All you ever wanted to know about ELTE Faculty of Economics, our offer, the application and admissions processes, and much more. 

Topics covered on this page:

Click on the topic you have questions about, and you will be taken to the relevant subject matter. 

1. FREQUENTLY USED ABBREVIATIONS
2. FACULTY/PROGRAMMES/INTAKES
3. APPLICATION PROCESS
4. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (AGE, ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS, ETC.)
5. ADMISSIONS EXAMS
6. FINANCES (TUITION FEE, APPLICATION FEE, AND SCHOLARSHIPS)
7. TRANSFERRING TO ELTE GTK
8. CONTACT, VISITS, GTK, ELTE, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

1. FREQUENTLY USED ABBREVIATIONS

• ELTE GTK: Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Economics
• IO: International Office
• AC: Admissions Committee
• DP: Self-financed (tuition fee paying) applicants and students
• SH: Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, applicants, and students
• TFP: Tempus Public Foundation (the coordinator of the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship)
• AY: academic year

2. FACULTY/PROGRAMMES/INTAKES

What is the Faculty of Economics?

The Faculty of Economics (short name: ELTE GTK) is the youngest and most dynamically growing faculty of Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary’s oldest (1635) and most prestigious university. In the field of business and economics, ELTE GTK is the largest institution for Master's and MBA studies in the country and is also Hungary’s top centre for academic excellence in bach­elor's trainings. For more information, scroll down to the last entry on this page or visit the webpage with our promotional links. 

Why should I choose the Faculty of Economics? 

You should choose the Faculty of Economics (ELTE GTK) for various reasons, including academic, financial, administrative, and other reasons. For our most convincing arguments, please check Section 8 below entitled CONTACT, VISITS, GTK, ELTE, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY and browse our website for videos, brochures, etc. 

What programmes does the Faculty of Economics offer?

The Faculty of Economics (ELTE GTK) currently offers two full degree English-language bachelor’s programmes: 

• International Business Economics BA (IBE, 8 semesters, 240 credits)

• Finance and Accounting BA (FA, 7 semesters, 210 credits)

If you are interested in other programmes offered by ELTE, browse the “Degree programs” page on the university’s website.  

Can I apply for other programmes than International Business Economics and Finance and Accounting at ELTE Faculty of Economics? 

No, you can only apply for these two programmes. 

ELTE is Hungary’s largest university with nine faculties, each of which specialises in particular areas of study and research from law, through psychology to informatics. Depending on the programme you wish to study, you have to apply to one of the 9 faculties. 

The Faculty of Economics (ELTE GTK) offers the two English language bachelor’s programmes mentioned in the question. For all the other nearly 120 English programmes and the faculties that offer them, go to Degree programs on ELTE’s website. 

Does the Faculty of Economics offer English-language master’s or PhD programmes?

The Faculty of Economics currently offers only Hungarian programmes on the master’s and doctoral levels. English-language programmes are offered on bachelor’s level. 

If you are interested in other programmes offered by ELTE, browse the “Find your programs” page on the university’s website.  

Does the Faculty of Economics offer a preparatory/foundation programme?

No, ELTE GTK does not offer a preparatory programme. If you need such a programme to improve your English language skills, you can apply for the foundation programme (preparatory year) offered by ELTE’s Faculty of Humanities. More information: English Foundation Programme. Contact address: foundation@btk.elte.hu. 

Does the Faculty of Economics have a February intake? Can I start my studies/transfer in February? 

No, the Faculty of Economics does not have a February intake. This means that applications are only accepted for the autumn semester starting in early September. Students studying at other universities can also only apply to transfer for the autumn semester. (You can check the academic calendar and the semester dates on the website.) 

3. APPLICATION PROCESS

How/On what platforms can I apply for the bachelor’s programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics? 

Two platforms are used for application:

1. Applications for prospective self-financed students are accepted through the ELTE Dream Apply system: 

• Finance and Accounting

• International Business Economics

2. Those applying for the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum (SH) scholarship (including those who are already self-financed students at ELTE GTK), can do so on the Stipendium Hungaricum Dream Apply platform, and directly here:

• Stipendium Hungaricum: ELTE  Finance and Accounting

• Stipendium Hungaricum: ELTE International Business Economics.

When is the application period?

The application period depends on whether you wish to apply as a prospective self-financed or a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student. 

1. By default, the application period for self-financed candidates is between early November and late April/early May. As the exact start and end dates may vary every year, please visit the application platform (ELTE DreamApply) before starting your application. The platforms also show the detailed application requirements (documents, language proficiency, etc.). 

2. The application period for prospective Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders is shorter and is usually between mid-November and mid-January. Check the exact dates and requirements on the Stipendium Hungaricum website. 

Can I apply for the programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics any time? 

No, the application periods have a start and an end date, and no early or late applications are accepted, i.e. you cannot submit your application before or after these dates.  For more details, check the question “When is the application period?”.

I have missed the application deadline. Can I apply late?

Late applications are not accepted. If you miss the deadline, you will be able to apply during the next round, for the next academic year. 

I do not have a passport/language certificate/high school diploma yet. Can I still apply? 

Yes, certain documents can be submitted after the application deadline. Please check the details and the additional requirements on the application platforms for prospective students (ELTE DreamApply or Stipendium Hungaricum DreamApply, depending on whether you are applying as a self-financed or a scholarship candidate). Self-financed applicants can also check the requirements by clicking on their chosen programme’s name on ELTE’s “Find your programs” webpage. 

Please note that the admissions exams do not replace the submission of the required documents. So, for example, while your English skills will be examined during the admissions exams, you will still need to upload your English Proficiency Certificate/Medium of Instruction Certificate/Transcript of Records (check the above links for the specifications).

Will you check my documents before the application deadline to make sure I submitted everything?

The application materials are processed by the faculty’s Admissions Committee. We regret but no individual feedback on the submitted materials is provided at any stage during the application or admissions process. Applicants are responsible for their submissions and can double-check the requirements both on the application platforms for prospective students and by clicking on your chosen programme’s name on ELTE’s “Find your programs” webpage.

How long after the application deadline will I hear from the Faculty of Economics about the next steps?

As the application and admissions process differs for the two groups of prospective students so the timing depends on which group you belong to. 

• Self-financed candidates can expect to hear from the International Office (IO) after the initial document check has been completed by the Admissions Committee, i.e. in approximately three weeks after the application deadline. Please do not send enquiries to the office before you receive an email from us as that slows down the managing of the application and admissions process.

• For Stipendium Hungaricum applicants the application process is made up of several steps (including, for example the nomination by the applicant’s home country/sending partner, selection and technical checks conducted by the scholarship provider, etc.), therefore, they can expect to hear from ELTE GTK and its International Office several weeks or even months after the application deadline. Check the timeline on the Stipendium Hungaricum website.

4. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (AGE, ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS, ETC.)

Who can apply for the bachelor’s programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics?

Prospective students of all nationalities are welcome to apply for the English-language programmes starting in September every year. As special requirements regarding age, language proficiency, earlier academic accomplishment, related documentation, and deadlines may apply to certain candidates, you are advised to read the information on the application platforms (ELTE DreamApply or Stipendium Hungaricum DreamApply) with great care.

I am a Hungarian citizen. Can I apply for your English-language bachelor’s programmes?

Naturally, Hungarian citizens can also apply for the English degree programmes offered by ELTE GTK. 

• Those who have a Hungarian high school diploma (érettségi) can apply through the Hungarian application platform (https://www.felvi.hu/). Extensive information and further links are available on GTK’s Hungarian website, here: https://gtk.elte.hu/felveteli/alap-2026. Visit also Felvi.hu - International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for information on the acceptance of the IB exam documents and results. By applying through FELVI, you can become a state-financed student (állami ösztöndíjas) or pay the Hungarian tuition fee. No extra fee is charged for doing your programme entirely in English.   

• Those Hungarian citizens who have an international high-school diploma (e.g. an IB diploma) can also apply outside the FELVI system, i.e. directly on ELTE’s own application platform. If you are admitted, you will study on one of the English degree programmes and will pay the tuition fee for self-financed international students (EU-citizens).

Can I apply as an underage person?

Due to the requirements of the Hungarian public administration system (i.e. the presence of a relative/legal guardian of an underage person in all official situations), the Faculty of Economics only accepts students who are over the age of 18 at the time of enrolment (by default, 1 September), which is the legal age in Hungary. Exemption to this rule may only be granted in highly exceptional cases. Please visit the page dedicated to underage applicants to learn about the exceptions and the additional requirements pertaining to minors. 

What special requirements apply to underage applicants?

Due to the requirements of the Hungarian public administration system (i.e. the presence of a relative/legal guardian of an underage person in all official situations), the Faculty of Economics only accepts students who are over the age of 18 at the time of enrolment (by default, 1 September), which is the legal age in Hungary. Exemption to this rule may only be granted in highly exceptional cases. For the details, visit the “Special requirements for underage applicants” page on our website. 

I will only be 17 when the academic year starts. What do you recommend I should do? 

ELTE Faculty of Economics only accepts underage students in highly exceptional cases. Those prospective students who do not meet the requirements listed under “Special requirements for underage applicants” and, especially, those who would be significantly younger than the age limit at the time of enrolment, are recommended to apply for the English Foundation Programme (preparatory year) offered by ELTE’s Faculty of Humanities. This two-semester programme equips students with the basic linguistic, cultural, and study skills necessary for BA level studies, and allows them to bridge the missing year until, after successfully passing the admissions exams, they can start their studies at the Faculty of Economics.  More information: ELTE Foundation programmes.

What documents do I have to upload as part of my application?

The application documents depend on whether you are applying as a self-financed student or a prospective Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder. The general requirements are given on ELTE’s website but candidates are strongly advised to visit the individual application platforms for the particular requirements. Applications are considered valid if all the requirements related to the application documents are satisfied. 

There are also some documents that are not required but encouraged, for instance Mathematics exams results (SAT Mathematics Subject Test Level II: min. 680 points or ACT Test: min. 22 points in the Mathematics part), and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam certificates with grades. If you have successfully completed any of these exams, upload the results on the application platform.

There are also some documents that applicants are kindly asked NOT to upload (e.g. competition results, voluntary work, sports, and other certificates) as they will not be considered.

5. ADMISSIONS EXAMS

Do I have to take an entrance/admissions exam?

Yes, all applicants whose application materials meet the requirements and, based on those, are regarded eligible to take the exams by the Admissions Committee, must take part in the admissions exams to be considered for admission. Invitations are sent by the Admissions Committee a short time before the exams together with the necessary details. No sample exams are available. You can read more on the exams (tasks, timing, etc.) on the application platforms (ELTE DreamApply or Stipendium Hungaricum DreamApply, depending on whether you are applying as a self-financed or a scholarship candidate) and by clicking on your chosen programme’s name on ELTE’s “Find your programs” webpage. Please note that additional requirements for invitation to the admissions exams apply to self-financed applicants and prospective underage applicants, which are detailed on the above websites.

I do not live in Hungary and cannot travel there for the admissions exams. How can I take the exams?

Applicants do not need to be physically present in Budapest to take the admissions exams as they take place online, on platforms easily accessible to all applicants. Details are given to those candidates who are invited to the exams.

What tasks can I expect in the entrance/admissions exams?  

The admissions exams are used to determine the applicants’ overall eligibility and suitability to study on the English programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics. They normally consist of a combination of different tasks in two parts and take place online. Eligible applicants receive an invitation from the Admissions Committee with the details a short time before the exams. This is due to the fact that the expected level does not exceed knowledge pupils can gain at secondary (high) school level, and the exam components do not require special preparations or arrangements. Some hints about the tasks are shared on the application platforms (ELTE DreamApply or Stipendium Hungaricum DreamApply) and the faculty website.

Can you send me a sample admissions exam?

Sample exams are NOT available. No particular exam preparation is required as the expected level does not exceed knowledge pupils can gain at secondary (high) school level. Applicants, whose submitted documents qualify them for the admissions exams, are notified of the exact details (timing, platforms, content, etc.) a short time before the admissions exams. Further information is available on the application platforms (ELTE DreamApply or Stipendium Hungaricum DreamApply, depending on whether you are applying as a self-financed or a scholarship candidate) and by clicking on your chosen programme’s name on ELTE’s “Find your programs” webpage. 

What happens after the admissions exams?

This depends on which applicant group you belong to. 

• For prospective self-financed students, the decision is made by the Admissions Committee of the Faculty of Economics, who inform the applicant on their decision directly via the application platform. 

• For prospective Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders, the faculty only makes a recommendation to Tempus Public Foundation, and the final decision lies in their and the sending partners’ hands. 

For both groups, the first steps are the same. After the admissions exams, the applications and the applicants are ranked based on their overall performance: 1. their previous academic excellence (as shown by the submitted documents) and 2. the results of the combined entrance exam. Based on the ranking, applicants are informed on their admissibility. The decision can be one of the following three:

1. “acceptable”: good performance and full submission of all required documents;

2. “conditionally acceptable”: good performance but some missing documents (e.g. high school degree with grades in case of applicants in their final year of secondary level studies), which can and should be submitted later, by the deadline prescribed by the International Office/Tempus Public Foundation. The decision is changed to “acceptable” after the missing documents have been submitted and approved. 

3. “rejected”: the applicant is not deemed suitable or eligible to study on the chosen programme. 

A short time after the decision has been made, self-financed applicants are sent the Admission certificates (also known as the Letter of Acceptance) via ELTE DreamApply. The exact time depends on the availability of the required documents uploaded by the candidates. Those who have submitted all their documents can expect to hear from us within a few weeks after the admissions exams, while those who still need to upload missing documents will have to wait a little longer. 

Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship candidates have a longer waiting time. According to the website, “After evaluating the applications and the results of the exams, Tempus Public Foundation (as the coordinator of the scholarship) will inform the applicants of the official results of the applications by the end of June/beginning of July.”  ELTE GTK’s International Office will contact the successful applicants after TPF’s decision. 

Enquiries regarding the admission decision and the document(s) are not encouraged as applicants are contacted by the International Office as soon as the administrative processes at ELTE GTK (and, for scholarship applicants, at TPF) are over.

How long after the admissions exams will I receive my admissions decision from the Faculty of Economics?

As the application and admissions process differs for the two main groups of prospective students, the timing depends on which group you belong to. 

• Self-financed candidates can expect to hear from the International Office (IO) within a few weeks after the admissions exams. To see what happens during this time, please visit the previous question. 

• For Stipendium Hungaricum applicants, the application process is made up of more steps (including, for example the nomination by the applicant’s home country/sending partner, selection and technical checks, decision-making, etc.), therefore, they can expect to hear from the faculty and its International Office several weeks or even months after the application deadline.

Applicants are kindly asked not to send enquiries to GTK’s International Office before hearing from the coordinators as handling excessive numbers of emails slows down the application and admissions process.

6. FINANCES (TUITION FEE, SCHOLARSHIPS, APPLICATION FEE)

What is the tuition fee on the self-financed bachelor’s programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics?

The tuition fee for self-financed students is determined on a semester basis and depends on the student's citizenship:

• EU/EEA citizens: 2,700 EUR/semester

• Non-EU/EEA citizens: 3,600 EUR/semester. 

When do I have to pay the tuition fee? 

Different deadlines apply to newly admitted students and to students already studying on ELTE GTK’s programmes (current students). 

• Newly admitted students must pay the first-semester tuition fee already during the application period, as instructed by the International Team. The fee is normally expected to be paid by a given deadline (by default, early July), after the “Letter of Acceptance” is issued following the admissions exams and the decisions process.

Remember, the earlier you pay the tuition fee, the earlier you will receive the “Proof of Payment” document, which (together with the “Letter of Acceptance”) is needed to apply for a visa for study purposes. As both international transfers and the administrative process of payment confirmation at ELTE may take some time, you are kindly asked to be patient and not to contact the International Office before your coordinator contacts you. Also, do not forget to upload the bank transfer document to the application platform!

• Current students:

  • autumn semester: by 15 October 

  • spring semester: by 15 March

The tuition fee is transcribed a few days after the start of the semester and has to be paid via Neptun. Those facing difficulty paying the tuition fee in one sum and by the original deadline, can submit a request for payment in instalments or for deferred payment (i.e. payment by a modified/later deadline) via Neptun. Detailed information (e.g. availability of the request, submission deadline, platform specification) is given on the GTK website > Current Students > Requests. Not paying the tuition fee by the given deadline leads to administrative consequences.

How do I pay the tuition fee? 

While different deadlines apply to newly admitted and current students regarding the tuition fee payment process, both groups are expected to pay the semester tuition fee via Neptun, which is ELTE’s administrative platform and which you can access with your Neptun code and password. 

• Newly admitted students are given detailed instructions and a payment deadline by the International Office by email after the admission decision is reached by the Admissions Committee. By default, the deadline is shortly after the results are announced to allow successful applicants to take care of the various administrative tasks (e.g. visa, travel, accommodation) ahead of them.

• Current students (from their second semester) can see their transcribed tuition fee and the payment deadline in Neptun.  

• BOTH groups can find the description of the detailed payment process here: ELTE Neptun > Q-space > Help > FAQ > Fees and Funds, Section 1.5.1.

Does the Faculty of Economics offer SCHOLARSHIPS for international students?

The Faculty of Economics currently offers no scholarships for full-time studies. However, prospective long-term students may be eligible for some non-faculty support schemes, e.g.  the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme (SH), founded by the Hungarian government, which offers scholarships to applicants with excellent academic records from nearly 90 countries. Applicants are also recommended to look for opportunities (government loans, study scholarships, etc.) in their home country. 

Is a reduced tuition fee available?

All self-financed students must pay the full tuition fee by the given deadline(s). 

• Newly accepted students must pay the full tuition fee by the deadline announced by the International Office (by default early July). No reductions or exceptions are possible. 

• Upper-year students must also pay the full tuition fee by the given semester deadline (15 October/15 March). However, those who face unusual but documented financial challenges should contact the International Office at their earliest convenience.  

Do I have to pay an application fee?

Prospective self-financed students applying to study at the Faculty of Economics must pay an initial one-off application fee of EUR 155 per person at the time of the application. The fee is non-refundable and covers the administrative and other costs related to the admissions process.  IMPORTANT INFORMATION: the application fee does not guarantee the applicant's invitation to the admissions exams or his/her admission to the selected programme. 

Do I have to pay an entrance exam fee?

No, the Faculty of Economics does not charge an entrance fee. However, prospective self-financed students must pay an initial one-off and non-refundable application fee of EUR 155 per person at the time of the application.

How can I pay the application fee? 

The application fee must be paid by card via EPAY, the university’s official online payment platform. The details are described in the Application Fee document.

I am applying for two programmes offered by the Faculty of Economics. Do I have to pay two application fees? 

No, the application fee is per person, so it is the same (EUR 155) irrespective of how many programmes you apply for. 

7. TRANSFERRING TO ELTE GTK

Can I transfer to ELTE Faculty of Economics from my current university? 

Yes, ELTE GTK welcomes students transferring from other universities both as self-financed and Stipendium Hungaricum (SH) scholarship holders. As the requirements and deadlines vary for the two groups, please visit the website where you can read the relevant details. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• All transfer students must start their studies from the first academic year. 

• Credit transfer opportunities are only offered after enrolment. If some of your earlier completed credits are recognised, you may be able to graduate in fewer than the standard 7/8 semesters. 

• No transfer is possible during a running academic year, only in September. However, different deadlines and procedures apply to self-financed and scholarship students early in the spring semester.  

Can I transfer to ELTE Faculty of Economics as a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student?

Yes, you can but please follow the instructions on the Stipendium Hungaricum website and on ELTE’s institutional website. Pay particular attention to the requirements, the deadlines, and remember that you will have to take part in the admissions exams held by the Faculty of Economics. IMPORTANT: Due to the scholarship extension regulations, you will most likely need some extra time (as a self-financed student) to complete your studies at the Faculty of Economics. 

I would like to transfer to the Faculty of Economics. Can I transfer for the spring semester? 

No transfer is possible during a running academic year so you cannot transfer for the spring semester. You must wait until the autumn semester (i.e. September) to start your studies. However, the transfer application and procedure must start earlier, and the exact timing depends on whether you wish to transfer as a self-financed student or a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder. Please check the process and the schedule on our website. 

I would like to transfer to the Faculty of Economics. Can I transfer for year 2 (or 3 or 4)? 

Transfer students are welcome. However, you can only start your studies at from the first academic year. For the opportunity to transfer earlier earned credits, see below.

I would like to transfer to the Faculty of Economics. Can I transfer my earlier credits and complete the programme in less than 3.5/4 years? 

Transfer students are welcome. However, you can only start your studies at from the first academic year. Credit transfer is possible but only up to a certain limit and only after you have completed the following steps: 

• you have applied to the Faculty of Economics (the platform depends on whether you are a self-financed or a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student, see above), 

• you have successfully passed the admissions examinations, 

• you have paid the tuition fee (if you are a self-financed student), 

• you have earned a visa (if necessary and you are not in Hungary yet), 

• you have fully enrolled at ELTE GTK, and 

• you have access to ELTE Neptun through which credit transfer request is to be submitted.

What is the credit transfer process for transfer students like? 

For the credit transfer eligibility requirements, see above. The credit transfer requests must be submitted in early September, exclusively during the course registration period (Time plan of studies at the university). After the submission deadline is over, a special committee reviews the requests and the submitted attachments including your Transcript of Records (see below). The Committee has 30 days from the submission deadline to decide which courses from your previous university can be recognised as an equivalent of ELTE GTK courses. Therefore, during this period, you are recommended to attend your classes (in the courses you wish to transfer) regularly. This ensures that even if your transfer request is rejected, you will be able to gain knowledge and take the required midterms. If some earlier courses and credits are recognised (and please note that there is a limit on the number of credits you can transfer), you may be able to complete your studies in fewer than 7/8 semesters, depending on the programme.

What documents do I need to submit for credit transfer? 

 For your credit transfer request to be considered, you must submit a Transcript of Records issued and certified (stamped and signed) from your previous institution. It must include information on the curriculum of the course(s) you wish to transfer, the grading system, and the grade(s) you earned. The course curriculum should include the course content, the learning outcomes, bibliography, weekly/total hours, assessment method, etc. Please do not send us any documents during the application or admissions process but have them ready for submission via Neptun as part of the credit transfer process after enrolment (by default, during the course registration period). Before having access to our Standard Curriculum after enrolment, studying our international course list may also help you determine for which subjects you would like to transfer your existing credits. 

8. CONTACT, VISITS, GTK, ELTE, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Can I call the International Office or visit the faculty, see the buildings, and talk to the coordinators? 

The International Office of the Faculty of Economics does not have a telephone connection. The most convenient and efficient way to contact the International Team is by email. Please write to the following addresses:

• Self-financed applicants: degreeprogramme@gtk.elte.hu

• Stipendium Hungaricum (transfer) applicants: sh@gtk.elte.hu

Individual visits are possible during office hours. Additionally, the Faculty of Economics offers the following opportunities:

• Learn about the two programmes by watching this video: ELTE GTK’s English Bachelor’s Programmes

• Watch the campus tours online: Building Q, Building P and Exam Centre

• Browse our Programme and Course Guide

• Contact the Student Ambassadors, who are degree-seeking international students ready to share their experience about their studies here at the university. Feel free to write to them if you have questions about the university, the campus, or life in Budapest. 

• Participate in the International Open Day, which is normally held on GTK’s premises in December and is announced on the Faculty website a few weeks before the event. Besides listening to presentations on the faculty and its programmes, you can also meet our international students there and participate in a campus tour. Please note that if no “international” open day is organised, you are welcome to attend one of the regular open days, which are announced on the Hungarian website. 

• Hear from the students themselves. ELTE GTK’s Student Union (GTK HÖK in Hungarian) offers the following platforms for contact: ELTE GTK Student Union FB, ELTE GTK Student Union Instagram, ELTE GTK Student Union TikTok, Group Chat on WhatsApp. You are also encouraged to read their international magazine calledGTK Story.

Why should I choose the Faculty of Economics? 

The Faculty of Economics (GTK) is ELTE’s youngest and most dynamically growing faculty of the most prestigious Hungarian university. It provides top quality education in economics and business studies on all levels. 

The following qualities distinguish ELTE GTK from others:

1. Top quality, versatility, flexibility

• We offer a modern approach to business education promoting responsible leadership and sustainable business practices.
• You can choose an English bachelor’s programme close to your heart and even switch between the two programmes easily, if you change your mind. 

  • International Business Economics (IBE, 8 semesters, 240 ECTS, with two semesters of internship): a general degree that prepares you for nearly all positions in the business world and become an expert in international market processes, the operations of the EU, and the economic, political, and cultural impacts of globalisation to fast-track your career in competitive multinational jobs.

  • Finance and Accounting (FA, 7 semesters, 210 ECTS, with one semester of internship): a more specific degree with countless job oppor­tunities, which combines a solid economics and business education with specialised training in finance, accounting, and controlling. 

• We train well-rounded future business people. Subjects dealing with legal, psychological, social, IT, and socio-environmental is­sues, as well as courses from other ELTE programmes and faculties augment your experience and enhance your employment opportunities.

• We are the first Hungarian member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA) with numerous academic and practical benefits to the students. Our ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) accreditations allow finance students exemption from certain ACCA exams and ensure significant competitive advantages in the job market worldwide. 

• Our teachers have extensive teaching experience as well as local and international professional connections.

• We offer a flexible workload and student-friendly modes of instruction for the best learning experienceand to maximise your success.

2. Easy application and reasonable costs

• The entire application process and the admissions exams take place online. See Sections 3 (APPLICATION PROCESS) and 5 (ADMISSIONS EXAMS) above.
• The tuition fees (see Section 6 FINANCES) the and the living costs are reasonable, and you can even apply for the prestigious Hungarian Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. (Only for applicants from certain countries.)

3. Multicultural experience and supportive environment

• Gain international experience locally as part of our heterogeneous student community (including over 200 full degree international students and more than 100 visiting students studying in the same classes) and by participating in local international opportunities.
• Travel abroad to EU states for study exchange or traineeship with Erasmus+ or to other countries through ELTE’s global network. Check out these opportunities on ELTE’S and GTK’s websites.
• Benefit from our mentor and buddy programmes, and the dedicated support provided by the International Office.
• Allow to be enchanted by our bustling campus life in picturesque air-conditioned buildings in Budapest’s heart.  Experience how 21st century technology can ensure equal opportunities and fair assessment in classes and assessment, as well.

Why should I choose Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)? 

1. You can study at a prominent European institution, which is also Hungary’s oldest (1635), most prestigious, and internationally highest-ranking university. It is in the top 2% of universities worldwide and boasts 6 Nobel-prize laurates.

2. You can become a citizen of the largest higher educational institution in the country, (36,000 students across all academic fields and nine faculties) and forge friendships and professional relationships with both Hungarian other international students (4,600 international students from 130 countries and 850 partner universities). You can further expand your horizon by joining local internationalisation opportunitiesand by gaining both short- and long-term study and/or work experience around Europe (through Erasmus)and the world. 

3. In addition to the courses on your programme, you can satisfy your academic appetite by choosing from over 2,500 English-language courses across all academic fields at ELTE’s nine faculties. You can also learn Hungarian and other languages to increase your employment prospects later and do sports (even for credits) to stay healthy and fit.

Browse the university website to find out more details: Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) or watch this video in which international students speak about their experience of studying at ELTE. 

Why should I choose Budapest and Hungary?

Budapest is a great choice for international students: 

1. You will feel safe and welcome in this affordable city. 

2. You will find it easy to make friends here as the city has 300,000 students at 40+ universities and colleges and is a truly cosmopolitan place where a lot of young people speak English and are eager to mix with their international companions.  

3. You will never feel bored or lonely in Budapest as recreational activities abound here. The city is a picturesque metropolis with a rich cultural, architectural, and gastronomic heritage. It is also a good starting point to explore the culture and natural beauty of the countryside. And…. if you are courageous, you may even attempt to learn the local language.

4. As the capital of an EU and Schengen state which lies in the heart of Europe, Budapest is your gate to Europe. Discover the whole continent with your Schengen visa with little effort as all major cities are within easy reach by train or air. 

5. Boost your future career by putting your newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice at one of the over 150 international corporations who offer internship and employment opportunities here.

Learn more about Budapest and Hungary. Contact ELTE’s Student Ambassadors, or ELTE’s representatives in your home country. Watch this video: Budapest through the eyes of ELTE students.

We look forward to receiving your application. Do not hesitate to write to degreeprogramme@gtk.elte.hu if you have any remaining questions.