To help you navigate the online application process, we recommend starting with our detailed Enter Hungary Guide 2025, created to walk you through every step of submitting your application on the official platform.
International students wishing to study in Hungary can obtain a residence permit for studies if they
Enroll in a public education institution or a state-recognized higher education institution.
Attend full-time courses or participate in preparatory training organized by the educational institution.
Demonstrate sufficient language proficiency with a valid certificate.
Application Process
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Students entering without a visa can apply for a residence permit electronically via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).
If entry without a visa is impossible due to citizenship, applications must be submitted abroad at a Hungarian diplomatic mission.
Applications cannot be submitted with a leniency application if the student is in Hungary with a short-stay visa.
Upon approval, the NDGAP will directly send the residence permit to the Higher Education Institution's responsible department.
Students will receive an email notification once the permit is ready for collection.
In rare cases of incomplete biometric identification, students will be notified via email about further steps, which may include a visit to the Client Service Office of NDGAP* (formerly known as the Office of Immigration and Nationality or Immigration and Asylum Office).
Residence Permit Duration
Validity ranges from 1 year to a maximum of 3 years, depending on the duration of the study program.
Extensions must be applied for at least 30 days before expiration via the Enter Hungary platform. More info
Extensions require a certificate of academic progress from the educational institution.
Additional Information:
Students with residence permits issued under previous legislation can still apply for renewals.
Third-country nationals with residence permits issued for other purposes can apply for a study permit if admitted to a higher education institution.
Late application submissions may result in the inability to justify the application beyond the permit's validity period.
Educational institutions must notify the NDGAP of any changes in student status within 8 working days.
* The address and opening hours of the South Transdanubia Regional Directorate of the Client Service Offices of NDGAP are the following:
7623 Pécs, Csend u. 3. Monday 8.00 – 17.30, Tuesday, Thursday 8.00 – 16.00, Wednesday 9.00 – 15.30
7400 Kaposvár, Széchenyi tér 3. Monday 9.30 – 16.30, Wednesday 9.30 – 15.30, Friday 9.30 – 12.00
7100 Szekszárd, Szent István tér 23. Tuesday 12.00 – 16.30, Thursday 9.30 – 15.30
Further Directorates’ addresses and opening hours HERE
For more detailed information, please visit the website of the Immigration Office or consult the following: Information on residence permits for the purpose of studies
