At a glance

• Established: 1769 (as the Faculty of Medicine of the historic University of Nagyszombat)
• Type: Specialized medical and health sciences university with integrated clinical care
• Location: Central Budapest with teaching and clinical sites across the city
• Faculties: 6 faculties covering medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, public health/management, and conductive education
• Teaching languages: Hungarian, English, and German
• Academic system: ECTS-based; degrees widely recognized across Europe and internationally
• Clinical network: University clinics and specialized centers delivering tertiary patient care
• Global reputation: Strong regional and international standing in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy; appears in major global rankings

Why choose Semmelweis?

• Early and extensive clinical exposure: Learning takes place in teaching hospitals that provide real-world experience from the preclinical years onward.
• Research-led education: Access to modern laboratories, translational research groups, and student research pathways.
• International community: Large English- and German-language programmes with students from dozens of countries.
• Simulation and skills training: High-fidelity simulation centers and skills labs prepare students for clinical rotations and OSCEs.
• Budapest advantage: A safe, vibrant European capital with excellent public transport, rich culture, and student-friendly living costs.
• Career pathways: Structured internships, clinical electives, and postgraduate residency/specialization options aligned with European frameworks.

Faculties and academic strengths

• Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK): Preclinical and clinical sciences, comprehensive clerkships and electives across university hospitals.
• Faculty of Dentistry (FOK): Clinical dentistry with early hands-on training, digital dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery.
• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GYTK): Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical and industrial pharmacy, drug development, regulatory affairs.
• Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK): Nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics, diagnostic imaging, midwifery, public health-oriented studies.
• Faculty of Health and Public Administration (EKK): Health services management, health policy, health economics, leadership and quality in healthcare.
• András Pető Faculty (PAK): Conductive education and rehabilitation for motor disorders, inclusive pedagogy, and practice schools.

Programmes taught in English (selected)

Semmelweis offers undivided degree programmes and a growing portfolio of health sciences degrees in English, alongside a German-language medical track. Examples include:

• Medicine: Doctor of Medicine (MD), 6-year undivided programme (English and German tracks).
• Dentistry: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), 5-year undivided programme (English track).
• Pharmacy: Pharmacy, 5-year undivided master’s programme (English track).
• Health Sciences (selected BSc/MSc): Programmes such as Physiotherapy BSc, Nursing BSc, and health services/management-oriented MScs (offerings vary by intake).
• Postgraduate training: Medical and dental specializations, residency training, and board preparation aligned with national and EU regulations.
• Doctoral studies (PhD): Doctoral Schools in Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mental Health, and related fields.
• Foundation & preparatory courses: Pre-medical/pre-dental/pre-pharmacy foundation year focused on Biology, Chemistry, and academic skills.
• Short programmes: Clinical electives, Erasmus exchanges, and summer schools combining academic and cultural learning.

Note: Programme availability and titles may vary by academic year—always consult the official pages for current options.

Clinical training and facilities

Education is closely tied to Semmelweis’s university hospitals and specialty centers, ensuring strong practical competencies and interprofessional teamwork.

• Skills and simulation: State-of-the-art centers with high-fidelity mannequins, OSCE preparation, dental simulation labs, and surgical training facilities.
• Progressive patient contact: Early exposure to patient care with increasing responsibility during clinical years.
• Specialty breadth: Cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, transplantation, internal medicine, anesthesiology and intensive care, among others.
• Electives and mobility: Opportunities for clinical electives at partner institutions in Hungary and abroad (subject to programme regulations).

Research and innovation

Semmelweis is a research-intensive university spanning basic, translational, and clinical research, with collaborations across Europe and beyond.

• Focus areas: Molecular and cellular medicine, cardiovascular sciences, oncology, neurosciences, immunology and infectious diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, public and global health.
• Infrastructure: Core facilities for imaging, genomics and proteomics, biobanking, flow cytometry, animal research, and advanced computational resources.
• Student pathways: Students’ Scientific Association (TDK), research assistantships, thesis projects, and opportunities to present at conferences and co-author publications.
• Innovation support: Technology transfer services, clinical trials support, and entrepreneurship guidance for translating research into practice.

Campus life and student support

With campuses interwoven into Budapest’s healthcare ecosystem, students benefit from comprehensive academic and wellbeing services.

• Orientation and mentoring: International student services, buddy and mentor programmes, and active student unions.
• Libraries and learning: The Central University Library and faculty libraries with extensive e-resources, quiet reading rooms, and group study areas.
• Sports and wellbeing: University sports facilities, fitness opportunities, counselling and mental health support.
• Career services: CV and interview workshops, residency information sessions, networking with hospitals and healthcare employers.
• Accommodation: Limited university dormitories and partner residences; many students rent privately near the clinics, with guidance available.
• Inclusion and accessibility: Disability support, academic skills workshops, and language courses (including Hungarian for foreigners).

Where you will study in Budapest

• Nagyvárad tér – Üllői út corridor (Districts VIII–IX): Core education and clinical area with major theoretical institutes and university hospitals.
• Specialized clinical sites across the city: Heart and vascular centers, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, oncology, neurology, dental clinics, and pharmaceutical education facilities.
• András Pető Faculty locations: Practice schools and rehabilitation centers dedicated to conductive education.

Budapest combines affordability with a rich cultural life—historic architecture, thermal baths, museums, parks, and cafés—all easily accessible by public transport.

Admissions and how to apply

Applications are submitted online, with programme-specific requirements. Entry to Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy typically involves an entrance examination. In general, applicants prepare:

• Academic background: Solid secondary-school record with advanced Biology and Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics is an asset.
• Entrance exam: Written and/or oral exam components in Biology and Chemistry (elements of Physics/Medical English may apply), plus an interview evaluating motivation and communication.
• Language proficiency: English at B2 level or higher; the German track requires German proficiency.
• Supporting documents: Passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation(s); programme-specific items may be required.
• Deadlines: Main intake in September; application rounds typically run from winter through late spring, with examinations held on campus and online via authorized partners.
• After admission: Non‑EU/EEA students apply for a residence permit for studies; EU/EEA students complete local registration.

Always consult the relevant programme page for detailed criteria, entrance exam formats, and intake-specific dates.

Tuition, scholarships, and living costs

Tuition varies by programme and language track. Budapest offers a competitive cost of living and extensive student discounts.

• National scholarships: Stipendium Hungaricum and Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship (eligibility via national schemes).
• University/faculty awards: Merit and excellence scholarships, tuition reductions, and research bursaries (availability varies by year).
• Mobility grants: Erasmus+ and other exchange funding for study or traineeships abroad.
• Living costs: Student-friendly transport passes, affordable dining, and accessible healthcare services.
• Accommodation: University dormitories and private rentals near teaching sites; guidance available through university services.

Heritage, community, and global outlook

Guided by the legacy of Ignaz Semmelweis and his revolution in antiseptic practice, the university champions rigorous science, compassionate care, and public health leadership. A diverse international community, active partnerships, and an emphasis on innovation prepare graduates to advance healthcare in Hungary, Europe, and worldwide.

Learn more

Explore programmes, admissions, scholarships, and campus life on the official website:

https://semmelweis.hu/english/

Note: Programme availability, requirements, fees, entrance exams, and deadlines are subject to change. Always refer to the official Semmelweis University pages for the latest information.