Budapest has developed into one of Central Europe's most active hubs for language education. The city's combination of historic universities, international cultural institutes, and a growing network of private language schools means you can find structured courses for almost any language and level. Whether you are a tourist hoping to pick up basic Hungarian during a two-week stay or an expat seeking a certified German course for professional purposes, there is a program that fits.
This guide focuses on schools and programs we have personally researched, comparing their offerings, teaching methods, typical costs, and what makes each one worth considering.
University Language Programs
ELTE (Eotvos Lorand University)
ELTE is Hungary's oldest and most prestigious university, founded in 1635. Its Department of Hungarian as a Foreign Language has been teaching Magyar to international students since 1952, making it the longest-running program of its kind in the country.
The university offers several distinct programs:
- Intensive Foundation Course: A two-semester program with over 800 contact hours, designed to bring students from zero to intermediate level. This is the most thorough option available in Hungary.
- Semester Courses: 4-6 hours per week during the academic year, suitable for Erasmus students or those with other commitments.
- Summer University: A 2-4 week intensive program combining language instruction with cultural excursions, typically held in July. Popular with students who want a structured introduction without a full-semester commitment.
ELTE Origo Language Centre
ELTE also operates the Origo Language Centre, an independent non-profit that administers certified language examinations in approximately 30 languages at 62 locations across Hungary. Passing an Origo exam is accepted for university graduation requirements and many professional certifications.
Corvinus University of Budapest
Corvinus, known primarily for its business and economics programs, offers language courses primarily through its international programs office. These tend to focus on English and German for business communication, making them particularly relevant for students and professionals in finance, management, and international trade.
University of Debrecen
Outside Budapest, the University of Debrecen runs the largest Hungarian language preparatory program for international students. Their one-year foundation course prepares students for degree programs taught in Hungarian and has a strong track record of bringing students from beginner to B2 level within 10 months.
Cultural Institutes
Goethe-Institut Budapest
The Goethe-Institut in Budapest offers German courses from A1 to C2 levels, following the CEFR framework. Classes are taught by certified instructors using the institute's own curriculum, which is recognized by employers and universities across the German-speaking world.
Course formats include standard evening classes (twice weekly), intensive courses (daily for 4-8 weeks), and weekend workshops. The institute also hosts a library, film screenings, and cultural events that provide informal German practice opportunities.
Institut Francais / Alliance Francaise Budapest
French learners have access to courses through both the Institut Francais and the Alliance Francaise network. Programs cover all CEFR levels and include both general French and specialized tracks for business, academic, and DELF/DALF exam preparation.
British Council Hungary
The British Council in Budapest offers English courses, IELTS preparation, and teacher training programs. Their courses are particularly popular with Hungarian professionals seeking to improve business English skills and with students preparing for English-language university programs.
Private Language Schools
Budapest's private language school sector has grown significantly in recent years. While quality varies, several schools have established solid reputations:
- Hungarian Language School (Magyarnyelv Iskola): Located in central Budapest, this school specializes exclusively in teaching Hungarian to foreigners. Small class sizes (typically 4-8 students) and flexible scheduling make it popular with working professionals.
- Berlitz Budapest: Part of the global Berlitz network, this school offers courses in multiple languages using the Berlitz Method of immersive instruction. Classes are available in-person and online.
- Babel Language School: A mid-range option offering group and private classes in Hungarian, English, German, and several other languages. Known for accommodating schedules and offering trial classes.
Choosing the Right School
The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and schedule. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Certification needs: If you need a recognized certificate, university programs and cultural institutes (Goethe, British Council) carry more weight than private schools.
- Intensity: For rapid progress, intensive programs (15-20 hours per week) dramatically outperform evening classes (4-6 hours per week), even over a shorter period.
- Budget: University programs and cultural institutes generally offer the best value. Private tutoring is the most expensive but most personalized option.
- Class size: Groups of 4-8 students allow for meaningful speaking practice. Larger groups (12+) tend to reduce individual participation time significantly.
Many schools offer free trial lessons or placement tests. Take advantage of these before committing to a full course. The teaching style and group dynamics matter as much as the curriculum, and a trial session reveals both.
For background on how language education fits into Hungary's broader academic system, see our guide to multilingual education in Hungary. If you are starting from zero with Hungarian specifically, our Hungarian language basics guide covers the fundamentals you need before your first class.