— Manjima Misra Last year, a total of 932 Indian students were studying in Hungary in different courses. While data on what programmes they have opted for is not available, however, medical aspirants have started taking an interest in the MBBS courses. However, before heading to Hungary it is integral to be aware of the Hungarian medical schools that are well-renowned for their medical education and research. According to the US News and World Report 2022-23, the top universities to study clinical medicine include Semmelweis University, University of Pecs, Szeged University and University of Debrecen. Semmelweis University Semmelweis University, a research-intensive medical school is one of the world’s top 250 global universities according to Times Higher Education ranking 2023. The university has been one of Hungary and Central Europe's largest healthcare providers for over two centuries. Semmelweis University is a leading medical school at the intersection of research, education, and healthcare excellence. Semmelweis University, founded in 1769, has six faculties of medical sciences and a doctoral school. Semmelweis University, the oldest medical university in Hungary is located in the centre of Budapest, the Hungarian capital. One of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, Budapest is full of vibrant cultural and sports life and equipped with a well-developed public transport system. The city of Budapest is home to amazing museums, concert venues, and theatres, and hosts several international sport events. Semmelweis University has a multicultural environment as it welcomes students from over 5 continents, and a wide range of countries from Germany and Norway to Mongolia and Vietnam. Students aspiring to secure admission to the university should have completed their secondary school education and need to appear for the entrance examination. Apart from these, applicants need to submit documents such as their CV and motivation letter. The online entrance examination consists of multiple-choice questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. University of Pecs The University of Pecs Medical School (UP Medical School) is one of the highest-ranking medical schools in Hungary. The UP Medical School has a strategic plan based on the foundational premise of four concepts: learning culture, infrastructure, well-being, and science and innovation. Around 3,500 students of 67 nationalities study at the medical school in English, German, and Hungarian-taught programmes. The University of Pecs is located in the Pecs, the fifth largest Hungarian city and the European cultural capital. The city is well-renowned for its attractive cultural centres the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, Kodály Centre, the Knowledge Centre, and the city centre. Adorned with the Mecsek Mountains, students at Pecs can get beautiful views from their residences. University of Pecs Medical School has also renovated its research centres with the expanded Medical Simulation Education Centre being the provider of excellent education in modern medical technology. The medical school aims to implement the most recent technological developments in everyday teaching methodology, with its 3D Printing and Visualisation Centre as one of its flagship projects for enhancing research, innovation, and development. Admission to the University of Pecs Medical Schools requires candidates to appear for an entrance examination that has multiple-choice questions in Chemistry, Biology, General English and Medical English. Aspirants need to have completed their secondary school education with the best possible grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Szeged University The University of Szeged (SZTE), one of the most prestigious Hungarian universities is located in Szeged, the safest city of Hungary. The Faculty of Medicine at Szeged University, named after Albert Szent Györgyi, Nobel Laureate in Medicine is a centre of excellence in medical research and education. Medical programmes at the faculty are taught in English, German and Hungary. SZTE has more than 30 years of history in English language medical education. Szeged, an exciting and lively university town is the cultural and economic centre of South-Eastern Hungary. The city is home to wonderful museums, theatres, art galleries and large parks offering students with a vibrant cultural life. Szeged, also known as the ‘City of Sunshine’ enjoys an average of 2000 hours of Sunshine annually. The SZTE Faculty of Medicine offers admission to over 200 students every year to the English language medical program. The undergraduate medical programme is of six years duration and is open to students over the age of 18 years who have completed their high school education. There is an entrance examination (written and oral) for admission to SZTE medical school based on the subjects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English language. University of Debrecen The Medical School of the University of Debrecen was Central Europe’s first campus medical school. The University of Debrecen Medical School also functions as the city hospital and senior students may receive their clinical training at the school. Its medical programs have worldwide accreditation from World Health Organisation (WHO), Medical Council of India (MCI), Medical Board of California, the State Education Department (NY,USA) and many others. Debrecen, which is the second-largest city in Hungary is a well-known university town and a significant cultural centre. Throughout the year, the city hosts cultural and sports events ranging from festivals to concerts. There are several marvellous places to visit including Hortobágy National Park, Great Forest of Debrecen, Debrecen Zoo, Lake Békás, Debrecen Ice Rink and Kölcsey Convention Centre. Students aspiring to study at the University of Debrecen Medical School need their high school certificate to apply to the 6 year medicine programme. Additionally, they will be required to appear for an entrance examination (written and oral) in Physics, Chemistry and Biology to secure admission at the medical school. The University of Debrecen Medical School is one of the most prestigious institutions in Hungary with global recognition for its academic and research excellence.
