Opening a bank account made easy
Students receiving a Hungarian government-funded scholarship (such as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship, or SZTE Start Scholarship) are required to open a Hungarian bank account, as scholarship payments can only be transferred to an account held with a Hungarian bank. Having a local bank account also makes it easier to manage everyday expenses and access banking services in Hungary.
Choosing a Bank
Szeged hosts all of Hungary’s primary retail and commercial banking networks:
- OTP Bank
- Erste Bank
- K&H Bank
- UniCredit Bank
- Raiffeisen Bank
- CIB Bank
Several banks in Hungary offer English-language services and student-friendly account options for international students. Many SZTE students choose OTP Bank, K&H Bank, Erste Bank, or Raiffeisen Bank. Alongside traditional accounts, digital platforms are widely used: Wise is popular for fast international transfers and holding multiple foreign currencies, while Revolut now provides local Hungarian IBANs, making it an effortless option for daily spending, local transfers, and currency exchange.
Fees
Depending on the bank and the type of account you choose, the following fees may apply:
- Account opening fee (often waived)
- Debit card fee
- Monthly account maintenance fee
- Transaction-related fees
Many banks offer discounted or free account packages for students. We recommend comparing the available options before making your decision.
Documents Required
The required documents may vary depending on the bank, but you will generally need:
- A valid passport or national ID card
- A valid residence permit (if applicable)
- An address card or accommodation registration document
- Your Hungarian Tax Identification Number (Tax ID), if required by the bank
- Proof of student status (requested by some banks)
Please check the bank's website or contact the branch in advance, as requirements may vary.
Register Your Bank Account
After opening your Hungarian bank account, you must register your bank account details in Modulo.
Go to Submissions → Students' Service Office (HSZI) → TAX ID & Bank Account and complete the form. Both your Hungarian Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) and your Hungarian bank account details must be provided. Without this information, the University cannot transfer your scholarship payments.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
international@szte.hu
