Corvinus University
Hungary
Corvinus University of Budapest
Budapest, Hungary
Founded
1920
Institution Type
Private Research University
Total Students
~8,000
International Students
~2,000
Corvinus University of Budapest: Overview & History
Corvinus University of Budapest: Overview & History
Corvinus University of Budapest (Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem) is a private research university and Hungary's leading institution in business, economics, and social sciences. The university holds prestigious international accreditations including AACSB, AMBA, and EAPAA, and is a member of the CEMS global alliance of leading business schools.
The university traces its origins to 1920 when the Faculty of Economics of the Royal Hungarian University was established. After operating as the Hungarian University of Economics from 1948 and undergoing several name changes, it received its current name in 2004, referencing the famous Bibliotheca Corviniana established by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary.
In 2019, Corvinus transitioned from state-maintained to a foundation-based model under the Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation. Today, the university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs taught in Hungarian, English, French, and German, with more than 250 partner universities worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1920: Faculty of Economics of the Royal Hungarian University established, marking the start of university-level economics education in Budapest.
- 1948: The Hungarian University of Economics was founded as an independent institution, beginning modern economist training in Hungary.
- 1996: The university joined the prestigious CEMS Alliance, connecting it with leading business schools and multinational corporations worldwide.
- 2004: The institution was renamed Corvinus University of Budapest, symbolizing a new era of academic excellence and international engagement.
Academic Structure & Programs
Academic Structure & Programs
Corvinus University is organized into specialized institutes rather than traditional faculties, following a restructuring in the 2019/20 academic year. These institutes oversee teaching and research across business, economics, social sciences, and related disciplines, offering programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in multiple languages.
Institute of Strategy and Management
Focuses on strategic management, organizational behavior, and leadership, supporting the university's flagship MBA and management programs with strong corporate partnerships.
- Business Administration and Management (BSc)
- Management and Leadership (MSc)
- Executive MBA
Institute of Economics
Delivers rigorous training in economic theory, applied economics, and quantitative methods, with research strengths in mathematical economics and development studies.
- Applied Economics (BSc)
- Economics (MSc)
- PhD in Economics
Institute of Finance
Recognized internationally for its finance education, ranked 69th globally by the Financial Times. Combines quantitative training with practical industry applications.
- Finance and Accounting (BSc)
- Finance (MSc)
- Actuarial and Financial Mathematics (MSc)
Institute of Global Studies
Covers international relations, diplomacy, and global governance, preparing students for careers in international organizations and public policy.
- International Relations (BA)
- International Economy and Business (MSc)
- Public Policy and Management (MSc)
Institute of Marketing and Communication Sciences
Offers programs blending marketing theory with digital communication strategies, media studies, and consumer behavior research.
- Communication and Media Science (BA)
- Marketing (MSc)
- Public Relations (specialization)
Institute of Data Analytics and Information Systems
Focuses on data science, business analytics, and information systems, reflecting the university's investment in digital infrastructure and emerging technology curricula.
- Business Informatics (BSc)
- Data Science and Business Analytics (MSc)
- Applied Data Analytics (specialization)
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school certificate (equivalent to Hungarian érettségi)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 minimum
- Entrance ExaminationProgram-specific entrance exam administered by the university
- Application FeeContact the university for the current application fee
- Additional DocumentsCV, motivation letter, and certified transcript translations
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 minimum
- Entrance ExaminationProgram-specific entrance exam or interview
- Work ExperienceRequired for MBA programs (minimum 2 years for Full-time MBA)
- Additional DocumentsCV, motivation letter, reference letters, certified transcripts
Self-funded applicants who pass entrance exams and pay by end of March receive a 10% tuition discount on the first year.
Final deadline for self-funded international applicants for the fall semester intake.
Application deadline for the Hungarian government's Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, open to applicants from over 90 countries.
The academic year runs from September to June, divided into a fall semester (September-December) and a spring semester (February-June).
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Corvinus University offers competitive tuition fees that are significantly lower than Western European counterparts. Fees vary by program, level of study, and the applicant's country of origin, with separate pricing for EEA and non-EEA students.
| Cost Category | EEA Students (HUF/semester) | Non-EEA Students (EUR/semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Programs | HUF 220,000 - 390,000 | EUR 2,400 - 3,000 |
| Master's Programs | HUF 220,000 - 480,000 | EUR 2,400 - 3,400 |
| Dormitory Housing (monthly) | EUR 100 - 200 equivalent | EUR 100 - 200 |
| Living Expenses (monthly) | EUR 500 - 1,100 equivalent | EUR 500 - 1,100 |
| Total | Contact the university for total annual costs based on your program | Approx. EUR 3,800 - 5,400 per year depending on program |
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
A fully funded Hungarian government scholarship covering tuition, a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 120, and accommodation support for international students from over 90 partner countries.
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and accommodation allowance
- Eligibility: Citizens of 90+ partner countries on 5 continents
- Duration: Full duration of the program
Corvinus Early Bird & Alumni Discounts
Self-funded students who complete entrance exams early receive a 10% first-year tuition discount. Corvinus graduates receive a 30% discount on English-language Master's programs. Performance-based study grants of up to approximately EUR 200 per month are also available.
- Early Bird Discount: 10% off first year for early applicants
- Alumni Discount: 30% off Master's tuition for Corvinus graduates
- Performance Grant: Up to approx. EUR 200/month based on academic results
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
Corvinus University's central Budapest campus is located in a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Pest bank of the Danube River. The campus comprises three interconnected historic buildings plus a newly opened modern campus, offering a unique blend of architectural heritage and cutting-edge academic facilities.
The iconic former Customs House designed by architect Miklos Ybl, featuring neo-renaissance architecture and housing lecture theatres, senior staff offices, and student services.
Completed in 2007, this high-tech building features modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and the university's 450-seat central library.
Opened in spring 2024, this state-of-the-art campus hosts PPE and Data Science programs and includes the Corvinus Sport Center.
Housing & Student Services
Accommodation Options
The university partners with housing providers and offers dormitory options for international students. Budapest is one of Europe's most affordable university cities.
- Corvinus Gellért Campus dormitory
- Dean's Home long-term housing partner
- Private flat rentals (EUR 250-750/month)
Campus Amenities
Students have access to modern academic and recreational facilities across all campus buildings, including sports and wellness options.
- 450-seat central library in Building C
- Corvinus Sport Center at Gellért Campus
- IT center and computer labs in Salt House building
Student Life at Corvinus
Student Life at Corvinus
Corvinus University boasts one of the most active student communities in Hungary, with over 40 student organizations covering professional, cultural, social, and international interests. The university hosts the largest number of incoming Erasmus students in Hungary, creating a vibrant multicultural environment with students from more than 80 countries.
Budapest: A Vibrant European Capital
Budapest: A Vibrant European Capital
Life in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary's capital and largest city, is recognized as one of Europe's most affordable and livable university cities. Ranked 32nd most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024 and 4th best student city in Europe by Campus Advisor, Budapest offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost of other European capitals.
Affordable Living
Monthly living costs range from EUR 500 to EUR 1,100, making Budapest one of the most budget-friendly capitals in the European Union for students.
Cultural Heritage
Home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 50 thermal bathhouses, stunning architecture, and a vibrant arts scene spanning music, theater, and contemporary galleries.
International Business Hub
Budapest hosts hundreds of multinational companies with regional headquarters, offering excellent internship and career opportunities for students in business and economics.
Central European Gateway
Strategically located in the heart of Europe, Budapest provides easy access to Vienna, Prague, and other major cities, making it ideal for travel and international networking.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Corvinus Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Dedicated support for international applicants throughout the admissions process, including guidance on visa applications, document requirements, and advance tuition payment procedures.
Each international student is paired with a Hungarian buddy who provides guidance on life in Budapest, university orientation, and cultural integration before and after arrival.
Personalized career services including job placement assistance, CV workshops, corporate networking events, and connections with the extensive Corvinus alumni network in Hungary and abroad.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Corvinus University of Budapest is consistently recognized in international rankings, particularly for its business, economics, and social science programs. The university holds AACSB and AMBA accreditations, placing it among the top 2% of business schools worldwide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | QS World Rankings by Subject | #351 |
| International Trade (MBA) | QS International Trade Rankings | #20 |
| Finance (MSc) | Financial Times Global Finance Rankings | #69 |
| Executive MBA (International Trade) | QS Executive MBA Rankings | #26 |
Features
The core values of Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation are competitiveness, supporting development, as well as change. For us, competitiveness means that the most talented students and the most excellent lecturers choose Corvinus University of Budapest, and the students graduating here strengthen the competitiveness of the Hungarian economy further. Changing the model of the university is an investment in the future. Our common goal is to make Corvinus University of Budapest the best university of economics and social sciences in the region by 2030.\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - August
Location
Budapest, Fővám tér 8, 1093 Hungary
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