Eötvös Loránd University: Ranking, Acceptance Rate, Minimum GPA, Tuition, Living Costs, and Admission Requirements

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), founded in 1635 and located in Budapest, Hungary, is widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious and largest university, consistently ranking among Hungary’s top universities and in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings (~#584) and regional European indicators. ELTE offers programs across humanities, sciences, law, and informatics, with variable admission selectivity that suggests a moderately competitive profile (acceptance estimates around 50%), tuition fees for international students typically ranging from roughly €2,000–€8,000 per year depending on program, and living costs in Budapest that are more affordable than many Western European capitals but require careful budgeting.

Admission requires solid academic credentials and English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS ~5.5+), with additional faculty-specific requirements depending on discipline.

Rankings and Academic Reputation: ELTE’s Global, Regional, and National Standing

In the world of higher education, reputation is a complex blend of history, research output, academic breadth, and international visibility — and Eötvös Loránd University sits at a unique crossroads of all these elements. Established in 1635, ELTE is not only Hungary’s oldest university but also its largest and most celebrated research institution, with a legacy that spans centuries of intellectual development and contributions to both European and global scholarship. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, ELTE is ranked around #584 globally, a placement that situates it comfortably within the upper echelons of international universities while reflecting a broad portfolio of academic offerings across fields from humanities to natural sciences and informatics. This global recognition underscores that ELTE is not merely a historical institution but one with ongoing research impact, manifested in publications, collaborations, and regional academic leadership.

Beyond the broad QS ranking, ELTE’s subject-level performance often paints an even richer picture of academic strength. In disciplines such as arts and humanities, ELTE frequently places strongly — with subject placements near top 250 globally in areas like arts and humanities — while natural sciences and social sciences typically appear in competitive ranges around top 300–450 depending on the methodology and year of ranking. These subject placements matter because they highlight where ELTE’s intellectual depth receives the most academic and employer attention, which can influence everything from graduate prospects to research collaboration opportunities.

Regionally, ELTE holds a position of prominence within Europe and the Central-Eastern European academic space. UniRank and other ranking aggregators often list ELTE among the top universities in Hungary and place it strongly within Europe, demonstrating that while it may not be in the very top global clusters like Oxford or ETH Zurich, it is nevertheless considered a regional leader — particularly for students and academics interested in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and interdisciplinary research. This is further illustrated by ELTE’s membership in major European academic networks and its extensive partnerships with universities around the world, which contribute to its academic reputation far beyond Hungary’s borders.

Nationally, ELTE is frequently cited as Hungary’s top university, ranking first among Budapest institutions and leading in various academic performance matrices that assess research output, internationalisation, and institutional influence. In a compact national higher-education landscape that includes other historic institutions like the University of Szeged and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, ELTE’s perennial high placement in domestic rankings illustrates both its scale — with over 26,000 students and 9 faculties — and its reputation as a hub for intellectual life in Hungary.

This combination of historical prestige, broad subject coverage, and modern research recognition yields a reputation that is both respected and practically relevant: graduates from ELTE often benefit from degree recognition across the European Higher Education Area (thanks to the Bologna Process), and employers in Europe and beyond understand the academic foundation that an ELTE qualification represents. That dual currency — of tradition and contemporary performance — is what makes ELTE’s ranking profile meaningful for students evaluating international study options.

2. Acceptance Rate and Admissions Competitiveness — How Hard It Is to Get In

Determining the exact acceptance rate for Eötvös Loránd University — like many European public universities — is not as straightforward as reading a single published percentage, because detailed admissions transparency varies by faculty and program and because Hungary’s system does not always publicly report consolidated acceptance figures as US-based institutions do. Nevertheless, multiple independent data sources and aggregated profiles suggest that ELTE’s overall acceptance rate is in the moderate range, with estimates around 50–51%, which means that roughly half of all applicants who submit complete documentation and meet core requirements can expect offers. This mid-range acceptance profile reflects ELTE’s dual role: it seeks academically capable students while maintaining broad access to quality education across its many faculties.

Unlike small specialist institutions that may admit only a tiny fraction of applicants, ELTE’s acceptance landscape is shaped by both its large scale — tens of thousands of students — and its range of programs that span humanities, sciences, law, and informatics. In fields where demand is very high — such as computer science, psychology, or law — applicants may experience greater competition, particularly when English-taught programs attract global interest. ELTE also participates in national and international admission processes that can influence selectivity: for example, certificate review benchmarks, subject prerequisites, and entrance exam requirements play a role in some faculties, meaning that selectivity is partly calibrated by discipline rather than an institution-wide curve.

This way of structured admission aligns with how European research universities operate: rather than ranking all applicants against one another and admitting only a fixed fraction, many programs admit students who meet or exceed a set threshold of academic and language criteria, making the actual acceptance figures variable from year to year and program to program. For ELTE, this often means that while some faculty admissions — particularly in English-taught or highly competitive areas — may be tighter, others with broader capacity can admit a higher proportion of qualified applicants.

Because ELTE offers over 60 degree programs in English alone, international demand can contribute to the perceived competitiveness of certain tracks, with deadlines and documentation affecting admission outcomes. Faculty-specific admissions processes — such as entrance examinations or documentation reviews for areas like education, psychology, or teacher training — further influence the relative ease or challenge of gaining entry into those programs.

Ultimately, the acceptance rate at ELTE illustrates a balanced and academically oriented admissions ethos: not extremely exclusive, but also not open door in the sense of minimal barriers. Students who prepare strong applications — including solid academic records, evidence of relevant subject strength, and language proficiency — typically stand a good chance of receiving offers, while less-prepared applicants may find themselves asked to improve their credentials or consider alternative pathways such as foundation programs.

3. Minimum GPA and Admission Requirements — What It Takes to Be Eligible

International students often ask what grade point average (GPA) or equivalent academic record they need to be considered for admission at Eötvös Loránd University, and while ELTE does not publish a single global GPA cutoff in the way some North American universities do, the admission requirements can be understood through a combination of credential equivalency and program-specific expectations. Because Hungary’s higher education system often evaluates applicants based on their secondary school certificate (érettségi bizonyítvány) or equivalent university credentials — and because conversion to local scales varies by country — requirements are typically framed in terms of meeting or exceeding the standards of strong academic performance rather than a hard GPA figure.

In practice, international applicants with academic records that translate to a cumulative GPA well above average (often in the 3.2+ range on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) tend to be more competitive, particularly for programs with larger applicant pools or higher academic expectations. This means that students who have strong grades in their final years of secondary education (for bachelor’s admissions) or solid undergraduate transcripts (for master’s admissions) are more likely to meet ELTE’s expectations. In some cases — especially for competitive faculties like informatics or international programs — additional evaluation components such as letters of motivation, portfolios of work, or references may play a role in admissions decisions.

One of the realities of European university admissions — and ELTE exemplifies this — is that meeting minimum documentation and proficiency thresholds is often about demonstration of readiness rather than merely hitting a numerical cut-off. For example, secondary school certificates should generally show consistent academic performance across subjects relevant to the intended field of study, and for master’s programs proof of relevant bachelor’s coursework and satisfactory grades in core disciplinary areas is expected.

English language requirements are another central part of ELTE’s admission criteria for international students. Many English-taught programs require evidence of proficiency in English, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS (with recommended levels around 5.5 or higher) or TOEFL iBT (often around 72 or higher), though specific programs may set higher thresholds depending on instructional rigor and communication demands. Some faculties may accept alternative certifications or demonstrate equivalent proficiency through structured language courses or preparatory modules offered by ELTE. These language requirements reinforce that academic readiness in content areas alone is not sufficient without demonstrated capability to engage with instruction and assessments in English.

For doctoral programs, in addition to academic records and language proficiency, applicants often need to submit detailed research proposals, academic references that speak to their research potential, and may undergo interviews or faculty assessments. These layered components — beyond simple GPA or grades — reflect ELTE’s commitment to admitting students who are well aligned with the expectations of high-level academic work.

Because Hungary uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and ELTE participates fully in the Bologna Process, credits and qualifications are generally transferable across European institutions, which also means that academic records from most countries can be evaluated in context, facilitating admissions decisions that are fair and mapped to international norms.

4. Tuition Fees — What You Pay to Study at ELTE

When planning to study at Eötvös Loránd University, understanding tuition costs is a cornerstone of financial planning, and ELTE’s structure reflects both its public status and its commitment to affordability relative to many Western European universities. According to authoritative guides, international students typically pay tuition fees ranging approximately from €2,000 to €8,000 per year, depending on the degree level, language of instruction, and faculty. ELTE’s fee variation reflects differences between programs and the fact that some advanced or specialized master’s tracks — especially professional or research-intensive fields — may command higher fee levels.

University-published documents and independent sources note that EU/EEA students often benefit from lower fees or subsidised rates, sometimes in the range of €0–€3,000 annually for undergraduate programs, and €0–€4,000 for graduate programs due to public funding policies that favour citizens of the European Union and related jurisdictions. In contrast, non-EU international students may expect higher nominal fees, often within the €2,000–€6,000 range for undergraduates and €3,000–€8,000 for masters or doctoral studies — although specific programs (such as language-specialized or professional degree tracks) can breach these averages.

University official pages also provide detailed breakdowns of program-specific tuition for some faculties — such as humanities, film studies, communication, and language teaching — that illustrate how different areas of study can carry distinct costs. For example, film studies or international Chinese studies programs may have fees toward the upper end of the spectrum, while foundational or general BA programs may sit closer to the modest mid-range due to differences in resource requirements and instruction delivery.

Beyond base tuition, applicants must consider application fees (often a one-time non-refundable payment) and semester-based charges that accompany enrollment, as well as additional costs associated with credit-based programs. ELTE’s official materials specify that application fees — while varying slightly depending on timing and faculty — are typically distinct from tuition and are due at the time of submission.

One of the most impactful aspects of tuition planning for ELTE — and other Hungarian universities — is the availability of scholarship programs that can significantly reduce net educational costs. For example, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship offered by the Hungarian government often covers full tuition and may include a stipend for living expenses and health insurance, making study at ELTE financially accessible for eligible international applicants. Additional bilateral or institutional scholarships may also reduce net costs based on merit, need, or specific partnerships.

When comparing ELTE’s tuition with Western counterparts — such as UK, US, or Swiss universities where annual tuition often runs well beyond €10,000–€20,000 for international students — ELTE’s cost structure stands out for relative affordability, especially when combined with Budapest’s lower living costs. This affordability, coupled with the university’s academic quality and broad program offerings, makes ELTE an attractive destination for international learners seeking value without compromising on educational depth.

5. Living Costs — Budgeting for Life in Budapest

One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective international students is not just how much tuition costs, but how much it costs to live while studying — and Budapest, as Hungary’s capital and cultural heart, offers a student experience that is both vibrant and relatively affordable compared to many Western European cities. According to university guidance and independent cost indicators, living expenses for students in Budapest typically break down into key categories such as accommodation, utilities, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses, and while actual costs vary by lifestyle, a comfortable monthly budget often ranges between approximately €400 and €700 per month, excluding tuition.

Accommodation — often a student’s largest recurring cost — can vary significantly based on housing type and location. Dormitories offered through ELTE or affiliated student housing networks typically provide more affordable options, often in the range of €200–€500 per month depending on room configuration and amenities, whereas private rentals or shared apartments in more central districts of Budapest may command higher prices. Utilities (including electricity, water, heating, and internet) can add roughly €50–€100 per month if not bundled with rent, and many students take advantage of discounted public transportation passes, which typically cost around €10–€30 per month, to traverse the city’s efficient tram, metro, and bus systems.

Food and groceries represent another essential cost bracket, with estimates commonly falling in the €150–€250 per month range for students who balance home-cooked meals with occasional dining out. Health insurance — mandatory for international students and often facilitated through university services or national plans — typically adds another €20–€50 per month for basic coverage, though comprehensive plans or specialised coverage may be higher. Students also budget for miscellaneous personal expenses — such as mobile phone plans, leisure activities, study materials, and social events — which can vary significantly by personal choice but often fall in the €50–€150 per month band.

Because Budapest is a bustling European capital with a large student population and extensive social life, some students choose to allocate additional funds for travel, cultural events, or weekend getaways, which can influence total monthly spending beyond basic living costs. Nevertheless, when compared with cities like London, Paris, or Zurich — where monthly student living costs often exceed €1,000–€1,500 even before tuition — Budapest offers a comparatively affordable environment.

For international students planning to study at ELTE, having a comprehensive living budget that includes contingencies for unexpected expenses, travel, and study supplies is essential. Many students combine personal savings, part-time work (subject to visa regulations), and scholarship stipends — such as those provided through Stipendium Hungaricum — to manage these expenses effectively, making Budapest a realistic study destination for a range of financial profiles.

Comparison Tables for Featured Snippets

Eötvös Loránd University Rankings Snapshot

Admission & Requirements

Tuition Fees (Annual)

Estimated Monthly Living Costs (Budapest)

Conclusion — ELTE in Perspective

Eötvös Loránd University stands as a storied and dynamic institution with centuries of scholarly heritage, a broad spectrum of academic offerings, and rankings that reflect both its historical significance and its evolving research footprint. Its acceptance profile suggests a balanced approach to admissions, rewarding academic readiness while facilitating access across disciplines. Tuition costs — manageable relative to many Western systems and mitigated further by scholarships — combined with Budapest’s cost-effective living environment, create a compelling value proposition for international students. Admission requirements emphasise solid academic records and language proficiency, while the credit transfer framework ensures European and global recognition for degrees. For many students, ELTE represents not just a gateway to high-quality education but an entry point into vibrant academic networks and cross-border opportunities, making it one of Central Europe’s most attractive study destinations.