PTE TTK légifotó
Credit: Fotó: Balogh Richárd

Published

20 Oct 2025

Study Geography and Earth Sciences in the Heart of Europe

Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Hungary


Programs offered
Geography BSc/MSc
Earth Sciences BSc/MSc
Geoinformatics MSc


The University of Pécs— with its 650-year academic tradition—and the 25-year-old Faculty of Sciences are proud homes of the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences (IGES). Our institute is the largest Hungarian academic center for geography and earth sciences, where world-class researchers and successful careers have begun.

Our programs attract students from more than 20 countries, forming a vibrant international community in which you will easily feel at home.

PTE

Pécs is an ideal place to study geography in Hungary. The city lies at the crossroads of diverse and transnational cultures, at the gateway to the Balkan Peninsula, and on the sunny southern slopes of the Mecsek Mountains. Here, at Hungary’s oldest university, you can start building your geospatial career in a modern, student-centered, and research-driven environment. Within this supportive academic community, you will find the field of spatial studies that best fits your interests and future plans.

Key information

  • Duration of studies: BSc: 3 years (6 semesters), full-time – 180 ECTS credits / MSc: 2 years (4 semesters) – 120 ECTS credits
  • Application deadline: June 30
  • Program start: September 1 (fall admission only)
  • Tuition Fee: 5,000 Euro/academic year (two semesters)
  • Tuition fee: BSc: €5,000/year; MSc: €8,000/year (two semesters)
  • Application fee (non-refundable): €140
  • Additional costs: field trips in Hungary (mainly in the Pécs region)
  • Director of IGES: Dr. Szabolcs Fábián

Entry requirements

Accepted qualifications (equivalent for Hungary):
BSc: Completion of the Érettségi / Matura exam with grades of 4 or 5 in all subjects (equivalent to B and A in the US system). Level A corresponds to grade 5 in Hungary (excellent, 90%+), and level B to grade 4 (good, 80%+).
MSc: A BSc degree in Geography (full credit transfer granted).
Further information is available on the above websites of our programs.

Language skills:
If your previous education was not conducted in English, you must provide proof of English proficiency. A minimum B2 level (intermediate) is required, equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 66. Further information is available here.

Degree structure

Throughout the BSc program, you will study both foundational and specialized courses, complemented by fieldwork and elective modules. In your third year, you will carry out independent research and complete your thesis, with opportunities to participate in international research projects. In the MSc program, a similar structure is followed with more advanced, research-oriented content. During the second year, you will conduct independent research and complete your master’s thesis, also with the possibility of engaging in international research collaborations.

Each semester consists of around 30 ECTS credits, with most courses worth 2–6 ECTS. Assessments take place in the academic year when courses are completed. The Geography, Earth Sciences, and GIS programs share a common foundation at the BSc level, providing a strong base in both physical and human geography, while at the MSc level, they offer specialized pathways that build on this foundation through shared and interdisciplinary modules. Each program also includes its own discipline-specific courses. You may also choose optional courses, including those offered outside the IGES. In your final year, the thesis project is your main focus, offering the opportunity to apply research methods and join ongoing scientific projects.

Fieldwork is primarily conducted in Southwestern Hungary, and students may also apply for international scholarships and exchanges within Europe through the Pannonia and CEEPUS mobility programs.

The academic year consists of two semesters (fall and spring). The fall semester ends in mid-December, followed by an exam period until late January. The spring semester runs from early February to mid-May, with short mid-semester breaks in both terms.

Launch your career as a geographer or earth scientist at Hungary’s oldest university! Apply by June 30 and become part of our international student community in Pécs.