Study PhD in Hungary: Universities & Application

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe well-known for its spring cultures, Greek and Turkish architecture, and its education. It houses fascinating schools and Universities in the world such as the University of Szeged, Eotvos Lorand University, University of Debrecen, Corvinus University of Budapest, etc. Every year many international students visit Hungary for higher education in their desired fields. All these factors contributed to the growth of the educational sector in Hungary. Even now Hungary is further improving its education field.

A Ph.D. is a postgraduate doctoral degree, awarded to a student who completes his/her original thesis offering a significant new contribution to the knowledge in their respective subject. Ph.D. qualifications are available in all subjects and are normally one of the highest levels of academic excellence a person can achieve. This doctoral degree is a very popular choice for further studies among postgraduates all over the world, numerous students opt to study for their Ph.Ds. after their post-graduation in a field of their choice. Hungary has always been a center of cultural and intellectual exchange. Its universities continue this tradition, drawing on 600 years of academic history to underpin a modern approach to doctoral education. A Ph.D. from Hungary provides an innovative combination of rigorous academic training and traditional academic research, with a wide range of English-language programs. All of this makes Hungary an excellent place to carry out any postgraduate research. This page explains how you can do so, with information on universities, degree structure, application requirements, and funding opportunities. It is a great experience in world culture and education in such a fascinating country for them.

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Hungary takes several measures to ensure an excellent quality of education. The Hungarian government has actually set a mission to attract international students to study in Hungary. Hungary is a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and to be awarded a Ph.D., one has to have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, and evidence of suitable language skills. A score in the International Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of Efficiency in Foreign Language (TOEFL) should be appropriate. Funding in Hungary for a Ph.D. is provided by the government itself and also several scholarship opportunities such as the Bilateral Scholarships and Stipendium Hungaricum are available. The cost of living will also not pose an issue as the Hungarian government also provides living cost support to international students, but one should try to plan everything and check with the University of their choice for further options for accommodation and food. Acquiring a Ph.D. in Hungary takes an extended amount of time as compared to some of the other countries (3 to 6 years). However, the additional time one spends on a Hungarian doctoral program can add significant value to one’s resume. Most programs also offer the opportunity for students to take up practical training during the first half of your program. This can include professional academic experience or any external work placements and high-value internships.

The excess amount of time helps students to research and study more on their desired topic and obtain a deeper understanding of it. The average student takes up to 3 years depending on the breaks taken by the student to obtain a Ph.D. assuming that you begin your Bachelor's Degree and stay a student all the way till the completion of your Ph.D. In most cases, students return to their homes as they would like some time off and relax before pursuing a degree so demanding. Students also take breaks between courses in order to have more time to complete their thesis. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to acquire a degree of this stature so it is advisable to have a clear understanding of what subject you are interested in and even speak to any person who has knowledge about your personal interests and of the said doctoral degree. This will give you vital information which will help you while studying for your Ph.D.

Normally when applying for an individual Ph.D., one will first need to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor, in Hungary one is assigned to you. A doctoral dissertation is a written document focused on the subject you chose and spent your time updating your knowledge through academic research in the first half of your Ph.D. In the final few years of doctoral study, you will be focused on the preparation of your dissertation or thesis. For your dissertation, you may focus on an original theory, a developed theory that contributes to the work of another theory/thesis or practical application of the research you have conducted. A research proposal is required by all students when applying to study a Ph.D. The proposal should clearly and systematically state the premise of the research you want to conduct, what problem will be simplified or even solved and how will you carry forward said research. This involves defending your dissertation/thesis, during which you will be questioned on the content and value of your research. The process is similar to a viva used in the UK and other countries but takes place before an audience. You must also be very well versed with your dissertation/thesis and have proof of its authenticity and you should also be able to nullify any negative comments/accusations and defend your dissertation. Once you've successfully defended your dissertation on a semi-public forum, you will be awarded your well-deserved Ph.D.