Above average, with over 13% more applicants hoping to gain admission to Corvinus

The high-quality education offered by Corvinus University of Budapest continues to attract even more applicants this year, according to first-choice application data published by the Educational Authority of Hungary. While the total number of university applicants in Hungary has increased by 7%, Corvinus stands out with 3,701 students selecting the university as their first choice—13% more than last year. Compared to the previous academic year, the number of applicants has increased by an average of 13% for undergraduate programs, 11% for master’s programs, and 41% for the undivided programme.  

A growing majority of applicants—60.3%—prefer English-language programs at Corvinus, marking a 15% rise in demand compared to the 2024/25 academic year. English-language undergraduate programs have grown even more impressively, with a 16% increase in applicants. Corvinus’ tuition-free scholarship programs also remain highly sought after, with a 15% increase in first-choice applicants for these spots compared to last year. 

The increasing number of applications demonstrates that Corvinus understands market needs well and responds effectively by continuously renewing its academic portfolio. The data also confirm that the university made the right decision in emphasizing English-language and interdisciplinary programs in its educational offerings. This strategy not only strengthens our leading and trendsetting role in Hungary but also enhances our international embeddedness,

said Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University. 

Interest in economics-business and IT undergraduate programs has surged by 16% each compared to last year, while social sciences undergraduate programs have seen a 4% increase. The single undivided program stands out with an impressive 41% rise in applicants. 

At the master’s level, the revamped social sciences portfolio has led the way, attracting 50% more first-choice applicants than last year. Economics and business master’s programs have also gained popularity, with 8% more applicants than the previous academic year. Additionally, economics teacher training programs have experienced a remarkable 37% increase in demand. 

Among the programs offered at Corvinus, the most popular choice remains the Business and Management BSc, which is also the top-ranked program in its category nationwide. This year, 837 applicants have selected it as their first choice, marking an 11% increase from last year. Interest in the Economic and Financial Mathematical Analysis undivided program has surged significantly, with a 41% increase in first-choice applications. Other notable increases include the Applied Economics BSc (21.6% growth), Finance and Accounting BSc (16.8% growth), Business Informatics BSc (almost 10% more applicants). 

At the master’s level, the biggest surge was in International Relations MA, where 61.3% more applicants have chosen it as their top preference compared to last year. Additionally, Corvinus has introduced several new master’s programs, which have already garnered strong interest. Among them, Social Data Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability Management and Entrepreneurship have all performed well in attracting applicants. 

Among foundation-maintained universities in Hungary, Corvinus is the only institution that provides tuition-free places independently of state quotas. The Corvinus Scholarship offers a unique foundation-funded opportunity for tuition-free education. In the upcoming academic year, the university expects to grant approximately 1,500 tuition-free places, similar to last year. 

Applicants still have the chance to modify their program preferences until July 9, allowing them to adjust their choices to maximize their chances of admission. Those aiming to secure a place at Corvinus are encouraged to list its programs as their first choice. 

Corvinus University is committed to becoming the leading institution in business, economics and social sciences in Central and Eastern Europe by 2030. To achieve this, it is expanding its English-language program offerings, recruiting internationally recognized faculty, and significantly increasing research and publication output.