If you are looking to either take up studies or continue your studies overseas at a college or university in Hungary then you will want to make sure you have everything that you need to have when you submit your application for a student visa. Regulations for what type of permit is needed what type of application and supporting documents are to be submitted can vary depending upon which category you fall in: a non European Union citizen or a European Union/European Economic Area citizen. If you are ready to attend a Hungarian college or university, then here is what you need to know.
Before you worry about getting a study visa or whatever permit applies to your situation, you should first take care of the school that you will be attending. You will need to have proof of an offer of admission to a college or university in order to be granted entry into Hungary as a student. Only after you have received notification that you have been granted admission should you begin the application process for your study visa or permit, whichever it is that you need based on your category of citizenship.
If you are an American looking to study in Hungary, then you fall into the non European Union citizen category. This means that you will be required to apply for and obtain a residence visa in order to come to Hungary to study. This applies to anyone that is not a European Union citizen. The application form for the residence visa is a bit lengthy and will ask for a lot of information. If you want to be prepared, here is the information that you will want to have handy before you begin filling out your residence visa application. You will have to detail the type of education that you will be receiving while in Hungary, the name of the educational institution that has granted you admission, along with the location of this institution’s main office or branch, the amount of money that you will have at your disposal while in Hungary, and if you are attending the school on a scholarship of any size then you will need to provide information on the organization that granted you the scholarship. Once you have completed the application form, you will also have to provide some additional documents that are to be submitted along with the application. You will need documentation that details where you will be living, proof of your financial resources and proof from the school that you will be attending. In some instances you will also need to show proof that you have already paid the tuition in full. You can download the application for the residence visa from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
If you fall into the category of an EU or EEA citizen and your stay in Hungary will not be greater than 3 months, then you will not need a study visa. Instead, you will use your passport or national identity card for your entry to Hungary and residency as a student. However, if you will be staying longer than 3 months, then you should apply for a study visa. As long as you can submit documentation that shows proof of payment of the tuition fees and an official document from the school stating that you will be attending then you are entitled to the study visa.
Coming to Hungary as a student is a fairly easy process. For more information, contact the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your current study abroad program director at your local university.
