2 years (4 semesters) - full time
MSc / Master of Science
3600 EUR / semester + one time fees
English language
120 credits
Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK)
Entry requirements: Relevant Degree and Entrance interview
Application starts: 9 February 2026
Application deadline: 22 May, 2026
Notification period: Within 3 weeks after the exam
Psychobiology (MSc)

The aim of the programme is to train professionals at the interface of psychology and biomedical sciences, providing an interdisciplinary curriculum supported by up-to-date scientific knowledge and extensive hands-on research experience. Students gain a solid understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system and the mechanisms underlying human behaviour. Training places a strong emphasis on electrophysiology, supplemented by neuroimaging and clinical research applications. Students have the opportunity to participate in studies involving both healthy individuals and patients with psychopathology, developing practical competencies essential for contemporary research.
The programme is ideal for graduates in psychology, medicine, and the life sciences, as well as applicants with backgrounds in biophysics or medical engineering who wish to pursue research-oriented careers.

Career opportunities: Graduates are well-prepared for positions in academic laboratories, biotechnology and health-tech environments, and clinical research settings (clinical research manager, data scientist). 

Graduates of the Psychobiology MSc can continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. 

If you have a question, contact us: admission@semmelweis.hu

GET MORE INFORMATION!

Entry requirements: entrance examination

Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Accepted backgrounds include:

  • Behaviour Analyst (Psychology BA)
  • Biology BSc/MSc
  • General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine
  • Biophysics/Medical Engineering (e.g., Biomaterials Engineering BSc, Molecular Bionics BSc)
  • Bioinformatics MSc
  • Teacher Training (Biology / Integrated Natural Sciences)
  • Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience MSc
  • Research Zoology

Admission is based on a 100-point system, consisting of a mandatory admission interview (0–90 points) and additional points (0–10 points) awarded for scientific or professional achievements.

Additional Points (max. 10)

Additional points may be awarded for scientific achievements (e.g., [student] conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications), documented research assistant experience, language skills beyond the admission language, and certain social or personal circumstances.

ENTRANCE INTERVIEW 

Semmelweis University puts a great emphasis on selecting outstanding applicants for enrollment and training.
The interview is conducted in English before a committee of at least two members representing psychology, neuroscience, and/or biological sciences and includes a discussion of the applicant’s academic background, motivation, and a topic selected by the committee from the programme’s recommended reading list. The reading list is available on the Department of Behavioural Sciences website. The interview evaluates the applicant’s capacity to integrate psychological and biological perspectives, apply methodological principles, and think critically about interdisciplinary scientific questions.

When and where

Oral entrance interview will be held in June in Budapest, Hungary. Exact dates, times and location will be provided to applicants who have submitted their application via the University’s online application system, SEMAPHOR. Final instructions and interview details will be sent directly to applicants prior to their scheduled interview.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Applicants must upload the following documents in a single PDF:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Motivation letter
  • Diploma copy
  • Proof of language proficiency
  • Documents supporting eligibility for additional points

 

 

 

Language requirements

Applicants for the English-Language program must have a good command of English, which is assessed at the entrance interviews.

Training overview

The Psychobiology MSc provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education combining psychology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences. The programme covers the structure and function of the central and autonomic nervous systems, developmental and evolutionary perspectives, behavioural physiology, cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and the biological foundations of psychopathology. Students gain solid methodological training in experimental design, data analysis, and the use of modern research techniques in psychophysiology and neuroscience.

Throughout the programme, students develop the ability to integrate psychological and biological perspectives, critically evaluate scientific literature, design and conduct research, analyse complex datasets, and interpret findings in clinical and translational contexts. They acquire skills in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioural analysis, computational modelling, and advanced statistics, preparing them to address interdisciplinary scientific questions.

Wide range of study fields

The curriculum includes coursework in psychobiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, cognitive and behavioural sciences, psychiatry, research methodology and ethics, mathematical and algorithmic foundations, as well as specialised seminars. Students participate in laboratory training and complete a research thesis under supervision.

Practical training is carried out in research groups or research-active clinical institutions, where students gain hands-on experience with electrophysiology, neuroimaging, experimental methods, and data analysis. This integrated structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared for research careers, doctoral studies, and roles in academic, clinical, and technological environments.

Recognition of the Degree

The Psychobiology MSc degree awarded by Semmelweis University is internationally recognized and provides competitive knowledge, opening direct pathways to PhD programs and global career opportunities in academia and clinical research. The program’s prestige and value are guaranteed by the university’s international scientific connections, outstanding educational standards, and exceptional achievements in biomedical and psychological research.

 

Why choose Semmelweis University?
  • The unique training is held in small group classes, and the students' individual progress is supported by the Mentor-system.
  • The Faculty has extensive international connections in the field of psychobiology
  • Training takes place at the oldest and most famous medical university and the oldest Faculty of Medicine of Hungary.
  • The Faculty is located in the heart of Budapest, in modern educational buildings and in well-equipped skill labs.

Enrollment procedure step-by-step

STEP 1. Enrollment (student registration)

In person at the Faculty’s student service office (called: Foreign Students Secretariat) in late August.

Documents to be presented at registration:
  • passport/identity card,
  • original High School Diploma /Secondary School Leaving Certificate and a copy of it or the validated English translation if applicable.

Please note that the tuition fee must be paid before registration.

At the registration the followings will take place:
Health Insurance

A special insurance is provided for our students, and its fee is included in the tuition fee. The service includes an English-speaking call centre, GP-service and treatment at the Polyclinics and Clinics of Semmelweis University. With the paid tuition fee of the semester and the active student status, the insurance is automatically renewed until the suspension/end of your studies.

Student Card
  • With the student card, students are entitled to buy students’ monthly tickets for the public transport, railways or long-distance bus tickets at a reduced price, access a number of services and discounts (e.g. library services, sport facilities, cultural and commercial discounts, etc.).
  • Students need to activate their current semesters in Neptun. Without semester activation, the student card application cannot be started.
  • After the semester activation, students need to go to the Office of Government that Issues Documents (short term: Registration Office; in Hungarian: Kormányablak) and apply for a ‘NEK’ document for student card. Passport is required. A photo will be taken of you and your main data will be registered. Please return the document to the student service office (Foreign Students Secretariat) and the Registrar’s Office will finish the application.
  • The Secretariat will inform the students if the plastic student card has arrived.
  • Please bear in mind that student discounts can only be claimed in the possession of a temporary or permanent card, so you will need to use regular fare tickets in the first month.

STEP 2. Opening Ceremony and the Freshmen’s Oath

You will receive an e-mail with the detailed information of the ceremony.

STEP 3. Introduction to Higher Education course

 In early September, with personal participation.

Step 4. Subject registration

In late August / early September, according to the Faculty’s Academic Calendar.

Fees and costs of the application and enrollment procedure

Admission procedure fee: EUR 475

Payable at the time of application and covers the entrance examination.

The admission procedure fee shouldbe paid online by credit card through a secure payment channel from the online application portal, or by wire transfer directly to Semmelweis University.

Enrollment fee: EUR 230

Payable at the beginning of studies, together with the 1st semester's tuition fee.

Tuition fees payable by students establishing student status for the upcoming Academic Year: the tuition fee of the first semester has to arrive to the University's bank account at the latest by the date indicated in the acceptance letter (together with the enrollment fee). The tuition fees of the following semesters have to be paid until the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar of the Faculty.

Read more about how and where can you settle your payments →

Why Semmelweis?

Aliz Zsótér, Faculty of Health Sciences

1 / 14

"My mother is an obstetrician and due to her influence I have been interested in how the human body works since I was child. I flipped through the anatomy atlas frequently, I was curious all the time. There was no question that I would choose the medical field, and within that, it was the physiotherapy program that immediately appealed to me. As I near the end of my studies, I remain sure I made the right decision: the high quality of the education and the family-like atmosphere of the Faculty of Health Sciences convinced me."

Máté Tóth, Faculty of Dentistry

2 / 14

"Dentistry for me is a lifestyle. It combines healing with engineering science. I can design and create something while at the same time helping people. It fills me with pride that during my studies I came across many articles, books and publications linked to the university. It was the most defining five years of my life."

Márk Fábián, Faculty of Pharmacy

3 / 14

"The country’s best, world-renowned pharmacist training is here, where in addition to high-quality education there are also opportunities for individual research. I am a member of the Frigyes Korányi College for Advanced Studies and in my second year I joined the students’ scientific association program of the university, thus I was able to get a look at the profession before my resident training or PhD studies. The research projects give you an opportunity to acquire a lot of added skills, which provide a competitive edge on the job market."

Melitta Molnár, Faculty of Health and Public Services

4 / 14

"I was always interested in how the health care system worked. I would like to contribute to improving the quality of patient care in Hungary, that is why I chose the Faculty of Health and Public Administration. I am very satisfied, the professors here are helpful and despite this being a small faculty, the training is very high quality. My plan is to gain a few years of professional experience before starting the Master’s program, also at Semmelweis."

Dóra Dénes, András Pető Faculty

5 / 14

"I’ve always wanted to work someplace where I can help people, and I was immediately interested in the András Pető Faculty’s conductor training program. I like that I can help others using a Hungarian method that is sought-after and well-known worldwide. The faculty’s training is very practice-oriented, as we applied the skills that we learned in theory already in the first week of the first year. The fact that I can be assured in my professional skills gives me self-confidence."

Bence Áron Benedikti, Faculty of Dentistry

6 / 14

"The past three years have proven that I made the right choice after graduating high school. Semmelweis was a good choice not only because of the institution’s name and reputation but also because of the exceptionally strong and high-quality practical training it provides. The knowledge I gain here will allow me to practice my profession with confidence once I get my diploma. I am primarily interested in oral surgery, which is an exciting field full of challenges, plus I will have an opportunity to perform operations, which is something that I have always wanted to do."

Jennifer Adeghate, Faculty of Medicine

7 / 14

"Semmelweis University offers lots of opportunities for students, including research, working in the Students’ Scientific Association or volunteering. I learned a lot and made a lot of progress in the years I spent here, and I believe that everyone can get something out of this university. I am proud to have gotten my diploma here."

Ernest Adeghate, Faculty of Medicine

8 / 14

"Semmelweis University is a world-class institution, I loved studying here. In addition to gaining extensive knowledge and comprehensive skills in the medical field, I became a real adult while I was here in Hungary, while I also made lifelong friends within the walls of the university."

Anna Lili Szirmák-Valent, Faculty of Health Sciences

9 / 14

"I originally wanted to be an actress but when I had to finally decide I realized that it is health care that I am interested in. From there it was a simple choice, as for me being an obstetrician is one of the best professions among those that help people. It is a job where I can definitely be a useful member of society and one that will be in demand in the decades to come as well. I like studying at Semmelweis University, I love the atmosphere of the Faculty building, and it is good feeling going to classes here. I am very excited to start my clinical practice."

Cintia Szabó, Faculty of Health Sciences

10 / 14

"In high school I got to like biology and chemistry but I didn’t want to go too deep into pharmaceutical sciences. I am going to be a public health supervisor and my career is taking clearer shape from day to day. Semmelweis University is an elite higher education institution, which is definitely an advantage on the job market. Whenever people ask me, I am proud to say the name of the institution, and it feels good to see the appreciation in their eyes. In addition to my studies, I am also the president of the faculty’s students’ union, and I am also active in the Instructor Self-Active Group. For me, it was important that the university I choose to go to should have a very active community life."

Gusztáv Rostás, Faculty of Medicine

11 / 14

"Until the end of the eighth grade I was just drifting aimlessly, I wasn’t interested in anything just playing football all day. The turning point came when I had knee surgery in my teens. The empathy and professionalism of the doctor who operated on me impressed me immensely, and I felt this was what I had to do as well. The University of Szeged would have been a more logical choice, but to my immense luck, the Roma Medical Education Program was just starting at Semmelweis University, so I had an opportunity to get into an internationally renowned elite institution. The training program is very difficult, we have to study a lot, but my plan is to become a family doctor once I get my diploma. I would like to help in areas where Roma live, where medical care is limited or entirely missing."

Emese Pongrácz, András Pető Faculty

12 / 14

"Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve gotten along well with the kids who lived near me, but a career as a traditional teacher never really appealed to me. However, at the András Pető Faculty of Semmelweis University I can get a special diploma that only few people in the world have. Within conductor training, I chose a specialization in kindergarten education, because I believe it is in this life stage that I can help disabled children most effectively. During my practice I witnessed marvelous improvements, which is an indescribable feeling that always gives me new momentum to continue my work."

Pedro Leroy, Institute of Translational Medicine

13 / 14

“Semmelweis caught my attention when I was looking for a university to pursue my PhD. I was drawn by its international reputation and the wide range of opportunities it had to offer. As courses run in English, German, and Hungarian, and I work in a multicultural research group, the language barrier has never posed a problem. I appreciate the creative freedom, the methodological and financial support I receive, and the cutting-edge technology I have access to. I feel at home here in Budapest, a livable city that reminds me of my hometown.”

Faraz Khayati, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

14 / 14

“I chose Semmelweis University because it has everything a student could wish for: It is located in an EU country, provides high-quality education, and has a welcoming international environment. Professors are approachable, encourage curiosity, and are always ready to provide accurate answers. Pharmaceutical sciences are my favorite field because they offer diversity and encourage creativity. Whether working directly with patients or in corporate settings, there is flexibility to choose your path, and financial considerations often play a more prominent role here than in other fields.”