Semmelweis University

Semmelweis University is Hungary's oldest and best-known medical university, and one of the most respected medical schools in Central Europe. For Indian students who want an EU medical degree taught in English, it is often at the top of the shortlist. This guide explains the General Medicine programme, admission for the 2027-28 intake, costs and what to check before you apply.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Budapest, Hungary
Founded	1769
Type	Public medical university
Programme	General Medicine (MD), taught in English
Duration	6 years (12 semesters)
Admission	Entrance exam (online written tests and oral interview)
Intake	September 2027

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About Semmelweis University

The university began in 1769 as the medical faculty of the university then based in Nagyszombat, and moved to Buda and later Pest. Today it carries the name of Ignác Semmelweis, the Hungarian doctor known as the "saviour of mothers" for showing that hand washing could prevent deadly infections after childbirth. The university has faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences and more, and runs a large network of clinics and teaching hospitals in Budapest.

Semmelweis has taught medicine in German for decades and in English since the 1980s. Its English programme attracts students from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, so you will study in a very international class.

The General Medicine programme

The programme lasts 12 semesters and leads to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Its structure follows the usual European pattern:

• Years 1–2 (basic sciences): anatomy, histology and embryology, medical biophysics, medical chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and physiology. These subjects are known to be demanding, and students must pass strict exams before moving on.
• Year 3 (pre-clinical): pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, immunology and the start of clinical skills.
• Years 4–5 (clinical): internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, neurology, psychiatry and other clinical subjects in the university's clinics.
• Year 6 (practical year): rotations in hospital departments before the final state exam and thesis.

Lectures and exams are in English, but Hungarian language is a compulsory subject in the early years, because you need it to take a history from patients and work on the wards.

Why students choose Semmelweis

• A long history and strong reputation in European medical education.
• Clinical training in a large network of university clinics in the capital.
• A degree from an EU member state.
• Life in Budapest, a beautiful and well-connected European capital.

Things to think about

• The workload is heavy, and students who fall behind in the first two years may have to repeat subjects.
• Costs are higher than in Central Asia, and living costs in Budapest are higher than in smaller Hungarian cities.
• Hungarian is a difficult language, so you need to start early.

How admission works at Semmelweis

Semmelweis selects international students through its own entrance examination. According to the university's admission rules, the exam for General Medicine consists of online written tests followed by an oral interview, which also checks your English. An admission procedure fee (listed as USD 400 in the current rules) must be paid before you apply, and it covers the application and exam. Applicants can usually try up to two exam occasions without paying again.

The university also accepts applications to a one-year Basic Medicine Course run by partners, which prepares students in biology, chemistry and physics before the medical programme. Ask whether this route suits you if your science basics need work.

Fees and costs

Semmelweis charges tuition per semester for its English programme, and the fee is reviewed each year. Ask the admissions office for the official 2027-28 fee in writing before you accept. Also budget for the admission procedure fee, books, health insurance, residence permit, rent (most students rent flats in Budapest), food and travel.

Life in Budapest

Budapest is Hungary's capital and largest city, built on both banks of the Danube. It has excellent public transport, many historic buildings, thermal baths and an active student life. Rents are higher than elsewhere in Hungary, so many students share flats. Indian groceries and restaurants are available, and there is an Indian community, including students at several universities. Winters are cold and summers can be hot.

Before you apply to Semmelweis University

To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Hungary. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask Semmelweis University to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist Semmelweis University and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
• February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
• January – May 2027 (entrance exams run in rounds): apply to Semmelweis University through its official international admissions channel.
• June – September 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.

Hungarian universities hold their own entrance exams in several rounds through spring and early summer. Early rounds give more choice, so prepare biology and chemistry now.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond Semmelweis University, read these guides:

• MBBS in Hungary: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Hungary.
• MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether Semmelweis University suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

Semmelweis University’s General Medicine curriculum covers basic sciences, pre-clinical work and clinical study over twelve semesters. The university publishes an English-language programme and admission information. Check the science entrance examination and clinical language expectations for the exact intake.

Courses and official information

• General Medicine — 6 years; language: English programme available. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.

Additional official admission or programme information.