The University of Debrecen Faculty of General Medicine (Általános Orvostudományi Kar - ÁOK) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded medical schools in Hungary and Central Europe. Known for its extensive campus, modern facilities, and strong research focus, it is a key institution for international medical education, particularly through its well-established English-language program.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | University of Debrecen Faculty of General Medicine (UD FGM) |
| Founding Year | Medical education has a long tradition in Debrecen, formally established with the university in 1912. |
| Institutional Status | Constituent school of the University of Debrecen, a major state-funded public research university. |
| Degree Awarded | MD (Doctor of Medicine). |
| Program Duration | 6 Years, comprising five years of theoretical and clinical study and one year of supervised clinical practice (clerkship/internship). |
| Instruction Language | The international program is taught entirely in English Medium. |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC) and recognized across Europe. |
| Global Recognition | Recognized by WHO WDOMS, and the degree is widely accepted across the EU, US, Canada, and by the NMC (India). |
| NMC Compliance | The 6-year program is fully compliant for Indian students, providing eligibility for the NExT exam. |
| Entry Requirement | Highly competitive, based on secondary school grades (Science stream) and successful completion of a mandatory entrance examination in Biology and Chemistry (often multiple-choice/written) and a compulsory oral interview. |
| Academic Focus | Known for its large campus (the Nagyerdő campus), strong clinical emphasis, and cutting-edge research in oncology and neurosciences. |
The UD FGM is uniquely centralised, with most of its teaching and clinical facilities located on the main campus.
Campus Layout: The medical and scientific faculties are primarily concentrated in the beautiful Nagyerdő (Great Forest) park-like campus area, unique among Hungarian medical schools.
Medical Education Facilities: Features modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, and dedicated facilities for preclinical teaching.
Simulation Center: Maintains an advanced Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, offering high-fidelity simulation and essential hands-on procedural training.
Anatomy Facilities: Features modern Anatomy Laboratories with dedicated space for cadaveric dissection, models, and advanced learning tools, which form a vital part of the curriculum.
Laboratories: Extensive, well-equipped research and teaching laboratories for foundational sciences.
Central Library: Access to the specialized Medical Library and digital resources.
IT Infrastructure: High-speed Wi-Fi access and excellent IT support across the campus.
Housing: The university offers dedicated international student dormitories and accommodation assistance.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is fully integrated with the University of Debrecen Clinical Center, one of the largest medical centers in Hungary.
Primary Teaching Hospital: The University of Debrecen Clinical Center (DEKK) serves as the main teaching and tertiary care base. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive medical facilities in Hungary.
Affiliated Hospitals: The Clinical Center includes specialized institutes and clinics covering all major medical and surgical specialties, all located adjacent to or near the academic buildings.
Patient Load: Exposure to a high volume of diverse pathology is guaranteed, as the center serves a large regional referral area.
Bed Capacity: The DEKK collectively provides substantial bed capacity (over 2,000 beds) for teaching and clinical rotations.
Clinical Exposure Model: Students receive clinical exposure from the early years, with intensive rotation blocks (clerkships) in the final years.
Training Method: Emphasis on bedside teaching, clinical reasoning, and supervised procedural practice.
Language Application: While the academic program is in English, students are taught basic Hungarian for mandatory communication with patients during clerkships.
State University Affordability
The tuition fees are competitive within the European medical school market, reflecting the high quality and full English instruction.
Annual Tuition Fee (MD Program): Approx. $16,900 – $18,500 USD per year (or €15,500 – €17,000 EUR).
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. $101,400 – $111,000 USD (total academic fee).
Mandatory Charges: Includes registration fees, entrance exam fees (one-time, approx. $350 USD), and medical insurance.
Accommodation (Annual): Student dormitory or private rental. Debrecen is generally affordable.
Estimate: Approx. $3,500 – $5,000 USD per year for housing.
Cost of Living (Annual): Moderate, significantly lower than Western European capitals.
Estimate: Approx. $5,000 – $7,000 USD (excluding tuition).
No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.
Debrecen is the second-largest city in Hungary and the regional center of Eastern Hungary, known for its history, cultural life, and beautiful green spaces.
General Atmosphere: Debrecen is a dynamic, culturally rich, and friendly city. It is a major economic and educational hub but maintains a quieter, more traditional Hungarian feel than Budapest.
Safety Profile: The city is generally regarded as very safe for students and visitors.
Student Life: Extremely vibrant, driven by the large student population, especially around the Nagyerdő campus area. The city hosts major events like the Flower Carnival.
Climate: Experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Transportation: Served by an efficient network of trams and buses. The campus is well-connected to the city center.
Famous Food: Local cuisine includes traditional Hungarian stews, goulash, and pastries.
Indian Food Accessibility: Moderate. There are a growing number of international and Asian restaurants, including some Indian options, catering to the large international student population.
Language in Daily Life: Hungarian is the official language. English is widely understood in the university and student communities.
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to Budapest and major Western European cities.
Debrecen is the second-largest city in Hungary, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a centralized student community.
Accommodation: The university offers dedicated dormitory places for international students, which are highly recommended for the first year. Affordable private apartments are also widely available near the campus.
Self-Catering: All accommodation options support self-catering, and local grocery costs are reasonable.
Safety: Debrecen is generally considered very safe for students, with a relaxed, low crime rate.
Climate: Experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold, sometimes snowy, winters.
Student Amenities: Highly active student life, with a large international student population, numerous cultural events, and the Medical Students' Association (MEDSOC) providing strong support.
Admission Selection: Highly competitive, requiring a strong background in science and passing the specialized entrance examination (written and oral sections in Biology and Chemistry).
Internship Requirement: Students must successfully complete the 6-year program to receive the MD degree and ensure eligibility for NExT/licensing abroad.
NExT Eligibility (India): Graduates must successfully complete the full 6-year MD program to be eligible for the NExT exam and licensure in India.
Career in Hungary/EU: Graduates are eligible for the specialized training system (residency) across the EU, with the degree being highly recognized.
Visa Requirements: Requires a valid student visa/residency permit for non-EU citizens.
Language Requirement: Basic knowledge of Hungarian is mandatory for patient communication during the clinical years, with language courses provided by the school.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus