Károli Gáspár University

What is the best form of transportation within the city?

The public transportation is amazing. Students get a discounted pass for travel around the whole city and even within the country. I was mind blown by how efficient it was.

What was your favourite place to visit within the city?

I found a spot by the river that was quiet and peaceful so I went there a lot. I also really enjoyed walking down the streets in different neighborhoods on both sides of the city (especially the buda side). By the mid point of my exchange I found myself avoiding the city centre area because it was very busy and stressful for me.

Were there any special events, festivals, or holidays you would recommend others attend?

I honestly did not go to many events or festivals, but there was always something going on. One day the Liberty Bridge was closed off from traffic and people were allowed to walk along it and have picnics there, and I wish I could have seen that but I didn’t know it was happening!

On average, what was the weather like?

Compared to the weather in Lethbridge, the weather in Hungary was mild. It never got below zero. Some days the wind was so strong that it reminded me of home, but not often. It never snowed but it rained a lot. In May it got extremely hot which I did not expect.

Any additional comments about Budapest?

Budapest is absolutely amazing! It is so beautiful and the people are generally very friendly and polite. In the city centre most people speak English. There was never a single moment when I felt genuinely unsafe in the city, and I spent many nights exploring it alone!

Did you have a favourite course you would recommend to future students?

I really enjoyed Dialogue Between Ancient Greek Philosophy and Christian Theology. The professor was passionate, engaging, and entertaining.

Did KRE provide the following?

• Airport pick up upon arrival - yes
• Buddy program - yes

Any additional comments about KRE?

As soon as I arrived I could tell that the host university cared about their exchange students! I always felt like I could reach out if I had a problem and they helped us with everything. The buddy program was very helpful as well.

Were the following provided in KRE's dormitory?

• Bedding - yes
• Kitchen facilities - yes
• Pots, pans, etc. - yes

What furniture was provided in your dorm?

We each got a bed and a desk with a chair, a lamp, and a small cabinet under the desk. There were a few closets for us to share and a coat rack. There was also a mini fridge with a cabinet above it for storage. Also the beds lifted up so you could store stuff underneath.

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

It took about 30 minutes at most. A two minute walk to the tram stop, and then a five minute wait at most for the tram, and a two minute walk from the tram stop to the school.

Do you have suggestions for future students who are looking for accommodation?

I recommend staying at the dorm. The location is perfect and during orientation week you get to meet basically everyone who will be staying there so there’s always familiar faces and opportunities to make friends. It is also inexpensive.

Do you have advice for how students should handle banking in your host country?

I would recommend getting the Wise app. It’s free and you can convert money into any currency easily and quickly. I would recommend getting it a couple months before going so that you can have a physical card mailed to you so you can withdraw money at the atm.

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada if they are studying at KRE?

I would suggest bringing a portable charger, a small desk mirror, some of your favourite snacks (the snacks are very different there), and maybe some pictures of your family/friends/pets to decorate your walls with, also bring shower sandals if you are staying in the dorm (and don’t forget a towel)

Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its capital city, Budapest, is divided by the Danube River and boasts beautiful landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. Hungary's cuisine is famous for dishes like goulash and chimney cake, while its wines, including Tokaji and Bull's Blood, have gained international recognition. The country is also home to the breathtaking Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, and the charming town of Eger, known for its Baroque architecture and thermal baths.

Hungary is in the temperate zone, and has a relatively dry, continental climate. Average temperatures range from -1 °C in January to 28 °C in July. Hungary is protected from extreme weather conditions by the surrounding mountain ranges, the Alps and the Carpathians.

Budapest is cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, ranked as "the world's second best city" by Condé Nast Traveler, and "Europe's 7th most idyllic place to live" by Forbes. The city is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Many iconic landmarks can be found along the Danube River that runs throughout the city, such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Gresham Palace, Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, and the Liberty Statue. The city boasts numerous thermal baths, including the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Budapest's vibrant culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Hungarian dishes, trendy cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Among Budapest's important museums and cultural institutions is the Museum of Fine Arts. Further famous cultural institutions are the Hungarian National Museum, House of Terror, Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Hungarian State Opera House and National Széchényi Library. With its grand boulevards, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Budapest is a dynamic and enchanting travel destination.

Károli Gáspár University was founded by the Reformed Church in Hungary. The university was named after Károli Gáspár, the Calvinist pastor, who prepared the first complete Hungarian translation of the Bible in 1590. The university was established in its present form in 1993, but its history roots back to 1839. Its education and research activities are carried out by 15 institutes and 52 departments belonging to the five faculties. There are approximately 9 000 students enrolled at the university.

Course registration occurs during KRE's Orientation Week.

Courses in English

View course catalogue for exchange students.

Language Courses

KRE also offers foreign language courses in twelve languages, including French and Spanish. 

Exchange students take courses from the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers courses in: 

• Art, History, and Culture
• English Studies (including Canadian Studies!)
• Asian Studies
• Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies
• Sociology, Communication, and Psychology

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Canadian citizens may enter Hungary visa-free and apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Budapest.

More information about applying for a residence permit can be found on the Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa website or KRE's website.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Hungary, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Student Residences

• KRE has partnerships with two student residences located close to campus
• Cost: approx. €100/month (2023)
• Application Deadline: Fall - June 15, Spring - December 15

Private Housing

• Exchange students will receive an email from KRE's international office with a promo code for 30% off accommodations booked through Spotahome
• KRE provides a list of other platforms to assist in searching for private housing on their accommodations page
• If you rent an apartment, costs are approximately: 90,000 - 120,000 HUF (€280 - €400)
• If you rent a room, costs are approximately: 60,000-90,000 HUF (€180 - €280)

For more information about accommodation options, visit KRE's accommodations page.

In Budapest

KRE recommends students purchase a monthly public transit pass after receiving their student ID. The student pass is only valid with a student ID, so it is important to carry the ID with you at all times. A student pass can be purchased from BKK. The cost is 3 450 HUF, or approx. €10 (2023).

For more information about transportation in Budapest click here.

In Europe

For those planning a lot of travel throughout Europe, it is recommended to buy a Eurail pass. The pass must be purchased before going to Hungary.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

Students are strongly advised to take out a health insurance policy for the entire period of their stay before their departure. If no health insurance is acquired, students are responsible for the entirety of any healthcare costs incurred.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Applicants who can demonstrate that they have Hungarian roots and maintain a Hungarian identity may be eligible for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship through the Hungarian government. The scholarship includes medical insurance, and upon request a monthly stipend, accommodation contribution and travel allowance. Applications are due in January of each year. As of 2024, only students who do an exchange in the BA Psychology program are eligible for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship.

To learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements, click here.