Train as a pharmacist at one of Europe's oldest and most respected medical universities — in English, for a fraction of Western fees. An EU-recognised degree in beautiful, affordable Budapest, with Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships and a clear path to a healthcare career.
5 years
Full-time duration
€8,500
Tuition / year
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at one of Europe's oldest medical universities — EU-recognised & WHO-listed
✓English-taught pharmacy at a fraction of UK/US fees
✓Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships + a 9-month post-study permit
The pharmacy program blends chemistry, biology, pharmacology and clinical practice, with laboratory and pharmacy placements throughout. Semmelweis has trained health professionals for nearly 250 years, and its international faculty makes it a magnet for students from across the Gulf, Europe and beyond.
Graduates work as pharmacists in community and hospital settings, in industry and regulation, across the EU and internationally (with local licensing). Low tuition plus scholarships make it exceptional value for a globally respected health degree.
Medical fitness & immunisations before clinical work
💡
The chemistry/biology entrance exam is the key hurdle. Your counsellor arranges preparation so you sit it with confidence — and lines up a foundation year if you need one.
What you'll study
Core areas
01 Pharmaceutical Chemistry
02 Pharmacology
03 Pharmaceutical Technology
04 Pharmacognosy
05 Clinical Pharmacy
06 Pharmacy Placement
After you graduate
Career outcomes
EU-recognised
Licensing pathway across the EU
9-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Hungary
Roles
Community, hospital, industry & regulation
In demand
Pharmacists needed across the Gulf & EU
How to apply
Application timeline
Autumn 2025 – spring 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take IELTS, and start entrance-exam preparation in chemistry and biology. Your counsellor reviews everything free.
Winter – spring 2026
Submit & sit the entrance exam
Apply to Semmelweis and take the entrance examination (often online). Your counsellor coordinates the timing and documents.
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 pharmacy studies.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
€8,500
Total degree cost
5 years (indicative)
≈€42,500
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
Semmelweis University
10–50% off tuition
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Academic performance
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Deadline: With admission application
Source: semmelweis.hu
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — healthcare often prioritised
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 affordable living makes part-time work go a long way.
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 Semmelweis
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
"Semmelweis has an incredible reputation, and studying pharmacy in English for these fees is unbeatable. My counsellor got me ready for the chemistry entrance exam and I passed first time. Budapest is stunning and so affordable."
RM
Reem M.
Pharmacy, Semmelweis — Class of 2029 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I got a merit scholarship that cut my tuition significantly. The degree is EU-recognised, which matters for my licensing plans, and the international student community made settling in easy."
KA
Khaled A.
Pharmacy, Semmelweis — Class of 2028 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the pharmacy degree internationally recognised?
Yes. Semmelweis is one of Europe's oldest and most respected medical universities, and its pharmacy degree is EU-recognised and listed by the WHO. Graduates can pursue licensing across the EU and, with the relevant local exams, in the Gulf and beyond — your counsellor explains the pathway for your country.
Is it taught in English?
Yes — Semmelweis runs a full English-language pharmacy program for international students, so you don't need Hungarian to study. You'll pick up basic Hungarian for daily life and clinical placements, and the university supports this.
What are the entry requirements?
You need a strong high-school record with biology and chemistry, and IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent). Semmelweis also runs an entrance examination in chemistry and biology — your counsellor helps you prepare so you go in confident.
Can I get a scholarship?
Yes. The Hungarian Government's Stipendium Hungaricum covers tuition plus a monthly stipend and dormitory for students from partner countries, and universities offer merit discounts of 10–50%. Home-country government scholarships also apply — your counsellor checks every option.
How affordable is Budapest?
Very. Budapest is one of Europe's most affordable capitals — budget roughly €600–€950/month all-in. The study residence permit requires proof of about €500/month plus tuition, and students can work up to 24 hours per week.
