The University of Pécs (PTE) Faculty of General Medicine (Általános Orvostudományi Kar - ÁOK) is one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in Hungary, tracing its history back to the first university established in the country in 1367. It is highly popular among international students for its long-standing English-language medical program and its location in the beautiful city of Pécs.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | University of Pécs Faculty of General Medicine (PTE ÁOK) |
| Founding Year | Medical teaching has roots back to the 14th century; the modern Faculty was established as part of the University of Pécs, formerly the University of Sciences. |
| Institutional Status | Constituent school of the University of Pécs, 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, Chemistry, and English, followed by an interview. |
| Academic Focus | Known for its modern, integrated curriculum (often systems-based), and strong international focus, drawing students from over 80 countries. |
The Faculty of Medicine is largely housed in modern, centralized buildings within the university complex in Pécs.
Campus Layout: The medical campus is concentrated, facilitating easy access to preclinical and clinical departments.
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.
International Office: Known for its highly organized International Studies Center to support international students.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is fully integrated with the University of Pécs Clinical Center, the major healthcare provider for the region.
Primary Teaching Hospital: The University of Pécs Clinical Center (PTE Klinikai Központ) serves as the main teaching and tertiary care base, comprising numerous institutes and departments.
Affiliated Hospitals: The Clinical Center includes specialized clinics and institutes covering all major medical and surgical specialties.
Patient Load: Exposure to a high volume of diverse pathology in both the local and regional referral patient population.
Bed Capacity: The Clinical Center collectively provides substantial bed capacity 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. €15,500 – €17,000 EUR per year (or $16,500 – $18,000 USD).
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. €93,000 – €102,000 EUR (total academic fee).
Mandatory Charges: Includes registration fees, entrance exam fees (one-time), and medical insurance (approx. €800-€1000 total in the first year).
Accommodation (Annual): Student dormitory or private rental. Pécs is generally affordable.
Estimate: Approx. €3,000 – €4,500 EUR per year for housing.
Cost of Living (Annual): Moderate, significantly lower than Western European capitals.
Estimate: Approx. €4,500 – €6,000 EUR (excluding tuition).
No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.
Pécs is the fifth-largest city in Hungary and the administrative center of Baranya County. It is a major cultural and historical center, having been a European Capital of Culture in 2010.
General Atmosphere: Pécs is famous for its Mediterranean-like atmosphere, historic Ottoman and early Christian architecture (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and beautiful surrounding Mecsek hills. It is highly regarded as a university city.
Safety Profile: The city is generally regarded as very safe for students and visitors.
Student Life: Extremely vibrant, characterized by a highly international community (over 4,000 international students). There are numerous festivals, cultural events, and social spots.
Climate: Experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold, sometimes snowy, winters.
Transportation: Served by an efficient and affordable local bus system. The city center is compact and very walkable.
Famous Food: Local cuisine includes hearty Hungarian stews, paprika-seasoned dishes, and local wines from the Villány region.
Indian Food Accessibility: Moderate. There are a few specialized international restaurants, including 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 tourist areas, but students benefit greatly from learning basic Hungarian.
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to Budapest and major Western European cities.
Pécs is a historic city in southern Hungary, renowned for its cultural heritage and vibrant, international student community.
Accommodation: The university offers some dormitory places (often limited for international students), but most opt for affordable private apartments near the campus.
Self-Catering: All accommodation options support self-catering, and local grocery costs are reasonable.
Safety: Pécs is generally considered very safe for students, with a relaxed, low crime rate.
Climate: Experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Student Amenities: Extremely active international student life, with many clubs, cultural events, and a popular annual International Students' Day (ISD) celebration.
Admission Selection: Highly competitive, requiring a strong background in science and passing the specialized entrance exam (written and oral sections in Biology, Chemistry, and English).
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