What if you could earn a recognised European degree in a city that is as beautiful as it is affordable. The University of Pécs, founded in 1367, is Hungary’s first and oldest university. With over 100 programmes taught entirely in English, tuition fees that are a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe, and an affordable cost of living. Pécs is one of the best-kept secrets in international education and Study Connect International is here to help you unlock it.
About the University of Pécs
The University of Pécs is one of Hungary’s most prestigious higher education institutions and the country’s oldest university, with a history spanning over 650 years. It is ranked in the QS World University Rankings (651–700 band) and its Medical School is ranked 401–450 globally in the QS subject rankings, placing it among the best in Central and Eastern Europe. The university hosts over 6,000 international students from more than 100 countries, creating a truly diverse and welcoming campus community. All major fields of study are represented across ten faculties, and the university offers full-degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, all taught in English.
Why Choose the University of Pécs?
1. Exceptionally Affordable Tuition: This is the single biggest reason Zambian students choose Pécs. Tuition for English-taught bachelor’s programmes starts from just €2,300 per semester (€4,600 per year) for programmes like English and American Studies. Business and Management is €2,750 per semester, Engineering is €3,400 per semester, and Computer Science is similarly priced. Compare that to £17,000–£22,000 per year for a UK university, and you will immediately see the difference. Medical programmes are priced higher at approximately $16,750 per year, but this is still significantly less than medical schools in the UK or Western Europe.
2. Very Low Cost of Living: Hungary is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union. In Pécs, international students typically spend just €400–€500 per month on living expenses including accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. A shared apartment rents for around €250 per month, and groceries for a student who cooks at home come to roughly €150. This means your total annual cost, tuition plus living expenses for a non-medical programme, can be as low as €10,000–€12,000 per year. That is less than what many students pay for tuition alone at a UK university.
3. Work While You Study: Hungary allows international students to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, plus full-time work for up to 90 days per year during breaks. This gives you the opportunity to gain work experience, earn extra income, and build your professional network while you complete your degree. Many international students in Pécs find part-time work in teaching, hospitality, or freelance roles.
4. Post-Study Opportunities: After graduation, you can apply for a job-search residence permit that allows you to stay in Hungary and look for employment or even start your own business. This means you are not limited to just finding a job, you can also explore entrepreneurship and build a venture in the EU. Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, which means a Hungarian degree opens doors not just in Hungary but across 27 EU member states. Graduates in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare are particularly well-positioned to secure employment.
5. A Degree Recognised Across Europe and Beyond: Hungarian degrees are fully recognised under the European Higher Education Area and the Bologna Process. This means your University of Pécs degree is accepted for further study and professional registration across the EU, and it carries significant weight with employers worldwide.
Popular English-Taught Programmes
- Business and Management (BSc): €2,750/semester
- Computer Science and AI (BSc/MSc): from €3,400/semester
- Engineering (BSc – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical): €3,400/semester
- Medicine (MD- 6-year programme): approx. $16,750/year
- English and American Studies (BA): €2,300/semester
- International Relations (BA/MA): from €2,350/semester
- Psychology (BSc/MSc): €3,900/semester
- Architecture (BSc+MSc, 5-year integrated): $4,000/semester
Hungary and Pécs: A Beautiful Place to Call Home
Hungary sits in the heart of Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. It is a safe, welcoming, and politically stable EU member state with a rich cultural heritage. The country is famous for its thermal baths, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festival scene. Budapest, the capital, is consistently ranked among the most beautiful and liveable cities in Europe.
Pécs itself is a gem. Located in the south of Hungary near the Croatian border, it was named a European Capital of Culture in 2010. The city is known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, warm climate, historic Ottoman architecture, bustling café culture, and a vibrant arts scene. With a population of around 145,000, Pécs offers the perfect balance, small enough to feel like home, large enough to offer everything a student needs. The cost of living is among the lowest of any university city in the EU, and the community is genuinely friendly and welcoming to international visitors.
The University of Pécs offers Zambian students something rare: a world-class European education at a price that remains within reach. Whether you are drawn by the affordable fees, the low cost of living, the chance to work while you study, or the allure of living in one of Europe’s most charming cities, Pécs deserves a serious look. Study Connect International is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right programme to submitting your application and securing your visa. Contact us today
