Tuition costs (in US Currency)
- 2025 spring semester - $19,000
- 2025 fall semester - $19,000
- 2026 spring semester - $20,000
- 2026 fall semester - $20,500
- 2027 spring semester - $20,500
AIT Tuition billing covers participation in AIT courses with individual mentoring by the faculty, and personal attention by the AIT staff (such as airport pick-up, orientation, housing assistance, etc), including an optional intensive language course, which is offered prior to the semester. This is organized by a language school which charges a separate fee, though it is billed by AIT. All other expenses are paid directly by the student to third party vendors and after arrival to Budapest. AIT bills directly only for tuition.
Spring and fall semesters students are expected to select academic courses with an average load of 16-20 contact hours a week. While there is no charge for taking heavier loads, loads exceeding 26 contact hours a week are subject to approval.
Deposit
In order to confirm your position in the AIT Budapest program, you may be asked to make a $300 (US Currency) deposit to be received within two weeks after the admission decision. This fee is deductible from tuition but is non-refundable. Many schools have different payment procedures, therefore AIT will contact you after acceptance with your specific confirmation details and deposit requirements.
How to pay
Confirmation instructions will be provided to you via email after acceptance. Then after you accept your position in the program, a separate invoice will be emailed to you or your school with payment instructions. AIT prefers to be paid by electronic check, or ACH deposit, through the provided online payment system. The deposit should be received within two weeks after acceptance and the remainder of the tuition should be received at least 45 days prior to the first day of the AIT semester.
Other costs (such as housing, local transport, residence permit fee, etc.) are to be paid after arrival.
Cost estimation
Last updated: April 17, 2026
Please note that the amounts listed are estimates and may vary due to fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in market conditions. These calculations refer to the Fall 2026 semester and reflect the current (2026 April) exchange rate of 1 USD = 320 HUF.
| Category | Estimated cost | |
|---|---|---|
| lowest | highest | |
| Tuition fee | $20,500 | $20,500 |
| Optional language course | $510 | $510 |
| Residence permit (visa) fee | $106 | $138 |
| Room (utilities included) | $2,690 (room for 4 months in shared apt.) | $4,708 (room for 4.5 months in studio) |
| Board/Food | $3,188 | $4,781 |
| Books/Supplies | $21 | $128 |
| Local transportation | $74 | $90 |
| Phone | $106 | $181 |
| Personal Supplies | $213 | $531 |
| TOTAL Costs | $27,407 | $31,567 |
Deadlines for tuition payment
- Fall term tuition should be received between July 1 and 15.
- Spring term tuition should be received between December 1 and 15.
Withdrawals and Refunds
If a student withdraws from the entire program after they have been notified of their acceptance, but before July 15 for the following Fall term or before December 15 for the following Spring, they will receive full tuition refund minus the deposit/withdrawal fee (currently: $300).
If a student withdraws from the entire program after July 15 for the following Fall term or before December 15 for the following Spring, but before arrival to Budapest, they will receive an 85% tuition refund.
If a Fall or Spring term student withdraws from the entire program after arrival to Budapest but before the last day of the first month of the semester, they will receive a 75% tuition refund.
If a Fall or Spring term student withdraws from the entire program after the first month of the semester, they will not receive any type of tuition refund.
If a student withdraws due to serious medical reasons before the mid-term break, and health conditions are certified by a doctor, they will receive a 50% tuition refund.