Program Overview

English Foundation Course (General English)

The English Foundation Course (Preparatory Year) has been designed for students who wish to study at ELTE or another European university, but do not yet have the necessary level of language competence and study skills to start a BA degree program. With a minimum of 800 contact hours guaranteed, the course can bring you up to speed in as little as two semesters.
The aim of the program is to provide a gateway for students to European education, where a good command of knowledge is required. The program equips students with the basic linguistic, cultural and study skills necessary for beginning BA level studies at a European university.

Program Details

• Title: English Foundation Course (General English)
• Degree: Declaration of Completion (non-degree program)
• Type: Preparatory program
• Level: Pre-university
• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
• Department: Department of International Affairs
• Language: English
• Duration: 2 semesters (1 year)
• ECTS credits: 60
• Minimum number of students: 50
• Maximum number of students: 200

Program Structure

The program includes:

• Language improvement, with a general course in language improvement, focusing on the basic skills of speaking, writing, listening and reading.
• Specialized courses in the accurate use of English grammar and vocabulary, as well as academic reading and writing, and classes on the presentation and discussion skills needed for participation in seminars.
• Study skills, with courses designed to improve the ability to work on one's own, with skills such as setting goals, managing time and monitoring progress.
• Cultural studies, with two courses on the major English-speaking cultures, one focusing on the British Isles, one on America and Canada, and other courses covering aspects of European culture in general and the culture of the host country, Hungary.

Career Opportunities

Those having completed the Foundation Course in English will be able to continue their higher education in Hungary and abroad. Once they earn a degree, the following possibilities will unfold: journalism, tourism, education in non-state founded schools, government organizations, diplomacy, and any other jobs that do not require degree-specific skills. Getting a job is also dependent on the continuous studies of the student following the foundation year.

Admission Requirements

• Entry requirements: The students who can apply for the English Foundation Program are expected to present the documentation of their certificate of matriculation from a secondary school and to submit their application with the necessary attachments.
• Language requirements: Minimum CEFR A2 level English
• Documents to submit with application:
  • Online application form
  • Record of the final two years in secondary school
  • Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate)
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Copy of the main pages of the passport
  • Copy of application fee payment receipt (200 EUR)
  • Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English

Application Procedure

• Application deadlines:
  • September intake 2026: 01/02-15/04/:59 (CET)
  • February intake 2026: 01/09-31/10/:59 (CET)
• Procedure of the application: 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.

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: 2,400 EUR per semester
• Non-EU/EEA students: 2,400 EUR per semester
• Application fee: 200 EUR (non-refundable)