Portuguese Language, Literature and Culture MA
    Facts & figures
    Degree
    Philologist in Portuguese Language, Literature and Culture
    Type
    Degree program
    Academic Level
    Master
    Accreditation number
    OH-FHF/1660-4/2009
    Department

    Department of Portuguese Language and Literature

    Institute

    Institute of Romance Studies

    Language of instruction

    Portuguese, International

    Duration
    4 semesters (2 years)
    Area of interest
    Arts and Humanities
    ECTS Credits
    120
    Minimum number of new students
    2
    Maximum number of new students
    30
    Short description

    The Portuguese MA program concentrates on the subjects studied at BA level.  In this program students study literary and linguistic theory, medieval literature, literature of the 19th century and the modern age of Portugal and Brazil, focusing on the work of the most distinguished authors. In linguistics, the studies of history of language are followed by courses on lexicology, morphology and syntax. Further courses are offered on the translation of scientific texts and academic writing in Portuguese.

    Our graduates finish the program with a high level of knowledge of Portuguese. Many of them work as language teachers in language schools, as editors or literary translators, others find positions in the tourism industry, media and marketing, in governmental institutions or ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Foreign Trade, and in international companies.

    Strength of program

    The aim of this Portuguese MA-program is to train specialists in Portuguese linguistics, literature who would like to pursue a scientific career at a high level in the future and prepare them for PhD studies. The instructors of the courses carefully monitor the progress of the students, who can study one semester in a Portuguese University (in the Erasmus mobility) and can study with the “visiting professors” who give lectures at the Department of Portuguese Language and Literature.

    This program trains specialists in Portuguese linguistics or literature for their academic or non-academic career. Students have the possibility to study for one semester at an Erasmus+ partner university in Portugal and they regularly meet visiting professors. The department has close contact with the Embassy of Portugal and the Brazilian Embassy in Budapest, too.

    Note that the program does not offer teaching qualifications.

    Find the detailed structure of the program on the site of the Faculty.

    Career opportunities

    Our graduates finish the program with a high level of Portuguese knowledge. Many of them work as language teachers in public schools or language schools, as editors or literary translators, others find positions in the tourism industry, media and marketing, at governmental institutions or ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Foreign Trade, and at international companies.

    Job examples
    • Language teacher
    • Editor
    • Translator
    • International officer
    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 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026; The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
    The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026; The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
    Entrance exam fee
    Other cost 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee)
    Offered for the next academic year
    No
    Is there a February intake?
    No
    Admission requirements

    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 Romance Philology, Specialized in Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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

    C1 level Portuguese language proficiency.

    The language of instruction for the entire program is Portuguese.

    Accepted language certificates at C1 level (CEFR):
    — DAPLE
    — DUPLE
    — Celpe: Avançado Superior

    Depending on its (academic) profile, the applicant might be offered preparatory courses if this level of proficiency has not been reached yet.

    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.

    Documents to submit with application

    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

    A maximum of 500 words. 

    Copy of the main pages of the passport
    (needs to be valid)

    Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must 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.
    Application procedure

    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): 01/10-30/11/2025 23:59 (CET)
    Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2026 23:59 (CET)
    Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2026 23:59 (CET)

    The application procedure includes 2 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

    When the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs 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. The applications are examined by the Admission Board no later than after each application period and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system after the decision is official. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system within a few days.

    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 English 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.

    Program leader

    Dr. István RÁKÓCZI
    Head of Department of Portuguese Language and Literature

    Admission
    Department of International Affairs
    E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
    Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.

    More information
    Website