University of Debrecen


Image of University of Debrecen
Spend the semester or academic year at the University of Debrecen in Hungary taking classes in English through ISEP.
Location: Debrecen, Hungary
Language of Instruction: English
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Spend the semester or academic year taking classes in English in Hungary
  • Debrecen is located just hours by train from Budapest and is on the Hungarian border with Romania
  • Students are housed in university residence halls in double rooms

Bordering seven countries, Hungary is sometimes referred to as "The Gateway to Europe." Discover the second most populated city in Hungary at the University of Debrecen, located only 130 miles from Budapest. Find yourself wandering through the lush, green forest surrounding campus, or relaxing in a Hungarian bath house or water park on a break from class. Courses taught in English in arts, music and science are available to ISEP students.

Just hours away from Budapest by train, Debrecen lies directly on the border of Romania, and is the perfect starting point for many travel destinations. Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, is located on the Great Hungarian Plain. It is the administrative, economic, educational, scientific and cultural center of Eastern Hungary. The main campus of the university, with its numerous buildings, dormitories, sports grounds, service center, park and botanical garden, is located a 10-minute tram ride or 30 minute walk from downtown, in the leisure-time area called Great Forest. 

Students do not need to have any Hungarian to attend the Unviersity of Debrecen and courses are widely available in English. Beginning and intermediate Hungarian language courses are offered as part of the semester program. Instruction in the departments of foreign languages is offered year round (fee paying) in the respective languages. Pre-session Hungarian language is available (not included in ISEP benefits).

Students are housed in double rooms in a university residence. A stipend is provided for meals in the university cafeterias. 



All dormitories have a refrigerator in each room, a well-equipped kitchen on every floor, laundry facilities, study and clubrooms in each building. All rooms have cable internet access. Students also have access to gym, and sauna facilities.

The University is home to soccer fields, tennis courts, a track and other sport facilities for student use. The University is located adjacent to a park that features a pond for fishing, running and biking, a zoo, an ice skating rink, and a zoo (open mostly in Spring). Additionally, Debrecen is home to many music and drama festivals, concerts and active student nightlife. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Contact Kaitlyn Johnson at k.johnson@ku.edu for more information.

Further information on programs can be found on the ISEP Website.