Finances
At Word of Life Hungary, we believe that everyone who has the desire to study God’s Word for a year or two should have the opportunity to do so.
In order to help each person according to their financial situation, we have various discounts and scholarships available.
Some of our discounts are based on household income. In order to receive these discounts, during the application process you will provide verification of income for your household.
In addition to this, students coming from Hungary, Central and Eastern European countries can claim social scholarship based on their needs from the Solid Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will be distributed based on the funds available.
The full list of discounts and scholarships are listed below.
In order to help each person according to their financial situation, we have various discounts and scholarships available.
Some of our discounts are based on household income. In order to receive these discounts, during the application process you will provide verification of income for your household.
In addition to this, students coming from Hungary, Central and Eastern European countries can claim social scholarship based on their needs from the Solid Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will be distributed based on the funds available.
The full list of discounts and scholarships are listed below.
The Price (2024-2025 School Year)
Tuition with full room and board during the school weeks: 4,200,000 HUF (around $12,000 USD, depending on the exchange rate)
The cost of a school year can be significantly reduced by discounts and additional scholarships, which you can find below.
For detailed information on the available "social scholarships", please read on, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]!
Based on the household’s monthly net income per person, international students can apply for the following discounts:
Students with Hungarian citizenship living either in Hungary or in a boarder country can apply for 75% off tuition fee.
(exchange rate used correct in November 2023)
The cost of a school year can be significantly reduced by discounts and additional scholarships, which you can find below.
For detailed information on the available "social scholarships", please read on, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]!
Based on the household’s monthly net income per person, international students can apply for the following discounts:
- In case of 200,000-250,000 HUF (around $570-$710 USD) net income per person, 35% off tuition fee
- In case of less than 200,000 HUF (around $570 USD) net income per person, 50% off tuition fee
Students with Hungarian citizenship living either in Hungary or in a boarder country can apply for 75% off tuition fee.
(exchange rate used correct in November 2023)
Other Discounts & Scholarships
Second Year Discount
Students who finished first year at Word of Life Bible Institute Hungary and are applying for second year, automatically qualify for 20% off the students' tuition price.
Students who finished first year at Word of Life Bible Institute Hungary and are applying for second year, automatically qualify for 20% off the students' tuition price.
Social Scholarship
Students coming from Hungary, Central and Eastern European countries can claim social scholarship based on their needs from the Solid Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will be distributed based on the funds available.
Students coming from Hungary, Central and Eastern European countries can claim social scholarship based on their needs from the Solid Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will be distributed based on the funds available.
Resident Assistant Scholarship
Certain students are personally invited by the BI Student Life staff to serve in a leadership capacity on campus and in the dorm rooms as Resident Assistants. The Resident Assistant scholarship is 10% off the students’ tuition price. The Resident Assistant scholarship cannot be combined with the social scholarship.
Married Students Discount
If a married couple applies as students, the second person is given further 50% from the discount that was based on their net income per person. In case of different tuition fees, we give this discount to the person paying the higher price for our school.
Tuition fee per person for a married couple living off-campus, without room and board, before any discount is applied: 1,680,000 HUF (around $4,400)
The same household income-based discount scheme is also applicable as explained above.
Recruitment and Recruited Scholarship
Those students, who invite other future students to join our school will receive a tuition refund (Recruitment scholarship) totaling 2% of the invited student’s final tuition fees. The invited student will also get 2% off the final discounted price based on their monthly net income per person. The discount is valid if the recruited student starts their studies in the following school year starting in September.
Conditions for refunding tuition for both the invited student and the one inviting them:
- an international student applies to our school latest by May 1
- an international student gets accepted to our school by latest May 31
- A student applying from Hungary applies to our school latest by June 1
- A student applying from Hungary is accepted to our school by latest June 30
Certain students are personally invited by the BI Student Life staff to serve in a leadership capacity on campus and in the dorm rooms as Resident Assistants. The Resident Assistant scholarship is 10% off the students’ tuition price. The Resident Assistant scholarship cannot be combined with the social scholarship.
Married Students Discount
If a married couple applies as students, the second person is given further 50% from the discount that was based on their net income per person. In case of different tuition fees, we give this discount to the person paying the higher price for our school.
Tuition fee per person for a married couple living off-campus, without room and board, before any discount is applied: 1,680,000 HUF (around $4,400)
The same household income-based discount scheme is also applicable as explained above.
Recruitment and Recruited Scholarship
Those students, who invite other future students to join our school will receive a tuition refund (Recruitment scholarship) totaling 2% of the invited student’s final tuition fees. The invited student will also get 2% off the final discounted price based on their monthly net income per person. The discount is valid if the recruited student starts their studies in the following school year starting in September.
Conditions for refunding tuition for both the invited student and the one inviting them:
- an international student applies to our school latest by May 1
- an international student gets accepted to our school by latest May 31
- A student applying from Hungary applies to our school latest by June 1
- A student applying from Hungary is accepted to our school by latest June 30
Additional Fees/Costs
Textbooks
The cost of all required textbooks is the responsibility of the individual. Accepted students will be sent a list of books that they should bring with them to Hungary. A limited number of these books are available for purchase on location during registration. Some copies of each book are accessible in the Bible Institute Library as well.
Residence Permits for Foreigners
Some foreign students are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Hungary. This is only valid for a short period of time. All non-European Union students are required to obtain a residency permit once they arrive in Hungary (WOL will assist in this process). The total cost involved in the visa/residency permit process differs for each individual (depending on nationality), but the average total fee is approximately 80,000 HUF.
International Health Insurance
All our students must have health insurance for their stay in Hungary, covering September to May, and the summer if staying here for summer ministry.
EU citizens need to bring their valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. If their health insurance card is not valid in their own country, then it is not valid in Hungary either.
Anyone who is not a member of the European Union must obtain international health insurance before coming to Hungary. This is a requirement from the Hungarian government. Students will not be able to receive a residency permit without international health insurance, and without this permit, they cannot stay in Hungary for an extended period of time. Questions about international health insurance may be directed to the Admissions Office.
Personal Transportation Costs
Students who require transportation by Word of Life will be charged a transportation fee depending on where they are going. Trips to the airport can be up to 10,000 HUF and trips to the train station in Budapest can be up to 11,000 HUF. The price will be determined according to the number of passengers in the vehicle. WOL offers transportation at the beginning and end of the academic year, as well as before and after Christmas Break, as long as the tuition fees are paid. If you leave or arrive during the specified days, your transportation will be for free. All other travel needs incur extra cost.
Late Payment Fee
There is a 3,000 HUF late fee for every week a student is late paying his or her bill. Individuals are expected to speak with the Financial Office if they will have trouble paying on time, in which case, extra time allowances may be made.
Food Intolerance
We are unable to cater for students’ special diets, food intolerances or allergies. Students with severe food allergies need to use external caterers like cityfood.hu who offer daily fresh food deliveries. If this affects you, please speak to our Admissions Office regarding cost and practicalities.
Go Mobilize Mission Trip
In the spring semester, students can experience practical missions. During the school year, several locations are offered for this mission trip. All students must participate and raise funds to cover travel costs. Costs will vary depending on the location and type of ministry that will be developed.
Personal Living Cost
Please ask our Admissions Office for guidance with living costs in Hungary, and how much money a student may need for personal items, traveling etc.
The cost of all required textbooks is the responsibility of the individual. Accepted students will be sent a list of books that they should bring with them to Hungary. A limited number of these books are available for purchase on location during registration. Some copies of each book are accessible in the Bible Institute Library as well.
Residence Permits for Foreigners
Some foreign students are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Hungary. This is only valid for a short period of time. All non-European Union students are required to obtain a residency permit once they arrive in Hungary (WOL will assist in this process). The total cost involved in the visa/residency permit process differs for each individual (depending on nationality), but the average total fee is approximately 80,000 HUF.
International Health Insurance
All our students must have health insurance for their stay in Hungary, covering September to May, and the summer if staying here for summer ministry.
EU citizens need to bring their valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. If their health insurance card is not valid in their own country, then it is not valid in Hungary either.
Anyone who is not a member of the European Union must obtain international health insurance before coming to Hungary. This is a requirement from the Hungarian government. Students will not be able to receive a residency permit without international health insurance, and without this permit, they cannot stay in Hungary for an extended period of time. Questions about international health insurance may be directed to the Admissions Office.
Personal Transportation Costs
Students who require transportation by Word of Life will be charged a transportation fee depending on where they are going. Trips to the airport can be up to 10,000 HUF and trips to the train station in Budapest can be up to 11,000 HUF. The price will be determined according to the number of passengers in the vehicle. WOL offers transportation at the beginning and end of the academic year, as well as before and after Christmas Break, as long as the tuition fees are paid. If you leave or arrive during the specified days, your transportation will be for free. All other travel needs incur extra cost.
Late Payment Fee
There is a 3,000 HUF late fee for every week a student is late paying his or her bill. Individuals are expected to speak with the Financial Office if they will have trouble paying on time, in which case, extra time allowances may be made.
Food Intolerance
We are unable to cater for students’ special diets, food intolerances or allergies. Students with severe food allergies need to use external caterers like cityfood.hu who offer daily fresh food deliveries. If this affects you, please speak to our Admissions Office regarding cost and practicalities.
Go Mobilize Mission Trip
In the spring semester, students can experience practical missions. During the school year, several locations are offered for this mission trip. All students must participate and raise funds to cover travel costs. Costs will vary depending on the location and type of ministry that will be developed.
Personal Living Cost
Please ask our Admissions Office for guidance with living costs in Hungary, and how much money a student may need for personal items, traveling etc.
Currency & Payments
The official cost for the Bible Institute is published in the Hungarian currency (HUF) and remains constant. If a student is curious as to the price in their own currency, he or she can view the exchange rate at the following address: http://www.xe.com/ucc. It is important to understand, however, that all bills must be paid in HUF.
Bills may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year or in two payments, within 7 days of sending the invoice via e-mail (October and January). Currently, the Bible Institute can only accept payments in cash, bank transfer or credit-card, not through personal checks or travelers’ checks. The Admissions Office can provide the necessary bank information for those who would like to transfer money. Please do not send money until you have received your official bill from the Financial Office; these are sent out in September.
Bank transfer with TransferWise
TransferWise is a way to transfer money from your bank to ours. It tends to be easier and cheaper than working with the bank itself. Please visit their website (transferwise.com) for all the details and how to set it up.
Paying by Credit Card
How it works:
All above prices include VAT.
Bills may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year or in two payments, within 7 days of sending the invoice via e-mail (October and January). Currently, the Bible Institute can only accept payments in cash, bank transfer or credit-card, not through personal checks or travelers’ checks. The Admissions Office can provide the necessary bank information for those who would like to transfer money. Please do not send money until you have received your official bill from the Financial Office; these are sent out in September.
Bank transfer with TransferWise
TransferWise is a way to transfer money from your bank to ours. It tends to be easier and cheaper than working with the bank itself. Please visit their website (transferwise.com) for all the details and how to set it up.
Paying by Credit Card
How it works:
- There is an additional 2.9% fee for paying by card online or 1% fee for paying through our POS terminal on location
- We will need to know ahead of time if someone is planning to pay by card online
- In case it was not indicated for us that someone would like to pay by card, we will issue a regular bill but if someone changes their mind and would like to pay by card, we will need to issue another bill with the 2,9% fee. The payment of „online card payment fee” by Registration Day will also be a basic condition of starting studies at our BI.
- We will need to know ahead of time if someone is paying in full or per semester
- Students/parents will receive the bill via email in September. The link for the online payment will be within this email. After following the link, the amount will be fixed based on the full price or semester. Only the card information is needed and then the payment can be submitted.
- The amount on the bill will be in the Hungarian currency (forint – HUF) as this is the fixed price but students can check online just before they pay (www.xe.com) for the current exchange rate to know how much will be charged to their account in their currency.
- We accept only VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express cards. When paying by credit card online, your card issuing bank will need to authorize the transaction. Please make sure you contact your bank letting them know about your plan of a large online payment. Otherwise the authorization process will take days, sometimes weeks, based on past experience.
All above prices include VAT.
