Step-By-Step Process of Getting a Hungary Visa for Indians

Hungary Visa - Overview

Known for its high-quality education and welcoming culture, Hungary has become a favoured destination for higher studies among international students, especially Indian students. Hence, Indians need to apply for a Hungary student visa to enter the nation.
Unlike many other countries, citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, as well as Switzerland, enjoy a simplified process. They do not need a study visa to enter Hungary. However, for non-EU / EEA residents, a student visa is a requirement to study in Hungary.
Meanwhile, there are 2 types of Hungary study visas for students coming from different nations. The duration to stay in the country could be 90 or more days, depending on the length of your study program. Let us learn more about different types of student visa Hungary!

Also Read: Everything You Must Know about the Student Visa Requirements

Types of Hungary Student Visa

There are 2 types of Hungary student visas: Schengen and visa type D. Students planning for a short-term stay of less than 90 days must apply for a Schengen visa, while for a long-term stay of more than 90 days, one must check out the requirements for visa type D.
Since the majority of Indian students move to Hungary to pursue higher education , such as PG courses, we will be talking about only the D visa type throughout this blog.

Additionally, a type D visa allows students to stay inside the Hungarian border for up to 90 days. Beyond that, they need to apply for a residence permit to verify their purpose of visiting and staying in the country.
Hence, to verify, international students must submit a valid travel document such as a passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and any financial source to cover living costs in Hungary.
Further, a residence permit is a type of single grant that allows a foreign student to stay for up to 2 years only in the country. For longer stays, they can renew the permit to extend their stay in the nation until the completion of their course.
Lastly, to learn how to apply for a study visa for Hungary from India, check out the next section to follow a stepwise approach!

How to Apply for a Hungary Student Visa?

As discussed earlier, to stay extra longer for up to 2 years, students need to apply for a residence permit in Hungary. This permit must be applied within 30 days of arrival in the country. However, the initial requirement is to apply for a Hungary study visa. Hence, let’s understand the process:
1. Acceptance Offer from a Hungarian University.
2. Contact Your Nearest Hungary Embassy
3. Prepare the Application for the D Visa Type
4. Schedule Your Visa Appointment Date
5. Receive Your D-Type Visa and Passport
6. Travel to Hungary and Collect a Residence Permit

• Firstly, international students need to get a letter of acceptance from a Hungarian university before applying for a study visa. Hence, check the university's official website and fulfil the overall requirements. Once you get the confirmation from the university via email, pay the deposit fee and fulfil the documentation requirements to move further with the process.
• Next, try to contact the Hungary embassy, which should be in your home country. Then, the embassy will ask for more documents in support of your visa application.
• After that, complete the application form for a D-type Hungary study visa. Fill in the appropriate details, such as your course information, duration of your stay, etc. Further, verify all the updated information filled in the Hungary study visa application and complete original copies.
• Finally, after submitting a visa application, students need to fix a date for their Hungary visa appointment. On the interview day, carry all the documents along with the copies. Submit biometric data at last. In addition to this, Indian students can apply for a residence permit later from the consulate officers.
• After the immigration department's final decision, applicants will get a visa collection decision via an email or text message from the visa embassy. Then, receive your D study visa, which is only applicable for 90 days. Lastly, enter the Hungary land and apply for a resident permit within 30 days of arrival.
• Lastly, you can track your visa application status online. Hence,visit the official website of where you’ve registered your visa appointment date. Use the reference number mentioned on your visa invoice / receipt issued by Hungary Visa Application Centre. Add your last name along with the number and keep a track of your Hungary study visa.

Also Read: A Complete Guide on How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad

Application Timeline for Hungary Student Visa

Below is the complete Hungary visa processing time agenda for applicants from different countries, with their specified months:

Let’s check out the eligibility criteria for a Hungarian student visa!

Eligibility Criteria of Hungary Student Visa

Students must meet the following criteria to apply for a study visa for Hungary from India. Failure to meet the required conditions could even result in visa application rejection.

• You must be in your home country at the time of lodging a Hungary visa application.
• You must hold a valid and updated passport.
• You must demonstrate the reason for your visit to the country, such as participating in any training or educational activities.
• You must hold sufficient funds to cover your entire expense during your stay in the nation.
• You must have a valid acceptance offer letter from a Hungarian institution.
• You must meet the English language requirements as per the university’s standards.
• You must apply for a residence permit if Hungary is your only planned destination to study, work, and live.
• If you meet all of these Hungary student visa requirements, make sure to gather all the required paperwork before making your visa application to Hungary

Hungary Student Visa Document Checklist

Here’s a detailed list of required documents for a Hungary student visa and a residence permit to enter the country without any trouble:

1. Valid Foreign Passport:The student’s passport must contain at least 2 free pages to get a visa stamp. Further, it must be issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after departing from Hungary.
2. Visa Application Form: Carefully fill out the application form with precise information. Mention your period of stay in the country when applying for a D visa type. Complete the form and duly sign it.
3. Passport Size Photos: As a non-EU citizen, the Hungarian immigration department is required to submit 2 coloured photos of dimensions 35*45 mm. They must be clicked on a white background within the last 6 months. One photo must be attached to the submitted documents, while the other should be glued to the visa application form.
4. Health Insurance: Hungarian universities often offer medical insurance to international students, and this must be mentioned in the letter of invitation. Hence, along with your visa application, make sure to attach a 30-day travel insurance policy that covers EUR 30,000 for medical expenses.
5. Letter of Acceptance: Your offer letter from a Hungarian institution must include the course name, duration of your course, program starting date, and tuition fees. Also, the letter must have the signature of any university official.
6. Accommodation Provision: If the university has offered the student accommodation, then it must be mentioned in your offer letter. Or, if the student got a rented apartment, house, etc., then an agreement with the property owner must be issued.
7. Financial Proofs: Depending on the individual’s case, students have to include a letter of sponsorship about cost coverage during their stay in Hungary with a notarized copy or bank statement. Students who already got a scholarship do not need to show the bank statement.
8. Motivational Letter: To study in Hungary for Indian students, their letter of motivation must be signed and highlight these:

• Academic Background: Include previous study & relevant internships/jobs.
• Academic Motivation: Explain why you chose the course and how you’re eligible
• Personal Interests: Relevant achievements & hobbies

9. English Proficiency Certificate: For a Hungary visa interview, an applicant should attach an English proficiency test result, such as IELTS, PTE, etc. Or, if their course of conduct in previous school/university was in English, then a certificate issued by the education provider could also be attached while applying for a Hungary visa for Indians.
10. Receipt of University Tuition Fee: Attach documented proof of your paid university tuition fees to your visa application. This may be a bank deposit slip or ATM transfer slip.
11. Updated CV: CV is a compulsory document for university admission as well as visa interview. Hence, it should highlight all your academic, professional, and contact information.
12. Academic Documents: Include all your academic certificate and transcript records if applying for any of these programs: UG, PG, or PhD. Mention your course summary for previously studied programs with at least 2 LOR(s) from the university. Lastly, make sure to add details about the referees.

IMPORTANT:

• The above-mentioned documents must be witnessed by their responsible authorities, like the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOFA), etc.
• Make sure to translate all your academic transcripts and certificates into Hungarian language with attestation from a notary before submitting the visa application.
  Hence, if covered all the documents, then it would become a trouble free path to study in Hungary for Indian students. Moreover, we know every document will be covered from your end, but there is always one thing that confuses students. That is what a visa picture looks like! So, have a look at the next section and find out what you should do and what not!

Also Read: Things to Consider in Process of Choosing Accommodation Options

Photo Specification for Hungary Student Visa

Here’s how the photo specification for a Hungary study visa appears:

Meanwhile, the picture you submit for your Hungary student visa must be according to the Schengen Visa photo requirements:

• Dimensions: 35mm × 45mm
• Photograph Colour: Coloured
• Your Face Should Cover 70 - 80% of the Photo
• Must be Captured Recently - No Older than 6 Months
• Background Colour - Any Light Colour, Plain, White, or Light Grey (No Pattern)
• Head Should be in the Central Position
• Neutral Facial Expressions: Mouth Closed and No Smile
• Must Look Straight at the Camera Lens
• Avoid Wearing Light Colour Matching the Background
• Glasses: Non - Thick Framed
• Headdress: Only Allowed for Religious Reasons

With the guidelines in mind, you can easily click your photograph as per Hungary study visa standards. After attaching all the papers along with your visa application, it’s time to make the payment. So, for the visa cost and its processing time details, scroll down and get insights from the following section!

Hungary Student Visa Fees and Processing Time

Finally, you made your way and reached the final path, which is to complete the required payment for your Hungary study visa. Meanwhile, the visa fees are divided into - the biometric service charges, processing charges (if any), and so on. Moreover, it can also vary based on the currency rates. So, make sure to check out these small details before beginning any step.
Here’s a chart of the Hungary visa for Indians complete cost:

Finally, after successfully submitting the student visa application, wait until the final decision on your Hungary visa. The time taken by the immigration department for the processing of visas depends on various aspects, including the volume of visa applications, travel history, etc.
Hence, in normal conditions, it generally takes around 15 working days to process a visa application. In some circumstances, the Hungary student visa processing time may take up to 30 - 60 working days. However, that’s not the always scenario. To get the fastest results, it’s advised to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date.

Hungary Student Visa Success and Rejection Rate

Here’s a brief comparison of four years for the rejection and Hungary visa success rate for Indian students. Have a look at the table below!

The table clearly shows that Indian students faced minimal refusal for their study visas in the past four years. Hence, it illustrates that the Hungary student visa ratio is high in terms of acceptance rate.

Health Care and Insurance for International Students in Hungary

Additionally, it is mandatory to have health care insurance during the entire duration of studies in Hungary. Hence, non-EU students are advised to apply for international medical insurance before arriving in the country.
Also, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is in charge of funding the healthcare system in Hungary. Hence, it provides the following medical covers:

• Registration and Consultation
• Investigations
• Inpatient Care Services
• Procedures
• Surgical Services
• Medical and Orthopedic Appliances
• Rehabilitative Services
• Medicines and Medical Consumables
• Dental and Ophthalmological Services

Hence, these are the privileges of getting a Hungary visa for Indians who are looking to study in the country without thinking of what a Health Insurance will cover. Besides, let’s talk about the rights reserved for Schengen visa and residence permit holders via the next section!

Right of Free Movement and Residence in Hungary

Since 21 December 2007, Hungary has been mentioned in the Schengen area. Hence, the same legislation rules apply to the nation. As per regulations, the Schengen visa only allows residence permits for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Breaching rules could laid down in the National law of the concerned members. Hence, the rules are:

Rights of Entry and Residence Allowed When Not Exceeding 90 Days
Citizens of EEA (EU + Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland enter Hungary with a valid travel document. They can stay in the country without exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

Right of Residence for Period Exceeding 3 Months
EEA students can stay in the course for more than 3 months if they are enrolled at a Hungarian institution.

Non-EU & EEA Citizens or Third Country Nationals

• Third-country nationals are required to study in order to enter the territory of Hungary. The D visa type allows you to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Students who are non-EU nationals can obtain a residence permit after arrival in Hungary. For that, they must demonstrate they have enrolled in a full-time course with a registered Hungarian college or university.
• Foreign Researchers are eligible for a residence permit in Hungary if they enter the country to carry out a research project for an organization accredited under Hungarian legislation.

Meanwhile, for citizens of non-EU countries, the Immigration Department of Hungary issues a new biometric document, a work permit, the EU Blue Card, and a residence permit, which allows highly skilled Third Country citizens to work and live anywhere in the EU./p>

After arriving in the nation, there are certain Hungarian laws that every student must follow. Check out the upcoming section

Post Duties After Receiving Hungary Student Visa

• Finally, once you’re in the country, you must remember these points to have a safe and pleasant stay.
• Keep a note of the duration of your stay, visa expiry date, and the entries mentioned on your visa sticker.
• Keep copies of every document while travelling. You might need them at the entry port.
• Make sure to travel to Hungary within 6 days of your visa arrival. Otherwise, your visa will become invalid.
• If you’re on a short-term study visa permit, you won’t be eligible to take part in any jobs.
• Since you’re carrying a Schengen visa, you’re allowed to travel to any of the Schengen countries.
• Don’t forget to respect and indulge in their local tradition and culture.

In conclusion, Hungary can be an appealing choice for international students because of its high Hungary student visa success rate, numerous course options, etc. However, there are certain strict rules and regulations to enter Schengen countries, such as having international health insurance, a valid photograph as per Schengen requirements, and more. Meanwhile, every piece of information is covered by us in this blog. If you still face any queries regarding the visa process, fees, or anything else, just head straight to Gradding.com and book a call with our experts.

FAQs

1. What is the Hungary student visa acceptance rate and rejection rate in 2023?

As per the Times of India, the Hungary student visa rejection rate has been recorded at just 12.6%, while the success rate for Indian students was extremely high.

2. How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Hungary Student Visa?

Depending on the individual case, an official bank statement of last 3-6 months is required for a Hungary student visa. Also, it must demonstrates up to a $10,000 balance in your account which is proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay.

3. How Long Does a Student Visa Take to Process in Hungary?

The Hungary visa processing time for international students can take up to 30 days to reach a final decision. However, in certain circumstances, it may take up to 60 days. So, it’s important to apply at least 3 month prior to your intended travel date.