Facts & figures
Philologist in Scandinavian Languages and Literature
Danish
Norwegian Bokmål
Swedish
Program
ELTE’s MA in Scandinavian Studies is an ideal choice if you wish to deepen and further develop your knowledge of Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. The programme is also suited to those who are interested in contributing to the promotion of Scandinavian culture in Hungary, and who have an interest in literature, linguistics and literary translation. It is designed for students who are curious about the methods of academic research and would like to gain experience as researchers or translators. If you would like to explore contemporary Scandinavian literature in greater depth, as well as the fascinating aspects of Scandinavian culture and language use, this programme is the place for you.
Programme details
Graduates of the programme acquire comprehensive knowledge of the literature, culture, languages and societies of the Scandinavian countries. Building on their knowledge of linguistics, literary studies and cultural studies, graduates are prepared to perform language and cultural mediation tasks in a wide range of areas of cultural life and public administration. They are able to further develop their expertise and apply their knowledge at an advanced practical level. The programme also prepares graduates to continue their studies at doctoral level.
The Master program aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge as a philological discipline (linguistic, literary and cultural studies) of Scandinavia to graduates who will thus be familiar with the fields and methods of academic research and be able to meet the requirements of the PhD program. Note that the program does not offer teaching qualifications.
Interesting facts about the programme
The Department of Scandinavian Languages and Literatures is the only department in Hungary where you can study Scandinavian culture as a major field of specialisation. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can continue your Scandinavian Studies at master’s level and in doctoral programmes. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with the traditions of the Nordic peoples.
The programme is complemented by a wide range of cultural activities, including guest lectures, visits by Scandinavian writers, film evenings and exhibitions. You can find information about current events, guest speakers, Scandinavian celebrations and other programmes on our website, along with an expanding collection of photo reports in the Gallery section.
Structure
Career
In all fields requiring a university degree without specifications of majors, in PhD programmes requiring a major specific degree.
- Education and research
- Management
- Business
- Banking
- Journalism
- Communications
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
| Entrance exam fee | ||
| Other cost | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a Bachelor’s degree in German Studies, Specialized in Scandinavian Studies.
In case of any other degree, each diploma will be considered individually. The applicant must have at least 50 credits in the field of Scandinavian studies (Linguistics, Literature and Culture) to enter the programme. Transcripts from your bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Language certificate (advanced level) in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish languages: C1 level (CEFR)
Applicants must hold a state-recognised C1 (advanced) comprehensive certificate in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, or an equivalent secondary school leaving certificate or higher education qualification, as a prerequisite for admission to the master’s programme.
English is the language of administration for all international courses at ELTE Faculty of Humanities. All communication in administrative matters will be conducted in English. It is therefore recommended that all applicants speak a minimum of A2 level of English, even if it is not the language of tuition of their chosen programme.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Online application form | - |
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
| Motivation letter | |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements. |
| Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
Optional documents for admissions
- Research Proposal
Please consult with the coordinating department for more information - Letter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer. - Letter of Authorization
If the applicant uses the services of a non-contracted third party during the application process, a Letter of Authorization must be signed. Applications will not be processed without.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2027 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2027 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
After the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs, applicants will be invited to an oral entrance exam. An entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of Danish/Norwegian/Swedish to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Written examination
Applicants are required to submit a 3-5-page typed motivation letter written in their chosen Scandinavian language (Danish, Norwegian or Swedish). The letter should include the reasons for choosing the master’s programme, the applicant’s professional objectives and their plans for the future.
Oral examination
During the oral examination, applicants take part in an interview designed to assess whether they have a clear understanding of Scandinavian Studies, as well as established academic interests and preferences within their chosen field of study. In addition, candidates are expected to demonstrate a confident command of the fundamental knowledge acquired during their bachelor’s studies in literature, cultural and media studies, and linguistics. The language of the examination is the applicant’s chosen Scandinavian language: Danish, Norwegian or Swedish. The entrance examination assesses applicants’ subject-specific knowledge, academic interests, professional language proficiency, ability to work with specialist texts, and written and oral communication skills in professional contexts.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website
Contacts
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
More information
Website
Dr. Ildikó VASKÓ
Head of the Department of Scandinavian Studies
Find the structure of the program on the webpage of the Faculty.
Main areas of specialisation
• Foundational humanities and social science knowledge underpinning the programme, including research approaches and findings in linguistics, literary studies, and cultural and media studies related to the language, as well as interdisciplinary connections, perspectives and methodological knowledge (8-12 credits).
• Programme-specific knowledge in Scandinavian Studies, including linguistics, literary studies, and cultural and media studies; approaches to linguistic research; trends and schools in literary studies; questions and methods of literary interpretation; knowledge of literary history; selected areas of Danish, Norwegian and Swedish culture examined from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives; and the interaction between language, culture and literature (28-32 credits).
• Compulsory and elective differentiated specialist knowledge within the core professional curriculum (45-65 credits).
• Elective specialisations related to the degree programme (35-45 credits).
• Additional knowledge in language, literature, cultural history or other specialised fields related to the programme (10-20 credits).