| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Hungarian as a Foreign Language
Programme Overview
Name of the Programme
Hungarian as a Foreign Language
Name of the Degree
N/A
Level of the Degree Programme
Non-degree
Name of the Institute
Institute of Languages and Literature – Department of Language Teaching and Examination
Head of the Programme
Dr. PHD Kálmán Ervin KISS
Intake
Fall
Starting Date
September, 2025
Study Mode
full-time
Fees
- Tuition fee: 4000 EUR / academic year
- Application fee: 100 EUR
Location
Hungary, Nyíregyháza
Language of Directions
Hungarian (English as an intermediary language)
Field
Language programme (preparatory)
Duration
2 semesters (960 lessons)
ECTS Credits
- 60 credits / programme
- 1st semester: 30 credits
- 2nd semester: 30 credits
Qualification
Certificate in level B1 or B2 in Hungarian language (depending on the result of the final language test)
Career Opportunities
After finishing the language preparatory programme, the students can continue their studies in a degree programme at a Hungarian higher education institute in Hungarian language.
Programme Description
The course "Hungarian as a Foreign Language" aims to prepare international students for studying in Hungarian higher education institutions. The teaching material covers all the levels from beginner (A1 level) up to B2 level. In the modules, designed in line with CEFR levels, several language competences (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are simultaneously developed. In addition to the acquisition of language skills needed for everyday life and university courses, knowledge connected to civilisation and culture is included in the course programme, as well.
Specialization
In the 2nd semester, the students choose 2 optional subjects as orientational training to prepare for their future degree programme.
- 2 from the specialist language orientational trainings offered in the given semester are needed to fulfil the programme requirements.
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Business
Programme Structure
The educational package, designed to last for an entire academic year, comprises the following panels:
- Mandatory language training:
- 1st semester:
- 30 general Hungarian lessons / week
- 2nd semester:
- 22 general Hungarian lessons / week
- 2 Hungarian cultural and civilisational lessons / week
- Orientational training:
- 2 chosen courses as orientational training: 3 - 3 lessons / week
Admission
Entry Requirements
- Secondary school leaving certificate (or higher)
- Proof of Language proficiency in English – upper-intermediate level / CEFR B2 level or higher
- Having a language certificate is not a compulsory requirement. English communication skills will be proved in the online interview during the application procedure.
- A motivation letter and at least 1 reference must be added to your application. (In the motivation letter, please give information about your study plans following the completion of the 2-semester-programme at the University of Nyíregyháza.)
Entrance Examinations
online oral interview in English
Minimum Level of Language Proficiency
English – upper-intermediate / CEFR B2 level or higher
Entrance Examination Mode
online interview via Microsoft Teams
Description of the Selection and the Entrance Examination Process
The application procedure is based on an evaluation system of 100 points (50 points are given for motivation and educational background, and the remaining 50 points for language proficiency and intercultural preparedness according to the online interview). Following the formal check up of the application documents, the staff of the institute will organize the oral entrance examination. The entrance exam is successful, if the applicant reaches at least 60 points. For further information regarding the exam topics, please visit our website.
The entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Hungarian. You can often be provided a suitable transcript in English by your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. Please, bring the original entry qualification documents with you when you travel to the university.
Students must do the visa process after the acceptance to the University of Nyíregyháza.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program, "Hungarian as a Foreign Language," is a non-degree, language preparatory program offered by the Institute of Languages and Literature – Department of Language Teaching and Examination at the University of Nyíregyháza. Its objective is to prepare international students for studying in Hungarian higher education institutions. The program covers all levels from beginner (A1) to B2, developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills simultaneously. It incorporates cultural and civilizational knowledge alongside language acquisition for both everyday life and university studies. The program lasts two semesters (960 lessons) and awards a certificate indicating a B1 or B2 level of Hungarian proficiency (depending on the final language test results). Students who complete the program and wish to continue their studies at the University of Nyíregyháza receive priority admission to Bachelor's degree programs.
Outline:
The program spans two semesters. The first semester consists of 30 general Hungarian lessons per week. The second semester reduces to 22 general Hungarian lessons per week, supplemented by two weekly lessons on Hungarian culture and civilization. In the second semester, students choose two optional subjects from a list of specialist language orientational trainings (Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Business) for 3 lessons per week each. The curriculum is available for download. The total program comprises 60 ECTS credits (30 per semester).
Assessment:
The final exam includes written and oral components. A minimum score of 60% is required on both parts separately to pass. Students may miss up to three times the weekly number of lessons per subject per week in a semester without penalty. The name of the program head, Dr. PhD Kálmán Ervin Kiss, is provided. The language of instruction is Hungarian, with English used as an intermediary language.
Careers:
The program aims to prepare students for further studies in Hungarian higher education institutions. Upon completion, students can continue their education in a degree program taught in Hungarian.
Other:
The program is full-time and offered in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. The program's location is in Hungary, Nyíregyháza. The application process includes an online interview in English to assess language proficiency and intercultural preparedness. The interview contributes 50 points to the overall application score (the other 50 points are based on motivation and educational background). A minimum of 60 points is needed for acceptance. Students are responsible for obtaining a visa after acceptance. Priority in the admission procedure of the Bachelor’s degree is given to students who wish to continue their studies at the University of Nyíregyháza after the 2-semester programme.
Tuition fee: 4000 EUR / academic year Application fee: 100 EUR
The University of Nyíregyháza is a prominent public institution located in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. Established in 2000, it has evolved into a significant center for higher education in the region.
Academic Profile:
- Student Body: The university serves approximately 5,000 students, offering a diverse range of programs.
- Programs Offered: It provides a variety of educational opportunities, including bachelor's and master's degrees, with a strong emphasis on teacher training, engineering, agricultural sciences, economics, sports, natural sciences, and informatics.
Campus and Facilities:
Situated adjacent to the Sóstó park forest, the university boasts a modern campus recognized for its advanced infrastructure. In 2009, the campus received the first prize in the "public buildings" category at the FIABCI and Wall Street Journal architecture world competition.
International Opportunities:
The University of Nyíregyháza is committed to internationalization, participating in European Union mobility programs that facilitate professional development and cultural exchange for both students and faculty. The institution also collaborates with universities in Brazil, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Russia, and Malta, offering students opportunities for international internships and research partnerships.
Entry Requirements:
- Secondary school leaving certificate (or higher): Applicants must possess a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent.
- Proof of Language proficiency in English – upper-intermediate level / CEFR B2 level or higher: While a language certificate is not mandatory, applicants must demonstrate upper-intermediate English proficiency (CEFR B2 level or higher). This will be assessed during an online interview.
- Motivation letter and at least 1 reference: A motivation letter detailing study plans after completing the two-semester program at the University of Nyíregyháza, along with at least one reference letter, is required.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English – upper-intermediate / CEFR B2 level or higher. While a formal certificate isn't compulsory, proficiency is assessed via an online interview. The interview evaluates language proficiency and intercultural preparedness, contributing to 50 points of the 100-point application evaluation system.
