Hungary or Romania: which is better for your studies? Full comparison 2026

Hungary and Romania are two destinations Iranian and Afghan students often hesitate between: both are EU members, both are cheaper than Western Europe, and both offer a starting route for students without a language certificate. But their differences in language of instruction, work rights and lifestyle are important enough that the right choice can change several years of your life. In this article we compare the two countries using official information.

The comparison in one table

Figures are based on official European Commission pages (Study in Europe and the EU Immigration Portal) and may change each year. Check your chosen university before deciding.

Language of study: the biggest difference

The biggest difference between the two countries is the language of study. In Hungary there are hundreds of English-taught programmes; according to the official Study in Europe page, more than 700 programmes are offered in foreign languages. If your English is not yet sufficient, an English foundation course is your entry route, after which you continue your degree in English.

In Romania, the common route for students without a language certificate is the Romanian preparatory year: one year of intensive training up to B2, after which you continue your degree in Romanian. You learn a new language that is useful both at university and in the Romanian job market.

• If you want to work in other European countries or internationally later, studying in English (Hungary) gives more flexibility.
• If you plan to stay and work in the destination country, learning the local language (Romanian) is a big advantage.
• For Persian speakers, learning Romanian is usually no harder than English, because you learn it from scratch and inside the language environment.

Tuition and living costs

According to the official European Commission page, tuition for non-EU students in Romania averages €2,000–5,000 per year, and living costs are estimated at about €600–900 per month. For Hungary, the same source describes tuition as affordable compared with many European countries (with medicine being more expensive) and estimates living costs at about €500–600 per month.

In practice, costs in both countries depend most on the city: Budapest is more expensive than Debrecen, Szeged or Pécs, and Bucharest more than cities like Timișoara or Iași. University dormitories are the cheapest option in both countries.

Student work rights

For many students this is decisive. According to the EU Immigration Portal, a non-EU student with a study residence permit in Hungary may work up to 30 hours per week during studies, and full-time for up to 90 days per year outside the study period.

In Romania, according to the same official portal, students may work part-time for up to 4 hours per day without a separate work authorisation; in practice about 20 hours per week.

• In both countries, finding work is much easier if you speak the local language.
• Student income usually covers part of your costs, not your proof of funds. Do not build your financial plan on student work.

Visa and study residence

In Hungary, non-EU students staying longer than 90 days need a residence permit for studies. The application is usually submitted at a Hungarian embassy or consulate before travelling, and it also covers the entry visa. According to the EU Immigration Portal, the fee at a mission is €110 and the permit is valid for at least one and at most three years, renewable.

Main documents for Hungary include the admission certificate, proof of language skills or previous studies in a foreign language, a valid passport, accommodation, health insurance and proof of sufficient funds.

For Romania, according to the official Study in Europe page, the study visa requires an official letter of acceptance from a Romanian higher education institution, proof of financial resources, valid health insurance, a passport and evidence of accommodation. After arrival you apply for a residence permit for the duration of your studies.

After graduation

In Hungary, according to the EU Immigration Portal, if you hold a valid study permit and have completed your studies, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job or start a business.

In Romania, the right of residence for studies can be extended by up to 9 months after graduation, to look for work, complete employment formalities or start a business.

Which suits whom?

Decision checklist

1. Calculate your first-year budget precisely (tuition + 12 months of living costs + visa + insurance).
2. Assess your current English level realistically.
3. Decide where you want to work after studies.
4. Compare the programmes available in both countries for your field.
5. Include the time needed for an embassy appointment in your plan.

Frequently asked questions