Hungary
Student visa and residence permit steps, timing and proof of funds for Hungary.
Non-EU/EEA students need a residence permit for the purpose of studies (full-time study at a state-recognised higher education institution, or a preparatory course run by one). Applicants who need a visa lodge the residence-permit application (which includes the entry visa) at a Hungarian mission in the country of citizenship or habitual residence; the mission issues a single-entry type D visa (stay up to 30 days, valid 3 months), the person must enter within 3 months, and the permit card is collected at the educational institution. Visa-exempt nationals may apply in Hungary via Enter Hungary or in person. After lodging via Enter Hungary the applicant must complete biometrics at the regional directorate within 15 days or the application is deleted. Permit validity is minimum 1 year (or the course length), maximum 3 years, extendable for 1-3 years; extension applications are filed via Enter Hungary at least 30 days (and at most 90 days) before expiry and the holder must have spent at least 90 days in Hungary in any 180 days. Permit can be refused/revoked if the degree is not completed within 1.5 times the nominal period.
Nationality-specific notes: turkish: Turkish ordinary-passport holders need a residence permit (long-term visa) for study. In Türkiye applications are lodged at AS Visa offices in Ankara or Istanbul by appointment (konzinfobooking.mfa.gov.hu), then an interview at the Istanbul Consulate General; fees EUR 110 plus AS Visa handling fee EUR 25 (SH holders: free permit, EUR 15 handling). Extra documents: YÖK student certificate with QR code, Turkish diploma, sponsor undertaking (taahhütname), 6 months bank history, university certificate that classes are not online-only (online programmes cannot get a D visa). Study decision time 15 days. MFA visa-free table lists only diplomatic/service/special passports for Türkiye.; russian: MFA visa-free table lists only service passports for Russia, so ordinary-passport holders need a visa/permit; mission-specific (Moscow) study checklist was not retrieved. SH nominations for Russia run through the Ministry of Science and Higher Education via FSBI Interobrazovanie.; kazakh: MFA table lists only diplomatic/service passports as visa-free for Kazakhstan; a university guide states D-type permit visas must be requested in the home country (Astana embassy / Almaty consulate). Mission-specific checklist not retrieved. SH nominations via Bolashak International Programs Centre.; ukrainian: Ukraine is listed as visa-free for ordinary biometric passports (90 days). Ukrainian citizens are exempt from the residence-permit procedural fee (issue and extension). Students at Risk subprogramme exists for Ukrainian citizens (no sending-partner nomination; applications go to the host institution). Temporary protection is a separate track and not available to people arriving specifically to study (university statement).; azerbaijani: MFA table lists only diplomatic/service passports as visa-free for Azerbaijan. Embassy Baku student infosheet (undated): SH holders exempt from the visa fee, self-funded students pay EUR 110; passport valid at least one year; financial support can be provided by parents only (others only in exceptional cases); documents in Azerbaijani accepted with English translation and legalisation, apostille not mandatory; mother's maiden name = birth name; OIF decides in 15-60 days; apply as soon as documents are ready. No exact bank-balance amount.
Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.
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