EuroEducation.net
    The European Education Directory
 
 

A Guide to Graduate Programmes in Arts, Business, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Management, MBA, Science


Match term in Index:




Hungary



Structure of Educational System
Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition  of Foreign Credentials 
Student Life 
International Cooperation and Exchanges   


INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Egyetem (University)

Főiskola (College)

 

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Erettségi Bizonyítvány

Főiskolai Oklevél

Egyetemi Oklevél

Sszakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél

Doctori Oklevél

 

 

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 18

Structure of school system:

Basic First Stage

Type of school providing this education: Általános iskola (Elementary School)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 6 to: 10

Basic Second Stage

Type of school providing this education: Általános iskola

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 10 to: 14

Comprehensive

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium (Four-Year (Regular) General Secondary School

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 14 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Erettségi Bizonyítvány/Secondary School Leaving Certificate

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium

Length of program in years: 8

Age level from: 10 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Érettségi Bizonyítvány/Secondary School Leaving Certificate

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 12 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Érettségi Bizonyítvány/Secondary School Leaving Certificate

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Szakkozepiskola (Vocational Secondary School, type 1)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 14 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Érettségi Bizonyítvány after finishing the 4th year and Higher Level Vocational Qualification after completing the vocational training

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Szakiskola 4-year Vocational School

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 14 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Lower Level Vocational Qualification

School education:

Basic education lasts for eight years divided into two stages of four years each. Secondary education is provided in comprehensive/academic secondary schools (gimnázium) or vocational secondary schools (szakközépiiskola). Schools often offer more than one programme (e.g. academic and vocational, academic four- or six-year courses). The typical institutions offering general education and an Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate are known as comprehensive/academic secondary schools (gimnázium) and may be attended for four, five (e.g. bilingual secondary schools), six or eight years. Secondary vocational schools (szakközépiskola) and vocational schools (szakiskola) train in the fields of humanities, technical, agricultural sciences and services. Secondary vocational schools provide general education in the first four years and award the Secondary School Leaving Certificates. Vocational education generally begins after the fourth year, although some introductory vocational subjects may be taught during the first four years as well. Length of vocational courses may vary from one to three years up to vocational programmes. Vocational schools do not award secondary school leaving certificates and the level of the vocational qualification is lower than that in the vocational secondary schools.

Higher education:

Hungarian higher education has a dual system with colleges and universities. Some colleges are associated with universities and operate as college faculties of the universities. A university can also offer college level courses. The duration of training at college level is minimum 3 years, maximum 4 years; the duration of education at university level is minimum 4 years, maximum 5 years (with the exception of medical universities where it is 6 years). According to the binary pattern, colleges and universities grant Föiskolai Oklevél (college level degree) and universities grant Egyetemi Oklevél (university level degree). Universities organize three-year PhD courses, specialized further education courses (with a normal duration of two years) and various continuous education courses. The Act LXXX of 1993 on Higher Education established two institutions to provide professional advice on the development and control of higher education: the Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC) and the Higher Education and Scientific Council (HESC). On 1 June 1999, Parliament passed Act LII of 1999 on Restructuring the Institutions of Higher Education and amended Act LXXX of 1993 on Higher Education. By passing the above law the number of state run universities and colleges decreased significantly. The number of higher education institutions was 89 (55 run by the State, 28 by Churches and 6 by foundations). At present,  the new network of higher education institutions consists of 17 state universities, 1 non-state university, 13 colleges, 26 Church universities and colleges and 9 colleges run by foundations.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Act LII on restructuring the institutions of higher education Year: 1999

Decree: Act LXXX on Higher Education (amended and modified several times) Year: 1993

Concerns: all higher education institutions

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Jun

Long vacation from: Jul to: Aug

Languages of instruction: Hungarian

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Since September 1, 1996, a new form of higher learning has been introduced : accredited higher vocational training (akkreditált iskolai rendszerü felsöfokú szakképzés). It is integrated into the system of higher education. This short-cycle post-secondary course is not a degree course. The graduates obtain a vocational certificate (bizonyítvány). The 2-year programmes are offered mainly by colleges (sometimes by universities) and in many cases in collaboration with secondary vocational schools.Higher, more practice-oriented education is offered in non-university higher education institutions (főiskola). Courses last for three or four years and graduates obtain a College Degree (Főiskolai Oklevél). This qualification - which may also be called "Bachelor" - entitles holders to practise a profession or to continue higher education studies and obtain the Szakosító Oklevél (Post-college Specialization Degree) in one to two years or in some cases the Egyetemi Oklevél (University Degree). Universities may also offer college level courses.

 

University level studies:

University level first stage:

Higher education at university level generally consists of a course, usually four to six years in duration, which confers, after the defence of a thesis and successful completion of the final examination, the higher education qualification of Oklevél/Egyetemi Oklevél (University Degree). This qualification - which may also be called "Master's"- entitles holders to practise a profession or to continue higher education studies and obtain a Szakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél (Post-university Specialization degree) in one to three years or to pursue doctoral studies.

University level second stage: University studies:

The Szakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél (Further Specialization Degree) may be obtained after the Föiskolai Oklevél (College Degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Degree) after following a programme of one to two years.

University level third stage: Postgraduate studies: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D), Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA):

Doctoral studies are another type of postgraduate studies. This stage of higher education leads to the degrees of Doktor or  Mester three years after the Oklevél/ Egyetemi Oklevél. The Doktor and Mester are awarded by a Committee of the University after not less than three years' research following upon the Oklevél/Egyetemi Oklevél and the submission of a thesis/dissertation and an oral examination which includes foreign languages. The new Hungarian Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy and, in the case of Arts universities,  the Doctor of Liberal Arts degree) corresponds to what is known and recognized internationally as a PhD.

 

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Kindergarten and primary school teachers are trained at college level in teacher training colleges (főiskola) for three years (kindergarten teachers) and for four years (basic school teachers). Second cycle primary school teachers follow a four-year course at a college of education and specialize in two subjects. According to the 1996 Amendment of the Public Education Act, a college or university qualification is needed to teach academic subjects or a special field of the National Core Curriculum in elementary education.

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers are trained in four or five years in universities and specialize in one or two subjects.

Training of higher education teachers

According to the Higher Education Act, only those with a university degree may work as teachers or lecturers in higher education institutions. The Higher Education Teaching Qualification may only be obtained after four or five years of university study.

 

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Levelező tagozatos oktatás: correspondence courses are organized at universities and colleges and the diplomas awarded are equivalent to those granted to full-time students.

Higher education training in industry

Non-formal studies pursued outside the traditional schooling system are organized in institutions run by industry, state-financed agencies, social organizations, and management training centres.

Other forms of non-formal higher education

Evening or correspondence courses, run by higher education institutions, are widely available within the framework of adult education.

 

 

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education

Head: József Pálinkás, Minister

Szalay utca 10-14
1055 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 473-7333  +36(1) 473-7332

Fax: +36(1) 269-2437

EMail: jozsef.palinkas@om.gov.hu

WWW: http://www.om.hu

 

 

Hungarian Rectors' Conference

Head: Zoltán Gaál, President

Administrative officer: Mariann Varga, Secretary-General

Ajtósi Dürer sor 19-21
1146 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 344-0310

Fax: +36(1) 251-3003

EMail: Secretary@fksz.huninet.hu

WWW: http://www.fksz.huninet.hu

 

 

Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC)(Magyar Akkreditációs Bizottság)

Head: Pál Michelberger

International relations: Krisztina Rozsnyai, Head, International Relations

House of Professors, Ajtósi Dürer sor 19-21
1146 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 344-0314

Fax: +36(1) 344-0313

EMail: titkarsag@mab.hu

WWW: http://www.hac.huninet.hu

 

 

 

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Erettségi Bizonyítvány

For entry to: Accredited higher vocational education

Numerus clausus/restrictions:

Restrictions in some cases, depending on available places

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Erettségi Bizonyítvány

For entry to: all colleges, university colleges and university colleges

Alternatives to credentials: no

Numerus clausus/restrictions: Restrictions in some cases depending on places available

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: Students who are not Hungarian nationals and have not settled in Hungary

Admission requirements: Foreign students must hold a Secondary School Leaving Certificate (issued after the completion of 12 years of study or eleven years if primary and secondary education comprise eleven years in that particular country and entitles its holder to apply for admission to an institution of higher education in the given country) or its equivalent. Students are admitted to higher education institutions on the basis of an entrance examination.

Health requirements: For some courses yes

Language requirements: Knowledge of the Hungarian language is a requirement in courses conducted in Hungarian. Hungarian higher education institutions also offer higher education programmes in foreign languages. In this case the knowledge of the given language is a prerequisite.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: all higher education institutions.

Application closing dates:

For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 1 Mar

For university level studies: 1 Mar

For advanced/doctoral studies: May

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC) (http://www.hac.huninet.hu/index.html) continuously monitors the standard of training and scientific activity in higher education institutions. All programmes have to be approved by the HAC.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre, Ministry of Education

Head: Gábor Meszáros, Director

Szalay utca 10-14
1055 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 473-7321  +36(1) 473-7325

Fax: +36(1) 332-1932

EMail: gabor.meszaros@om.gov.hu

WWW: http://www.naric.hu

 

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: Profession

Services provided & students dealt with: Academic and professional recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees; recommendations for educational institutions concerning the academic recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees .

 

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Act C of 2001 on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It can be found on the web site www.naric.hu

Special provisions for recognition:

For access to university level studies: Act C on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It also applies to foreigners.

For access to advanced studies and research: Act C on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It also applies to foreigners.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Convention)

Year of signature: 1997

Name of agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe

Year of signature: 1979

Name of agreement: The European Convention

Year of signature: 1992

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Year of signature: 1997

Country/state involved: Austria

Year of signature: 1975

Country/state involved: Bulgaria

Year of signature: 1976

Country/state involved: India

Year of signature: 1982

Country/state involved: Austria

Year of signature: 1980

Country/state involved: Yugoslavia

Year of signature: 1989

Country/state involved: Spain

Year of signature: 1990

Country/state involved: Germany

Year of signature: 1974

Country/state involved: Poland

Year of signature: 1997

Country/state involved: China

Year of signature: 1997

Country/state involved: Romania

Year of signature: 1999

Country/state involved: Slovenia

Year of signature: 2000

Country/state involved: Slovak Republic

Year of signature: 1974

Country/state involved: USSR (former)

Year of signature: 1980

Country/state involved: Poland

Year of signature: 1989

Country/state involved: Czechoslovakia

Year of signature: 1997

Country/state involved: Croatia

Name of agreement: Ukraine

Year of signature: 1998

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies

Title: Higher Education in Hungary : Hungarian Higher Education and Qualifications

Author: Hungarian Centre for Equivalence  and International Mobility

Publisher: Ministry of Culture and Education

Year of publication: 1996

Title: Higher Education Programmes in Foreign Languages in Hungary

Publisher: Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre

Year of publication: 1999

Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001

Publisher: UNESCO/IBE

Year of publication: 1999

 

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

National Conference of Students' Self-Governing Bodies (HÖOK)

House of Professors, Ajtósí Dürer sor 19-21
1146 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 343-6492

Fax: +36(1) 321-2878

EMail: info@hook.huninet.hu

WWW: http://www.sc.bme.hu/hook

 

Health/social provisions

Social security for home students: Yes

Social security for foreign students: Yes

Special student travel fares:

By road: Yes

By rail: Yes

By air: Yes

Available to foreign students: Yes

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Forint)

Maximum: 1000000 (Forint)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 2000 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 4500 (US Dollar)

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Higher Education Programmes in Foreign Languages in Hungary

Publisher: Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre

Year of publication: 1999

 

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

Hungarian Scholarship Committee

House of Professors, Ajtósí Dürer sor 19-21
1146 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 343-4800

Fax: +36(1) 344-0339

WWW: http://www.scholarship.hu

 

TEMPUS Public Foundation

Üllöi út 82
1082 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 210-9700

Fax: +36(1) 210-9701

WWW: http://www.tpf.iif.hu

 

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: CEEPUS

Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES

Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

 

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 5: jeles (excellent); 4: jó (good); 3: közepes (fair); 2: elégséges (satisfactory); 1: elégtelen (unsatisfactory).

Highest on scale: 5

Pass/fail level: 2/1

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: Examinations are graded according to the commonly used system 5: jeles (excellent); 4: jó (good); 3: közepes (fair); 2: elégséges (satisfactory); 1: elégtelen (unsatisfactory).

Highest on scale: 5

Pass/fail level: 2/1

Lowest on scale: 1

Other main grading systems

For the defence of a thesis a point system or the Latin system (summa cum laude, cum laude, rite) are used.

 

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

 

 

Data for academic year: 2001-2002

Source: Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre, Budapest, 2002



Copyright © International Associations of Universities







Back to EuroEducation Net


STUDENT SERVICES
 StudentHolidays.com 
EuroEducation's Guide to Travel and Tourism
Book Cheap Hostels / Book Student Tours