1. Who is eligible for a residence permit for study purposes?
A third-country national is eligible when they:
establish full-time student status at a public education institution, or
pursue full-time studies at a state-recognized higher education institution or at a foreign higher education institution authorized to operate in Hungary, or
intend to stay in Hungary to participate in a preparatory course organized by a higher education institution.
Applicants are required to possess sufficient language skills to pursue their studies.
In case the applicant transfers to another educational institution during the validity period of the residence permit, an extension request must be submitted to extend their residence permit through the Enter Hungary platform, together with proof of admission.
However, if the applicant only changes faculty or study program within the same institution, no further action is required.
2. Where should the application be submitted?
If the applicant does not yet have a residence permit and cannot enter Hungary without a visa: they must submit their application abroad at a Hungarian diplomatic mission. There is no need to apply separately for a visa, as the application for the issuance of the residence permit includes the application for a visa as well.
If the applicant can enter Hungary visa-free based on their nationality and does not yet have a residence permit: they must submit their application in Hungary either through the Enter Hungary website, or in person at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), as per their place of residence.
3. Extension of the residence permit
An application for the extension of a residence permit for study purposes can only be submitted in Hungary, through the Enter Hungary platform.
The extension of a residence permit is only possible if:
the applicant has a valid residence permit at the time of application, and
the applicant has stayed in Hungary with the residence permit for at least 90 days within any 180-day period.
4. Further information regarding the submission of the application
In the case of in-person submission: the application form must be accurately filled out and signed by the applicant.
In the case of submission via the Enter Hungary platform: the electronic form provided on the website must be completed properly.
5. Documents required for submitting the application
For the approval of the residence permit application, the applicant must meet the conditions for entry and residence, which can be verified by the following documents:
proof of admission issued by the educational institution,
a document certifying the applicant’s student status,
an official language certificate proving the applicant’s language proficiency.
Applicants must also prove that they are able to cover the costs of living, accommodation, travel (including departure), and healthcare. This can be proven with one of the following documents:
a bank certificate issued in their name,
a declaration by a family member,
proof of regular income,
other reliable evidence (for example: a scholarship certificate).
Applicants must provide a valid residential address in Hungary as their place of accommodation in the application form. They must also prove that they are entitled to full healthcare services or that they are able to cover the costs of healthcare.
Proof of payment of tuition fees must also be attached to the application.
6. Receipt of the residence permit
The residence permit for study purposes is sent by post by the issuing authority to the address of the educational institution. Students are notified of the completed residence permit in a Neptun message and by e-mail.
The residence permit can only be collected after booking an appointment. Detailed information regarding appointment booking is included in the notification sent to students.