Study In Hungary From Bangladesh

Study in Hungary from Bangladesh: A Gateway to a Vibrant European Experience

Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe, offers an excellent opportunity for international students seeking a high-quality education in a rich cultural environment. A member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area, Hungary provides a gateway to explore Europe and its unique heritage. Budapest’s capital city is a popular study destination known for its dynamic student life, historical landmarks, and affordable living costs.

Why Choose Hungary from Bangladesh for Studies?

Hungary boasts a long history—it is one of the oldest countries in Europe—and its capital, Budapest, is a vibrant hub for culture, education, and commerce. The city is home to numerous prestigious universities, including Wekerle Business School (WBS), which offers a variety of programs in English and German. Hungary’s combination of rich history, modern amenities, and relatively low living costs makes it an attractive option for students from around the globe.

Budapest, often called “The Paris of the East,” is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion. It also offers an exciting student life, with plenty of cultural events, social gatherings, and activities throughout the year. Students can explore historic sites, enjoy the world-famous thermal baths, or immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant music and arts scene.

Affordable Living in Budapest, Hungary

One of Hungary’s standout advantages is its relatively low cost of living compared to other EU countries, especially the major student cities. While the actual cost will vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences, here’s a general breakdown of monthly living expenses in Budapest:

Rent: €200 – €300 for a shared apartment
Meals: €220 – €300 (eating out liberally)
Utilities (including DSL, phone): €40
Local transportation (with student ID): €10
Entertainment & Miscellaneous: €150

The total monthly cost for a student in Budapest typically ranges from €500 to €900. While this is already an affordable cost of living, it’s worth noting that there are also various scholarships and financial aid options available for international students, further making Hungary an ideal destination for those studying in Europe without breaking the bank.

Wekerle Business School (WBS)

Wekerle Business School (WBS) is one of the prominent higher education institutions in Hungary. It offers a range of programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Its courses, available in English and German, cater to students from various backgrounds, particularly in business, economics, and IT. The campus is well-connected, just a few minutes’ walk from key locations in Budapest, including the Corvin Plaza Shopping Mall and the Metro Station.

Programs Offered at WBS:

Foundation Year:
1. Business Studies (in English and German)
2. Business Informatics

Bachelor Programs:
1. Business Administration and Management
2. Commerce and Marketing
3. Human Resource Management
4. International Economics
5. Business Informatics (Specialization in Business Data Analysis)
6. Business Informatics (Specialization in Big Data)

Postgraduate Programs:
1. Marketing Manager
2. Executive MBA
3. Economic Specialist
4. IT Specialist

Entry Requirements

To gain admission to WBS, students must meet specific academic and language proficiency requirements. For the Foundation and Bachelor programs, applicants must have a minimum of 50% overall and 50% in mathematics and English (or another relevant science subject). A B1 level of English proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 4.0, PTE score of 36 or a TOEFL IBT score of 47. Applicants without an official English language certificate may be interviewed via Skype by WBS staff.

For postgraduate programs, applicants should hold a BA or BSc degree in any field (depending on the specific program) and have at least three years of study. The English proficiency requirement for postgraduate programs is typically PTE 45 IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL IBT 72.

A Student-Friendly Environment

Budapest’s central location in Europe, combined with the ease of travel, allows students to explore neighboring countries during holidays or weekends. Hungary’s affordable public transport system, especially with student discounts, further enhances the experience. Students can enjoy various affordable and fun activities, from exploring local museums and theaters to participating in international student events.

Furthermore, Hungary is known for its welcoming and friendly locals, who are often eager to share their culture with international visitors. This creates a genuinely enriching and immersive experience for students.

Work Permit after study in Hungary from Bangladesh

Eligibility to Work as a Student

As a non-EU (including Bangladeshi) student, you can work while studying in Hungary, but there are certain conditions and regulations that you must follow:

During Studies:
- Working Hours: As a student, you can work part-time for up to 30 hours per week during the academic year.
- Full-time Employment During Breaks: You can work full-time during summer and winter breaks (holidays).

Work Permit Requirement:
- To work in Hungary, you need a work permit. The process typically involves your employer applying for the license on your behalf.
- Work permits for students: The Hungarian employer is responsible for applying for a work permit for you if you’re a non-EU student. The employer must justify the need for a foreign worker and show that no Hungarian or EU citizens could do the job.
- If you plan to work in a field related to your studies, getting approval for a work permit may be more accessible.

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

After completing your studies, you can apply for a residence permit for a job search (which allows you to stay in Hungary for up to 9 months to look for a job). This is not the same as a work permit, but it gives you time to find employment.
Once you secure a job, you can apply for a work permit (if the job is related to your qualifications and field of study).

How to Apply for a Work Permit:

Employer’s Role: Your Hungarian employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. They will submit the application to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).
Documents Required: The required documents may include proof of your student status, a job offer, proof of financial support, and a clean criminal record.
Post-Graduation: If you transition from student status to work after graduation, you must change your residence permit from student to work status. Your employer must assist with the work permit application.

Permanent Residency (PR) after study in Hungary from Bangladesh

Permanent residency in Hungary is a longer-term goal, and the process is more accessible after living there for a specified number of years. Here’s how it works for Bangladeshi students:

Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) in Hungary

As a non-EU student from Bangladesh, you can apply for permanent residency in Hungary after meeting the following requirements:

3 Years of Legal Residence:
- You must have lived in Hungary for 3 continuous years on a valid temporary residence permit (e.g., student or work visa).
- The residence must be legal, meaning you should have stayed within your visa and been in Hungary with proper documentation.
Residence Status: During the 3 years, you must have continuously held a valid temporary residence permit (such as a student visa or work permit).
Other Key Requirements:
- Stable Income: You must prove that you have a stable income or financial means to support yourself.
- Health Insurance: You need valid health insurance (private or Hungarian public health insurance).
- Clean Criminal Record: A background check will be conducted, and you must have no criminal convictions.
- Hungarian Language Proficiency: In some cases, a basic understanding of the Hungarian language might be required for permanent residency. However, this requirement may be waived for those residing in Hungary for an extended period.

Types of Residency Permits:

Settlement Permit: Non-EU students can apply for a settlement permit (permanent residency) after 3 years of continuous residence in Hungary. This permit allows you to stay and work in Hungary indefinitely.
EU Blue Card: If you are employed in Hungary in a highly skilled job (e.g., IT, engineering, medicine), you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card after securing a job. This can lead to permanent residency after a few years.

Application Process for Permanent Residency:

After 3 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency through the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).
Submit required documents such as proof of continuous stay in Hungary, proof of income, health insurance, and language proficiency (if required).
The processing time for permanent residency can vary, but it generally takes several months.

Path to Citizenship in Hungary

Once you have obtained permanent residency in Hungary, you may consider applying for Hungarian citizenship:

After 8 years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization.
After 3 years of marriage to a Hungarian citizen: If you are married to a Hungarian citizen, the required period to apply for citizenship is reduced to 3 years.
Language Proficiency: As part of the citizenship application, you will need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

Conclusion

Studying in Hungary, specifically in Budapest, offers an excellent balance of cultural exploration, affordable living, and high-quality education. Whether you’re looking to study business, economics, or IT at Wekerle Business School or immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating history and lively student culture, Hungary is an ideal destination for international students. Hungary is a hidden gem for European higher education with its rich history, vibrant student life, and low living costs.