Program Overview

Program Overview

The Computer Science – Foundation Year program is designed to provide students with a solid theoretical background and professional knowledge in computer science. The program aims to train computer scientists who can synthesize the constructive activity of engineers with the general problem-solving attitude of mathematicians.

Program Structure

The program is a preparatory program, lasting 2 semesters (1 year), with a total of 60 ECTS credits. The curriculum is assembled on topics relevant to the MSc program, and the list of courses a student needs to take is determined individually. Most courses are from the Computer Science BSc, and a few are from the courses of the chosen MSc specialization of the student.

Career Opportunities

Software designers are welcome in every sector of informatics. Jobs are offered by large international computer companies, outstanding firms, banks, large enterprises, state institutions, software development companies, research institutes, and universities. Graduates may be engaged in the preparation of integrated data processing systems, electronic trade transactions, and electronic money transfers, solving telecommunication problems, performing image recognition, computer-aided design, image processing, or preparing multimedia applications.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must hold a BSc degree and have obtained at least 30 ECTS credits in informatics and mathematical subjects during their completed Bachelor's program. The minimum level of language proficiency required is B2 (oral and written). Applicants must also submit the following documents:

• Online application form
• Secondary school certificate
• Bachelor-level degree
• Transcript of records
• Proof of application fee transfer
• CV
• Motivation letter
• Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid)
• Passport photo
• Language certificate

Application Procedure

The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions during the application process. The application fee should be paid using the official payment platform of ELTE.

Entrance Examination

Applicants are required to participate in an online entrance exam and an online interview held and organized by the Admissions Committee of ELTE Faculty of Informatics. The entrance exam is written, and the interview takes about 20 minutes. The language of the education is English, and applicants are required to possess at least intermediate level English language proficiency.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for EU/EEA students and non-EU/EEA students is 3200 EUR per semester. The application fee is 150 EUR.

Program Leader and Coordinator

The program leader is Mr. Ferenc WEISZ, Professor. The program coordinators are Mr. Zsolt BORSI, Assistant lecturer, and Ms. Katalin SCHNEIDER, International Coordinator.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Factory
• Financial technology
• Software and Service Architectures

Degree and Certificate

The program leads to a Declaration of Completion (non-degree program) certificate.

Start Date and Deadline

The program starts on September 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. There is also a February intake, with a deadline for applications on October 31, 2025.