Erasmus guide Eötvös Loránd University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary.
Study abroad at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE): overview
Study abroad at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. Founded in 1635, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) is Hungary's oldest and consistently top-ranked university, based in Budapest. Useful proof points: Approx. 28,000 students; Large incoming Erasmus/exchange cohort across faculties; Natural sciences, Humanities, Law. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Approx. 28,000 students
International Mix
Large incoming Erasmus/exchange cohort across faculties
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Natural sciences, Humanities, Law and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Local language and/or English depending on programme
Exchange & application at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Nomination by your home university's international office; Learning Agreement signed by home and host coordinators; Proof of language ability for the chosen course language; Valid health insurance for the stay
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the host university then opens the application steps.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://www.elte.hu/en/erasmus
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 2026-05-10 | 2026-05-30 |
| 2nd semester | 2026-11-10 | 2026-11-30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm enrolment or registration
- Activate university account
- Attend orientation
- Validate courses and Learning Agreement
Academics & courses at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Exchange students select from a published English-taught course list and confirm choices in the Learning Agreement; some faculties allow cross-faculty registration.
🎓Credit System
ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
💯Grading System
Local grading scale with conversion on the final transcript.
✍️Exam Culture
Attendance matters in seminars; assessment mixes coursework and end-of-semester exams. Credits earned are recognised by the home university on return.
📚Library Access
Library, digital resources and study spaces become available after activating the university account.
Tuition & fees at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 host tuition | Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students pay no tuition fees at ELTE; they keep the same rights as host-university students. |
| Full degree student | Check official fee page | Full-degree international tuition varies widely by programme and faculty and was not verified in this build — confirm the exact fee on the specific programme… |
EUR 0 host tuition
Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students pay no tuition fees at ELTE; they keep the same rights as host-university students.
Check official fee page
Full-degree international tuition varies widely by programme and faculty and was not verified in this build — confirm the exact fee on the specific programme…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Housing near Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Budapest
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
EHIC (EU/EEA, emergencies)
Private insurance (non-EU, mandatory for the residence permit)
Student life at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- Faculty student unions
- ESN ELTE (Erasmus Student Network)
Buddy Program
ESN buddy system pairs incoming students with local mentors
Sports & Recreation
- University sports facilities and student clubs
Public Groups & Communities
ESN ELTE Facebook community
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the international office orientation and register your residence/registration card.
- Finalise your Learning Agreement and course registration.
- Get a BKK student monthly pass and a Hungarian SIM/eSIM.
- Join the ESN ELTE buddy programme and first social events.
Key exchange dates at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination
Previous semester
Home university
-
2
Application and courses
After nomination
International office
-
3
Arrival and orientation
1-2 weeks before classes
Welcome calendar