University of Pécs, Medical School

The University of Pécs in south-west Hungary is the oldest university in the country; its founding dates to 1367, and in 2010 the city was European Capital of Culture. The Medical School offers human and dental medicine in German or English; the curriculum is Bologna-compliant and comprises 360 ECTS credits in the human medicine programme. For applicants from German-speaking countries, the German-language track is of particular interest.

What makes the faculty stand out

In the German-language programme a formal entrance test can be waived. This makes Pécs one of the few locations where entry does not depend either on school grades or a written examination. In the English-language track, by contrast, an online test in biology and chemistry at school level decides admission. A conversation about your motivation is part of the process in both cases. The university also holds examination sessions outside Hungary, including in Germany.

The second point is the size of the German-speaking student community. It is traditionally large, which eases the transition in the first year, and the city itself is manageable: around 140,000 inhabitants, short distances, much of it accessible on foot. Clinical teaching from the third year onwards takes place at the university hospital, which serves the entire region and is correspondingly broad in its specialties.

Where the limitations lie

Even without an entrance test the programme is no walkover. The university expects solid knowledge in biology and chemistry, and the assessment density in the pre-clinical years is high. Hungarian is also a factor: language courses are compulsory in the first years because you speak with Hungarian-speaking patients in the clinical phase. This is real additional workload on top of anatomy and biochemistry.

Financially, Pécs sits in the Hungarian mid-range, which means it is not cheap: €15,000 per year in the German-language and €14,400 in the English-language programme, totalling around €90,000 in fees alone over twelve semesters. Add €550–750 per month for rent, food, transport, and insurance. And the journey takes time: Pécs is in the south-west of Hungary, further from Germany than locations just across the border.

Who this location suits

Pécs suits you if you want to study in German without planning for a written entrance test, and if you prefer a small, quiet university city to a metropolis. Those looking for a busy city, short flight connections, or an English-speaking environment will find better conditions elsewhere. Those who value a large German-speaking community and low rents will find both here. Which track matches your profile is something Medschool Experts assesses individually in a free consultation.

Admission

The general university entrance qualification is required; there is no numerus clausus. How selection works depends on the programme: in the German-language track a test can be waived; in the English-language track an online test in biology and chemistry decides. School-level subject matter is tested, no specialist university knowledge. How convincingly you articulate your motivation for medicine also counts. Examination sessions are held outside Hungary too, including in Germany, so you do not need to travel to south-west Hungary for the first step. Medschool Experts handles registration and the application.

Deadlines

The academic year starts in early September; a second entry in spring is not offered. Missing the deadline means a full year's wait. We deliberately do not state specific application deadlines here because they shift each year. What matters is lead time: places are limited, and the earlier you start the cycle, the more time you have for preparation and paperwork.

Tuition fees and cost of living

Human medicine costs €7,500 per semester in German and €7,200 in English; dental medicine costs €7,875 and €7,450 respectively. Per year that is €15,000 and €14,400; over twelve semesters of German-track human medicine, around €90,000 in fees alone. Budget €550–750 per month for rent, food, transport, and insurance; rents are well below those of German university cities. Study abroad BAföG is an option since Hungary is in the EU, but covers the fees only in part.

Programme structure and language of instruction

Human medicine lasts six years and comprises 360 ECTS credits; dental medicine five years. The pre-clinical first and second years cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, and embryology, alongside Hungarian language courses. From the third year the clinical phase follows with internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, neurology, and psychiatry. You choose between the German- and English-language track when you apply; in the German-language programme you do not need university-level English.

Clinical training and practice

Clinical teaching takes place at the university hospital of the University of Pécs, which serves the entire region. The sixth year is a continuous practical year corresponding to the German Praktisches Jahr. Famulaturen can often be done in Germany during semester breaks; whether they are credited is decided by the relevant authority in each case.

Recognition in Germany

Hungary is a member of the European Union. The degree of the Medical School of the University of Pécs therefore falls under Directive 2005/36/EC, Annex V, as amended by Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2023/2383, and is automatically recognised in Germany. No equivalence assessment is required, and no knowledge examination; the same rule applies to dental medicine as to medicine. Whether you studied in German or in English makes no difference. You apply for Approbation at the competent authority of the federal state in which you wish to work; processing times vary considerably between states. In Austria the decision rests with the Austrian Medical Chamber; in Switzerland with the competent federal authority.

Life in Pécs

Pécs is located in south-west Hungary at the foot of the Mecsek hills, has around 140,000 inhabitants, and was European Capital of Culture in 2010. The climate is mild, the city is manageable, and much of it is accessible on foot. Cafes, museums, and the cultural life of an old university city are all part of everyday life, while living costs at €550–750 per month are well below Budapest levels.

Accommodation and everyday life

Many students start in a dormitory and later move to a private flat or shared accommodation near the university. Rents are well below those of German university cities. It becomes tight shortly before the semester starts when everyone is searching at once; those who only begin in September often pay more and end up further out.

Community and travel

The German-speaking student community is traditionally large, so you find connections quickly. To be honest: the journey from Germany takes longer than to locations just across the border. The city has no airport of its own; most students travel via Budapest.

Do I need an entrance test at Pécs?

Not necessarily. In the German-language programme a formal test can be waived; in the English-language programme an online test in biology and chemistry at school level decides admission. A conversation about your motivation is part of the process in both cases. Which variant applies to you depends on the chosen programme and the current application cycle.

Can I study in German at Pécs?

Human and dental medicine are offered in German or English. In the German-language programme you do not need university-level English; if you choose English, your school-level knowledge should be solid since lectures and examinations run in that language from the outset. Both tracks lead to the same degree.

What does studying at Pécs cost?

Human medicine costs €7,500 per semester in German and €7,200 in English; dental medicine €7,875 and €7,450. Twelve semesters of German-track human medicine mean around €90,000 in fees. Add €550–750 per month for rent, food, transport, and insurance.

Do I need to learn Hungarian?

Hungarian language courses are compulsory in the first years of study because you speak with people in the hospital who do not understand German. This is real additional workload on top of anatomy and biochemistry, and Hungarian is not considered an easy language. Every word you learn in everyday life pays off.

Is the degree recognised in Germany?

The diploma comes from an EU member state and is automatically recognised in Germany under Directive 2005/36/EC, without an equivalence or knowledge examination. This applies equally to human medicine and dental medicine and regardless of the language of instruction. You then apply for Approbation at the competent authority of your federal state.