Fees, Living Costs, and Financial Planning

Understand the Real Cost of Studying in Budapest

Planning an international education involves more than comparing tuition fees.

Students and families also need to consider application costs, academic materials, insurance, accommodation, food, transportation, and everyday living expenses. Understanding these costs in advance makes it easier to build a realistic budget, compare educational options, and make a confident decision.

This guide provides a transparent overview of the tuition fees and related expenses at Avicenna International College (AIC), together with realistic estimates for living in Budapest.

Whether you are considering international high school education, a university foundation pathway, or an academic preparation program, this page will help you understand:

Annual tuition fees
Additional institutional fees
Estimated monthly living costs in Budapest
Payment arrangements
Scholarships and available discounts
Tuition refund conditions in visa refusal cases

All fees are stated in euros unless otherwise specified.

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A Quick Overview of AIC Tuition Fees

For the 2026–2027 academic year, annual tuition fees at AIC currently range from €5,500 to €8,000, depending on the selected program.

Program Category	Annual Tuition
Pre High School	€8,000
International High School, Grades 9 to 12	€8,000
Pre Medical Studies	€6,900
Business and Marketing Diploma	€5,500
Hospitality Management Diploma	€5,500
Computer Application Diploma	€5,500
Graduate Studies Diploma	€5,500
Pre PhD Academic Pathway	€5,500

Additional fees may apply depending on the program and the student’s status. These may include the application fee, first registration fee, academic materials, emergency insurance, and interview preparation.

A complete breakdown is provided below.

Important: Tuition fees are paid annually. AIC does not currently require a separate tuition deposit in addition to the stated fees.

What Should Families Include in Their Education Budget?

A realistic study budget normally has three main parts.

1. Tuition and Institutional Fees

These are payments made directly to the College and may include:

Annual tuition
Application fee
First registration fee
Academic materials
Emergency insurance
Interview preparation, where applicable

2. Living Costs in Budapest

Students should also plan for regular expenses such as:

Accommodation
Food
Public transportation
Mobile and internet services
Personal expenses
Clothing and seasonal needs

3. Initial Arrival and Settlement Costs

The first month may cost more than an ordinary month because students may need to pay for:

Accommodation security deposit
Initial household items
Local registration and administrative needs
Travel to Budapest
Seasonal clothing
Personal setup expenses

Looking only at tuition can therefore create an incomplete picture. Families should consider both the annual academic cost and the monthly cost of living before confirming enrollment.

Annual Tuition Fees for International High School

AIC provides international secondary education for students preparing for further study in Hungary, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other international destinations.

The annual tuition fee is the same across the listed high school levels.

International High School Tuition for 2026–2027

Grade or Level	Annual Tuition
Pre High School	€8,000
Grade 9	€8,000
Grade 10	€8,000
Grade 11	€8,000
Grade 12	€8,000

The high school learning experience extends beyond classroom instruction. AIC is developing a human-centered and mentorship-based educational environment where students are encouraged to learn actively, think independently, and prepare for future academic and personal challenges.

Additional High School Fees

Fee	Amount	Explanation
Application Fee	€100	Paid as part of the application process
First Registration Fee	€400	Paid only for the student’s first registration at AIC
Books and Academic Materials	€400	Covers required educational materials
Emergency Insurance	€200	Applicable to students who are not already legally insured residents

Estimated First Year Academic Cost

For a new non-resident high school student, the estimated first year academic cost before any scholarship or discount is:

Cost Item	Amount
Annual Tuition	€8,000
Application Fee	€100
First Registration Fee	€400
Books and Academic Materials	€400
Emergency Insurance	€200
Estimated First Year Total	€9,100

This estimate does not include accommodation, food, transportation, travel, residence permit related expenses, or other personal costs.

Returning students do not normally pay the first registration fee again.

Explore AIC High School Programs

Tuition Fees for Foundation and Diploma Programs

AIC offers several one academic year preparation and diploma pathways for students who want to strengthen their subject knowledge, academic English, practical skills, or university readiness.

Most of these programs have an annual tuition fee of €5,500. The Pre Medical Studies program has a higher tuition fee because of its intensive science curriculum and laboratory-supported preparation.

Program Tuition Overview

Program	Field	Duration	Annual Tuition
Avicenna Diploma in Pre Medical Studies	Medicine and Health Sciences	1 academic year	€6,900
Diploma in Business and Marketing	Business and Management	1 academic year	€5,500
Diploma in Hospitality Management	Hospitality and Tourism	1 academic year	€5,500
Diploma in Computer Application	Computer Science and IT	1 academic year	€5,500
Diploma in Graduate Studies	Graduate Preparation	1 academic year	€5,500
Pre PhD Academic Pathway	Doctoral Preparation	1 academic year	€5,500

Program availability, entry requirements, curriculum, and progression opportunities may change between admission cycles. Applicants should review the relevant program page before applying.

Compare All AIC Programs

Pre Medical Studies Fees

The Avicenna Diploma in Pre Medical Studies is an intensive one academic year program for students preparing to apply to medical and health science universities.

The program combines science-based academic preparation with English language development, entrance examination readiness, and structured support for university progression.

Pre Medical Fee Breakdown

Fee	Amount
Annual Tuition	€6,900
Application Fee	€100
Emergency Insurance	€200
Interview Preparation	€100
Estimated Academic Total	€7,300

The total does not include accommodation, living expenses, travel, or external university application and examination fees.

Explore the Pre Medical Program

Fees for Other Diploma and Academic Preparation Programs

The following AIC programs currently share the same annual tuition structure:

Diploma in Business and Marketing
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Diploma in Computer Application
Diploma in Graduate Studies
Pre PhD Academic Pathway

Standard Diploma Fee Breakdown

Fee	Amount
Annual Tuition	€5,500
Application Fee	€100
Insurance	€200
Interview Preparation	€100
Estimated Academic Total	€5,900

The exact academic components and progression opportunities differ by program. Students should select a pathway based not only on price, but also on their previous education, future university plans, English proficiency, and intended career direction.

AIC Admissions can help applicants compare programs before they submit an application.

Choosing a Program Based on Value, Not Only Price

The lowest tuition fee is not automatically the most suitable educational choice.

Before selecting a program, students and families should consider:

The student’s current academic level
The intended university destination
Subject preparation requirements
English language readiness
The need for laboratory or practical learning
The level of academic and personal guidance required
Progression opportunities after completion

A suitable pathway can help a student avoid losing time, repeating courses, or applying to universities without adequate preparation.

At AIC, education is designed as a guided learning journey. Academic preparation is supported by mentorship, active learning, international orientation, and a growing technology-enhanced educational environment. The goal is not simply to complete a course, but to help students become more capable, confident, and prepared for their next stage.

Living Costs in Budapest

Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Budapest (2026)

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Hungary is that students can enjoy a high quality European education while benefiting from a considerably lower cost of living than in many Western European countries.

Budapest offers an excellent balance between affordability, safety, public transportation, culture, and student life. While every student’s lifestyle is different, the estimates below represent realistic monthly expenses for an international student living comfortably in the city.

These figures are intended for planning purposes and may vary depending on accommodation choices and personal spending habits.

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Shared Accommodation	€350–450
Food	€250–450
Public Transportation	€0–25
Mobile Phone & Internet	€15–25
Personal Expenses	€100–200
Estimated Monthly Total	€715–1,150

Students who prefer private apartments or premium accommodation should expect higher housing costs.

Likewise, students who cook at home and take advantage of Budapest’s student discounts can often reduce their monthly expenses.

Why Is Budapest Considered Affordable?

Compared with many popular international study destinations, Budapest allows students to enjoy an excellent European lifestyle while spending significantly less on everyday living.

Lower living costs often mean that families can:

Reduce overall education expenses
Allocate more resources to academic development
Experience less financial pressure during the academic year
Focus more on learning and student life rather than managing daily costs

For many international families, affordability is one of the reasons Hungary continues to become an increasingly attractive study destination.

Sample Student Budget

The following example illustrates what a realistic monthly budget might look like for a typical student.

Expense	Estimated Cost
Accommodation	€400
Food	€320
Transportation	€15
Mobile & Internet	€20
Personal Expenses	€150
Estimated Monthly Budget	€905

This example represents an average student lifestyle and should only be used as a planning reference.

Estimated Annual Living Expenses

Students usually stay in Budapest throughout the academic year.

Based on the monthly estimates above, families should consider the following approximate annual living budget.

Lifestyle	Estimated Annual Living Cost
Budget Conscious	€8,500
Average Student Lifestyle	€10,800
Comfortable Lifestyle	€13,800

These estimates exclude tuition fees and other institutional charges.

Estimated Total First Year Cost

Planning the first year becomes much easier when tuition and living expenses are considered together.

The examples below illustrate realistic planning scenarios.

Example 1 – International High School Student

Item	Estimated Cost
Tuition	€8,000
Institutional Fees	Approximately €1,100
Living Expenses	€8,500–13,800
Estimated First Year Budget	€17,600–22,900

Example 2 – Business Diploma Student

Item	Estimated Cost
Tuition	€5,500
Institutional Fees	Approximately €400
Living Expenses	€8,500–13,800
Estimated First Year Budget	€14,400–19,700

Example 3 – Pre Medical Student

Item	Estimated Cost
Tuition	€6,900
Institutional Fees	Approximately €400
Living Expenses	€8,500–13,800
Estimated First Year Budget	€15,800–21,100

These examples are intended to support financial planning. Individual expenses may differ depending on accommodation, lifestyle, travel, and personal choices.

Cost Comparison with Other European Study Destinations

While tuition fees are an important consideration, the total cost of studying abroad includes accommodation, transportation, food, and everyday living expenses.

When all of these factors are considered together, Budapest remains one of the most cost effective destinations for international students seeking a European education.

Study Destination	Relative Cost of Living
Budapest	Low
Vienna	High
Amsterdam	Very High
Paris	Very High
London	Extremely High
Dublin	Very High

Although tuition varies between institutions, students often discover that choosing Budapest can significantly reduce the overall financial commitment required for an international education.

Financial Planning Tips for Families

Preparing a realistic budget before arriving in Hungary can make the transition smoother and reduce unexpected financial stress.

AIC recommends that students and parents:

Prepare a full one year budget before applying.
Include both tuition and living expenses in financial planning.
Reserve funds for travel and initial settlement costs.
Keep a contingency budget for unexpected situations.
Review scholarship opportunities before enrollment.
Discuss financial planning with the Admissions Team if guidance is needed.

Good planning allows students to focus on learning, adapting to a new country, and making the most of their educational experience.

A Smart Investment in Your Future

Studying abroad should be viewed as an investment rather than simply an expense.

The value of an international education comes not only from earning qualifications, but also from developing language skills, global perspectives, independence, intercultural competence, and opportunities for future academic and professional success.

At AIC, we believe that transparent information helps families make informed decisions with confidence. Our Admissions Team is always available to explain costs, answer questions, and help applicants choose the pathway that best fits both their academic goals and financial circumstances.

Need Help Planning Your Budget?

Our Admissions Advisors can help you estimate your total study costs, explain tuition fees, discuss available scholarships, and guide you through every step of the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition, Fees, and Living Costs

How much does it cost to study at Avicenna International College?

Annual tuition currently ranges from €5,500 to €8,000, depending on the selected program.

In addition to tuition, students should also plan for application fees, academic materials, insurance where applicable, accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.

The total cost depends on the chosen program and the student’s lifestyle in Budapest.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest as an international student?

Most international students should budget approximately €715 to €1,150 per month for living expenses.

This estimate typically includes:

Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Mobile phone and internet
Personal expenses

Students who share accommodation and manage their budget carefully may spend less, while those choosing private apartments or premium housing may spend more.

Does tuition include accommodation?

No.

Accommodation is not included in the annual tuition fee.

Students arrange their accommodation separately, although AIC can provide guidance and recommendations during the admission process.

Does tuition include food?

No.

Food expenses are part of each student’s personal monthly budget.

Budapest offers a wide variety of affordable supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and student dining options.

Does tuition include books and academic materials?

For International High School programs, books and academic materials are charged separately as indicated in the tuition section.

Requirements for diploma and preparation programs may vary depending on the curriculum.

Is medical or emergency insurance required?

Some international students are required to obtain emergency or health insurance depending on their residency status and immigration requirements.

Where applicable, the insurance fee is listed together with the tuition breakdown.

Are there any hidden fees?

AIC believes in transparent pricing.

All standard institutional fees are published before enrollment.

Students may still have personal expenses such as accommodation, transportation, travel, visa applications, or residence permit related costs that are outside the College’s tuition structure.

Can tuition fees change?

Tuition fees are reviewed periodically.

The fees published for each admission cycle apply to that academic year.

Future admission cycles may have updated tuition according to institutional policies.

How are tuition fees paid?

Tuition is currently paid annually.

Applicants receive payment instructions after admission.

If payment procedures change in future admission cycles, updated information will be published on the official website.

Is a tuition deposit required?

No.

AIC currently does not require a separate tuition deposit before enrollment.

Is the application fee refundable?

The application fee is generally non refundable because it covers the administrative review of the application and admission process.

Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements before submitting an application.

What happens if my visa is refused?

In certain visa refusal cases, tuition payments may be refunded according to the official Tuition Refund Policy.

Refund eligibility depends on several conditions, documentation requirements, and institutional regulations.

Applicants are encouraged to review the complete refund policy before making any payment.

Read the Tuition Refund Policy

Are scholarships available?

Yes.

AIC offers a range of scholarships and financial support opportunities for eligible applicants.

Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on criteria that may include:

Academic achievement
Motivation
Leadership potential
Talent
Individual circumstances

Availability may vary between programs and admission periods.

Can I receive both a scholarship and another discount?

Depending on institutional policies, certain scholarships and discounts may not be combined.

The Admissions Team will explain the available financial support options during the admission process.

Which program has the highest tuition?

The Avicenna Diploma in Pre Medical Studies currently has the highest tuition because of its intensive academic structure and laboratory supported preparation.

Why is the Pre Medical program more expensive?

The program includes intensive preparation in biology, chemistry, physics, academic English, and medical university readiness.

Its curriculum requires additional academic resources compared with most foundation diploma programs.

Is Budapest affordable compared with other European cities?

Yes.

Budapest is widely considered one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities for international students.

Many students find that their overall education costs are considerably lower than in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Dublin, or Paris.

Can international students work while studying?

Work opportunities depend on the student’s nationality, residence status, and applicable Hungarian immigration regulations.

Students should always follow the legal conditions associated with their residence permit.

Can the Admissions Team help me estimate my total budget?

Absolutely.

Our Admissions Advisors can help you estimate:

Tuition
Institutional fees
Monthly living costs
Expected first year expenses
Scholarship opportunities
Financial planning before arrival

Where can I compare all AIC programs?

Every program has its own dedicated page with detailed information about:

Curriculum
Tuition
Entry requirements
Duration
Progression opportunities
Career pathways

Explore All Programs

Still Have Questions?

Every student’s situation is unique.

Whether you are comparing programs, calculating your budget, planning your move to Budapest, or looking for scholarship opportunities, our Admissions Team is here to help.

We encourage prospective students and parents to contact us before applying so we can provide personalized guidance based on your academic goals and financial plans.