More than 1,100 self-funded applications and growing interest in data-driven, economic, and health-focused fields underline the expanding international reach of the Faculty of Social Sciences, ELTE University.
International interest in the English-language degree programs offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences remained strong in the previous admissions cycle, with demand increasingly extending beyond the Faculty’s traditionally popular International Relations Programs.
The Faculty received 1,121 self-funded applications, up from 1,079 in the previous academic year. Overall, 1,683 applications or scholarship nominations were recorded across its international programs. A total of 405 applicants were admitted, and 275 enrolled, compared with 274 in 2025/26. The figures indicate that the Faculty maintained its international enrollment level while attracting a growing number of applicants through the self-funded admissions route.
International Relations remains a major pillar of the Faculty’s international portfolio. The International Relations BA once again attracted the most self-funded applications and welcomed the largest incoming international cohort. Strong demand was also recorded for the Sociology BA and the Applied Economics BSc, confirming the broad appeal of the Faculty’s English-language bachelor’s programs.
At the master’s level, international interest increasingly extends to programs addressing contemporary economic, technological, health, and public policy challenges. The latest application data point to growing interest in the Health Policy, Planning and Financing MSc, the Survey Statistics and Data Analysis MSc, the Social Policy MA, and the Community and Civil Development Studies MA.
The Faculty’s international portfolio has also expanded with the introduction of the Computational Social and Behavioral Science MA. As a new addition, the program combines social science perspectives with computational methods and data-driven approaches, reflecting the increasing importance of digital research skills in understanding contemporary societies.
The Faculty’s doctoral programs continue to attract international applicants, particularly in the fields of sociology and international studies. Together with the bachelor’s and master’s programs, they allow students to pursue English-language social science studies at every level of higher education.
The figures also reflect the breadth of the Faculty’s international community. Of the 275 newly enrolled students, 176 joined bachelor’s programs, 80 entered master’s programs, and 19 began doctoral studies. The incoming cohort includes 86 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship recipients, 13 students admitted through the Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship Program, and 176 self-funded students.
“International interest in our programs is becoming increasingly diverse. International relations and sociology remain among our strongest fields, but we are also seeing growing interest in programs that connect the social sciences with economics, health policy, statistical analysis, and computational methods,” said Zoltán Gábor Szűcs-Zágoni, Vice Dean for International Affairs.
The Faculty of Social Sciences at ELTE University continues to strengthen its international appeal by expanding its portfolio of English-language programs. Further programs will launch in the next academic year, offering international students an even broader range of study opportunities.