are all around you — I interned at one in my second year. And the tuition is tiny. My counsellor guided the application and the residence permit from start to finish."
MA
Mariam A.
BA International Relations, ELTE — Class of 2028 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"ELTE is the top university in Hungary, and studying in English with a diverse class was perfect. Budapest is affordable and central, and the 9-month permit gives me time to start my career after graduating."
HB
Hazem B.
BA International Relations, ELTE — Class of 2027 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How respected is ELTE for international relations?
ELTE is Hungary's #1 research university, with a strong social-science tradition. Budapest is a Central-European hub for diplomacy and international organisations, giving IR students access to guest speakers, events and internships in the field.
Is it taught in English?
Yes — the BA International Relations is taught fully in English for international students, so you don't need Hungarian to study. Learning some Hungarian helps with daily life, and ELTE offers language courses.
What are the entry requirements?
You need a solid high-school diploma and IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent). ELTE reviews your academic record and may run an entrance evaluation — your counsellor helps you build a strong application and prepare.
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 hosts embassies, NGOs and regional offices of international organisations.
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 €4,200/year. Stipendium Hungaricum can cover tuition plus a stipend and dormitory for eligible students.
