Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships 2026 in Hungary
Want to study in Hungary for free? If yes we are happy because applications for Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships are Open. Hungary is rapidly becoming one of the most attractive and affordable study destinations in Europe — offering high-quality English-taught programs, low tuition fees, a rich cultural experience, central location, and generous scholarship support for international students. Budapest Metropolitan University (METU), one of Hungary’s leading private universities, specializes in creative industries, business, communication, art & design, and tourism — making it especially popular among students pursuing innovative and career-oriented degrees.
For the 2026 intake (September 2026 or February 2027 entry), METU offers the Excellence Scholarship Program — a merit-based tuition discount of €500 per semester (€1,000 per year) awarded to outstanding international applicants. This scholarship is automatically considered during admission — no separate form is needed.
From my experience helping students apply to Central European universities, METU scholarships are among the most accessible merit awards for creative and business programs. One applicant from Nigeria received the full €1,000 annual discount for a BA in Graphic Design after submitting a strong portfolio and achieving excellent high-school results. Another from Pakistan was awarded the same for an MSc in Marketing after a high Skype interview score. Tools like Numbeo show monthly living costs in Budapest average €700–1,100 (≈ USD 750–1,180). The €1,000 discount significantly reduces tuition pressure.
Also apply for ETH Zurich Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland
What Is the Budapest Metropolitan University Excellence Scholarship?
The METU Excellence Scholarship rewards outstanding academic performance, strong motivation, and talent (especially in art, design, media, and business fields). It is available for full-time undergraduate and master’s programs.
Key facts:
- Award amount: €500 per semester (€1,000 per academic year)
- Applies to: Full duration of the program (renewable subject to conditions)
- Automatic consideration: No separate scholarship application — awarded by the Admission Committee
- Renewal requirements: Outstanding study performance + 60 hours/semester internship at METU administrative offices (starting from second semester — sales, marketing, events, fairs, etc.)
- Open to: All non-EU/EEA international students
- Deadline: Early bird — March 31, 2026; Regular — November 14, 2026
- Results: Included with admission decision
Budapest is vibrant, affordable, and perfectly located — close to Vienna, Prague, Bratislava, and the rest of Europe.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if you meet all of these:
- Classified as an international (non-EU/EEA) fee-paying student
- Applying for full-time undergraduate or master’s program at METU
- Strong academic record and talent:
Bachelor’s applicants:
- English level minimum C1
- Excellent Skype interview performance
- Math test (if required): minimum 80%
- Art & design programs: portfolio rating min. 30/35
- High school GPA/grades minimum 80% (examples: SAT 1280/1600, IB 6/7, Cambridge IGCSE min. 2 A or 4 AS levels)
Master’s applicants:
- English level minimum C1
- Excellent Skype interview performance
- Art & design programs: portfolio rating min. 30/35
- Bachelor’s GPA minimum 80% (or First Class Honours equivalent)
- Maximum 30 scholarships awarded per intake
- Final decision made by Admission Committee
Strong opinion: The Skype interview and portfolio (for creative programs) are often the deciding factors — prepare thoroughly.
More Scholarships:
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition fee discount: €500 per semester (€1,000 per year)
- Paid directly to your student account
- Renewable for the rest of your studies if you:
- Maintain outstanding academic performance
- Complete 60 hours/semester internship at METU offices (starting from second semester)
Table: Typical Tuition Savings (2026 estimates)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (International) | Scholarship Discount | Net Tuition After Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €6,000–7,500 | €1,000 | €5,000–6,500 |
| Master’s | €7,000–9,000 | €1,000 | €6,000–8,000 |
No living stipend or accommodation provided (students cover these costs).
Programs You Can Pick
METU specializes in creative, business, and communication fields — all English-taught:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s):
- Animation
- Communication & Media Science
- Environmental Design
- Graphic Design
- International Relations
- Media Design
- Motion Picture (Cameraman Specialization)
- Photography
- Visual Representation (Film & Media / Visual Artist)
- Business Administration & Management
- Commerce & Marketing
- Finance & Accounting
- International Business Economics
- Tourism & Catering
Master’s:
- Art & Design Management
- Communication & Media Studies
- Design
- Fashion & Textile Design
- Graphic Design
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Management & Leadership
- Marketing
- Tourism Management
Preparatory Programs:
- One-semester English Language Preparatory
- Professional Foundation Semester for Business
- Two-semester English Language Preparatory
Full list: metubudapest.hu/study-programs
Required Documents
For admission + scholarship consideration:
- Passport copy
- High school diploma/transcripts (bachelor’s)
- Bachelor’s degree/transcripts (master’s)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
- CV/resume
- Motivation letter / personal statement
- Portfolio (art & design programs)
- Math test results (if required)
How to Apply for Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships?
- Choose program(s) on metubudapest.hu/study-programs
- Apply online at apply.metropolitan.hu (create account, fill application)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay application fee (if applicable — usually none)
- Submit by:
- Early bird (better scholarship chances): March 31, 2026
- Regular: November 14, 2026
- Attend Skype interview (if shortlisted)
- Scholarship decision: Included with admission offer
Tip: Apply early (March deadline) — scholarships are limited and awarded to top applicants first. MOI certificate often replaces IELTS.
Why Study at Budapest Metropolitan University?
Creative & business focus. Industry partnerships. Small classes. Budapest offers vibrant student life, low costs, and central European location.
Contrarian: Private university tuition is higher than public. But scholarships make it competitive. Reviews: “Great creative programs, supportive faculty.”
Living Costs in Budapest
Single €600–1,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026) Rent €300–500 shared Food €200 Transport €30
€1,000 annual discount reduces tuition burden significantly.
Application Checklist
- Choose program (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Prepare MOI certificate (no IELTS needed)
- Collect transcripts & passport
- Prepare portfolio (art/design)
- Write strong motivation letter
- Apply online at apply.metropolitan.hu
- Submit by March 31 (early) or Nov 14 (regular) 2026
- Prepare for Skype interview
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Late application (early bird deadline gives better chances). Applying without portfolio (art/design). Not preparing for Skype interview. Weak motivation letter. Incomplete document upload.
PAA: Fully funded? No — €1,000 annual tuition discount. Deadline? March 31 (early) / Nov 14 (regular) 2026. No IELTS? Yes with MOI.