Yes, it is possible to study at several universities in Hungary without an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.

For many programmes, your English level can be assessed during the admission process instead of through a separate international language exam. This means you may not need to spend extra time and money on IELTS before applying. Instead, your actual English communication skills are checked during an online admission interview.

And if your English is not quite ready for direct university entry yet, that does not necessarily mean rejection. In many cases, you can start with a Foundation Programme and build the academic English and study skills you need before beginning your Bachelor’s degree.

Below, we explain which Hungarian universities are available through this no-IELTS pathway in 2026, how the process works, and what English level you actually need.

Why do some universities not ask for IELTS?

Not requiring IELTS does not mean that English is unimportant. In fact, it means the opposite.

Universities know very well that students need a strong command of English to follow lectures, complete assignments, take exams, and work successfully in international teams. However, an English certificate alone does not always show how well a student can actually communicate in an academic environment.

That is why several universities in Hungary assess the student’s real English level during the admission process instead of relying only on a paper certificate.

Anett Sebestyén, Director of Education at Budapest International College, explains it this way: “In the past few years, many students have raised concerns that universities did not always require a high enough level of English. This can make group work less effective and may lower the overall value of a degree. This has been a concern in many study destinations, and Hungary is no exception. To protect the quality of education and the value of Hungarian degrees, universities have made it a priority to ensure that students have a proper command of English. For many universities in Hungary, the certificate matters less than the student’s real level of English, but that real level will be checked carefully during admission. More and more universities are also choosing stricter Foundation Programme requirements.”

So, no IELTS does not mean no standards.

It means that the assessment happens differently. Instead of only checking whether you have a certificate, the admission team looks at how well you can actually use English. If your level is already strong enough, you may enter your degree programme directly. If not, the Foundation Programme gives you a structured way to reach the required level before university.

You can also read more about this approach in our article: [Why don’t we require an IELTS or TOEFL?](https://budapestcollege.hu/why-dont-we-require-an-ielts-or-toefl/)

Universities in Hungary you can enter without IELTS in 2027 (applications open in August 2026)

Through the Budapest International College partner pathway, your English is assessed during the admission interview. No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required for the following partner universities:

There is one important exception:

The University of Dunaújváros requires a language certificate. However, unlike many universities abroad, it accepts several recognised certificate types, not only IELTS or TOEFL. If you already have another accepted English certificate, you may not need to take a new exam. Our admissions team can help you check whether your certificate qualifies.

Please note that these rules apply to admission when you apply through Budapest International College. If you apply directly to a university or through another channel, different English requirements may apply. Requirements may also change between intakes, so it is always important to check the current rules before applying.

How the no-IELTS pathway works

The process is simple and fully online at the beginning.

• First, you submit your application and documents through the BIC application platform. You do not need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate to start your application.
• Next, you take an online admission interview. During the interview, the admissions team assesses your spoken English, your motivation, and your academic background. For many programmes, you will also need to complete a Mathematics test, or a Mathematics and Physics test, depending on your chosen field. This interview replaces the IELTS requirement because it gives a more practical picture of your English.
• If your English is already around B2 level, you may be admitted directly to your chosen Bachelor’s programme at the partner university (in case you meet other criteria too.)
• If your English needs more development, you may be offered a Foundation Programme first. Students with at least A2 English can usually join the one-year Foundation Programme, while students with B1 English may qualify for the intensive one-semester Foundation track.

During the Foundation Programme, you study English, professional English, academic skills, and subject-specific preparation. After successfully completing the programme, you can continue to your university degree.

Once you are accepted, you receive an acceptance letter signed by the partner university. This makes you eligible to apply for a Hungarian study visa.

What does the no-IELTS route save you?

Taking an IELTS or TOEFL exam can cost more than USD 200 per attempt. Many students need more than one attempt to reach the required score, which can make the process expensive and stressful. Some students also need to travel to another city for the test, wait for available dates, and then wait again for the results.

This can be especially difficult when university application deadlines are approaching.

The BIC pathway removes this extra step. Instead of spending months preparing for a separate exam, you can show your English level in an online interview. If you are ready, you can move forward with direct university admission. If you are not ready yet, you receive a clear academic pathway through the Foundation Programme.

In other words, you do not only prove your English. You can improve it in a way that prepares you for real university studies.

That is the main goal: not simply entering university, but entering university ready to succeed.