BA International Relations
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.
- ✓ 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.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELTE ★ This programme | 🇭🇺 Hungary | Bachelor's | 3 years | €4,200 |
| FU Berlin (MA IR) QS #98 | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master's | 2 years | €0 (fee/sem) |
| Jagiellonian (MA IR) QS #300 | 🇵🇱 Poland | Master's | 2 years | €3,000 |
| Oxford (MPhil IR) QS #3 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 21 months | £37,100 |
What you'll need
| Academic | Solid high-school diploma (or equivalent) | |
| Assessment | 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.
Core areas
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
Application timeline
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 |
Funding you may be eligible for
Alternative funding options
Available for international students at select European universities. No cosigner, collateral, or local credit history required.
Work up to 24 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays — Budapest's NGOs and organisations offer internships for IR students.
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.
Residence-permit financial proof: about €500/month in living funds in addition to tuition — via bank statements or a sponsor.
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 | |
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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply for International Relations?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows Hungarian admissions and the Stipendium Hungaricum.