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Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)


Hungarian: Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem — founded in 1635, ELTE is Hungary’s oldest continuously operating university and a leading public research institution located in the heart of Budapest. Blending nearly four centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge research and innovation, ELTE offers a world-class study environment across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, informatics, law, education, and business.
 

At a glance

  • Established: 1635 (as the University of Nagyszombat)
  • Type: Public research university
  • Location: Multi-campus in central Budapest, Hungary
  • Faculties: 9 diverse faculties spanning all major disciplines
  • Community: Large, dynamic student body with thousands of international students from 100+ countries
  • Academic system: ECTS-based programmes; degrees widely recognized across Europe and beyond
  • Teaching languages: Hungarian and English (with a growing portfolio of English-taught programmes)
  • Global reputation: Recognized in major international rankings (e.g., QS, THE, ARWU)
 

Why choose ELTE?

  • History and excellence: A legacy of scholarship, influential alumni, and renowned professors, coupled with modern pedagogy and facilities.
  • Research-led learning: Opportunities to join research groups early, from fundamental science to applied, interdisciplinary projects.
  • Vibrant European capital: Study in Budapest—safe, welcoming, culturally rich, and affordable by European standards.
  • International community: Inclusive campus life with robust support for international students—mentoring, orientation, and integration programs.
  • Career readiness: Strong industry links, internships, and career services to support your professional journey in Hungary and abroad.
 

Faculties and academic strengths

ELTE comprises nine faculties that together cover a comprehensive academic spectrum:
  • Faculty of Humanities (BTK): Languages, literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, area studies, and linguistics.
  • Faculty of Education and Psychology (PPK): Teacher training, educational science, psychology, counseling, and human development.
  • Faculty of Law (ÁJK): Law, legal studies, international and European law, and public administration-related subjects.
  • Faculty of Social Sciences (TáTK): Sociology, international relations, political science, economics-related social policy, and regional studies.
  • Faculty of Science (TTK): Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental sciences, and earth sciences with advanced laboratories and fieldwork.
  • Faculty of Informatics (IK): Computer science, data science, software engineering, AI/ML, and information systems.
  • Faculty of Special Education (BGGyK): Inclusive education, therapeutic pedagogy, speech therapy, and rehabilitation-oriented studies.
  • Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education (TÓK): Early childhood education, pedagogy, and practical teacher training pathways.
  • Faculty of Economics (GTK): Business and economics programmes with an applied, international outlook.
 

Programmes taught in English

ELTE offers a growing portfolio of English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes designed for international students. Examples include:
  • Humanities and Social Sciences: English/American Studies, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Cultural Heritage.
  • Education and Psychology: Psychology (BA/MA), Educational Science, Human Resource Counselling, Intercultural Psychology and Education.
  • Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences.
  • Informatics: Computer Science BSc/MSc, Software Engineering, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems.
  • Law and Public Affairs: European and International Business Law (LLM) and related specializations.
  • Economics and Business: Management and Business Administration, Finance- and data-oriented programmes (offerings vary by intake).
ELTE also provides foundation and preparatory courses (including Mathematics/Science foundations and Hungarian as a Foreign Language), as well as short programmes and summer schools that combine academic study with cultural immersion.
 

Research and innovation

As a research-intensive university, ELTE hosts a wide range of research groups and centers that collaborate with leading institutions and industry partners. Key strengths span fundamental and applied sciences, humanities and social sciences, and cross-disciplinary fields such as cognitive science, linguistics, environmental sustainability, and data-driven research.
  • International projects: Active participation in EU-funded research and international collaborations.
  • Infrastructure: Well-equipped laboratories, libraries, digital repositories, and specialized research facilities.
  • Talent development: Student involvement in research through thesis projects, assistantships, seminars, and honors programmes (e.g., the Eötvös Collegium tradition of academic excellence).
  • Innovation support: Knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship initiatives that connect research to societal and market needs.
 

Campus life and student support

ELTE’s campuses are interwoven with Budapest’s cultural and professional life, giving students easy access to museums, galleries, startups, and multinational companies. Student experience is supported by comprehensive services:
  • Orientation and mentoring: Welcome weeks, buddy programmes, and continuous support from International Student Services and student organizations (including ESN).
  • Libraries and learning: The historic University Library and Archives, faculty libraries, e-resources, and modern learning spaces.
  • Sports and wellbeing: A wide range of sports through the university athletics club, fitness facilities, and wellbeing services.
  • Clubs and culture: Student associations, research societies, cultural clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Career services: CV workshops, interview coaching, job fairs, internship placements, and networking with employers.
  • Inclusion and accessibility: Counselling, disability support, academic skills workshops, and language support.
 

Where you will study in Budapest

  • Lágymányos (Buda) Campus: Home to the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Informatics, located along the Danube with state-of-the-art labs and lecture halls.
  • Trefort Garden (Pest) Campus: A historic set of courtyards and buildings for Humanities with a lively, community feel near the city center.
  • Downtown (Egyetem tér) buildings: Iconic halls near the heart of Budapest, including spaces for the Faculty of Law and central administration.
  • Other teaching sites: Additional faculty buildings and teacher training facilities across Budapest, all well connected by public transport.
Budapest offers a high quality of life with excellent public transport, student-friendly costs, and a rich cultural scene—festivals, classical and contemporary music, cafés, thermal baths, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore.
 

Admissions and how to apply

Applications to English-taught programmes are typically submitted online. While exact requirements vary by programme and faculty, applicants generally prepare:
  • Academic records: Official transcripts and certificates (translated if necessary).
  • Language proof: English proficiency at B2 level or higher (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent), unless previous studies were in English.
  • Supporting documents: CV/resume, motivation letter, and references; a portfolio or entrance exam/interview may be required for some programmes.
  • Deadlines: Most programmes have a September intake with deadlines in spring/early summer; some offer a February intake with autumn deadlines.
  • After admission: Non-EU/EEA students apply for a residence permit for studies; EU/EEA students complete local registration upon arrival.
Always consult the programme page for the most current requirements, selection criteria, and intake-specific dates.
 

Tuition, scholarships, and living costs

Tuition fees differ by faculty and level of study. Compared to many Western European destinations, ELTE and Budapest offer a competitive cost-to-quality ratio. A variety of funding options can support your studies:
  • National scholarships: Opportunities such as Stipendium Hungaricum and Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship (eligibility and application via national programmes).
  • University and faculty awards: Excellence and merit scholarships, tuition reductions, and achievement-based support (availability varies).
  • Mobility grants: Erasmus+ and other exchange scholarships for study or traineeships abroad.
  • Living costs: Budapest is generally affordable for students; expect student discounts on transport, cultural events, and services.
  • Accommodation: University dormitories and partner residences are available in limited numbers; many students choose private rentals with support from ELTE’s guidance.
 

Heritage, community, and global outlook

ELTE’s heritage connects the past with the future: founded by Cardinal Péter Pázmány in 1635 and renamed in honor of the renowned physicist Loránd Eötvös, the university continues to cultivate intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and civic responsibility. Its alumni network includes distinguished scholars, innovators, and public figures, and its community remains committed to openness, inclusion, and international collaboration.
 

Learn more

Explore programmes, admissions, and campus life on the official website: https://www.elte.hu/en Note: Programme availability, fees, and deadlines may change from year to year. Always refer to the official ELTE pages for the latest information.

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