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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Egyetem (University)

Főiskola (College)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Érettségi Bizonyítvány

Főiskolai Oklevél

Egyetemi Oklevél

Szakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél

Doktori 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

Academic Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium Programme 1 (Four-Year (Regular) Academic Secondary School)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 14 to: 18

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

Academic Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium Programme 2 (bilingual education)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 14 to: 19

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

Academic Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium Programme 3

Length of program in years: 8

Age level from: 10 to: 18

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

Academic Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnázium Programme 4

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: Szakközépiskola (Vocational Secondary School)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 14 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Érettségi Bizonyítvány

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Szakiskola (Vocational School)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 14 to: 18

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 academic secondary schools (gimnázium) or vocational secondary schools (szakközépiskola). 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 a Secondary School Leaving Certificate are known as 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 (szakközépiskola) 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 also be taught during the first four years. The length of vocational courses may vary from one to three years up to vocational programmes. Vocational schools (szakiskola) do not award secondary school leaving certificates and the level of the vocational qualification is lower than that in the vocational secondary schools (szakközépiskola).

Higher education:

Hungarian higher education has a dual system with colleges and universities. Some colleges are associated with universities and operate as college faculties within 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 Főiskolai 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 one to three 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 18 state universities, 2 non-state universities, 13 state colleges, 5 church universities and 22 colleges and 12 colleges run by foundations. From September 1, 2003 all higher education institutions use the ECTS system. In Hungary, reforms in higher education in line with the objectives of the Bologna declaration have already been launched. In September 2005, Bachelor programmes are offered in the technology and agriculture fields.They will be offered in all fields of study in September 2006.  A two-level secondary school leaving examination was introduced in 2005. It  replaces the entrance examinations in higher education.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

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

Concerns: All state-run higher education institutions

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

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: Government Decree 169/2000 (IX.29.) on the list of disciplines pertaining to science and the ones pertaining to the arts Year: 2000

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: Government Decree 200/2000 (XI.29.) on the credit system Year: 2000

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: Government Decree 381/2004 (XII.28.) for the introduction of a multi-cycle course structure in higher education. Year: 2004

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: Government Decree 77/2002 (IV.13.) on credit system Year: 2002

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 under the designation accredited higher vocational training (akkreditált iskolai rendszerü felsöfokú szakképzés). At present this type of post-secondary study is called higher vocational training (felsőfokú szakképzés) and 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 after the defence of a thesis and successful completion of the final examination, graduates obtain a Föiskolai Oklevél (College-level Degree). This qualification - which may also be called "Bachelor" - entitles holders to practise a profession or to continue further higher education studies and obtain the Szakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél (Post-college Further Specialization Degree) in one to three years or in some cases the Egyetemi Oklevél (University-level Degree). Universities also offer college level courses.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Undergraduate studies:

Higher education at university level generally consists of a course, usually four to six years in duration, which confers  the higher education qualification of Oklevél/Egyetemi Oklevél (University-level Degree) after the defence of a thesis and successful completion of the final examination. 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 Further Specialization Degree) in one to three years or to pursue doctoral studies.

University level second stage: Postgraduate studies:

1) The Szakirányú Továbbképzési Oklevél (Post-university Further Specialization Degree) may also be obtained after the Oklevél/Egyetemi Oklevél (University-level Degree) after following a programme of one to three years. 2) Doctoral studies are another type of postgraduate studies. This stage of higher education leads to Doktor or Mester Degrees three years after the Oklevél/ Egyetemi Oklevél (University-level Degree). The Doktor and Mester Degrees are awarded by a Committee of the University after not less than three years' research following upon the Oklevél/Egyetemi Oklevél (University-level Degree). The training requirements of doctoral studies that should be completed are the following: language proficiency as approppriate for the given field of science in two foreign languages, an original scientific work supported by scientific publications and summarized in a dissertation. Applicants have to pass two oral doctoral examinations and defend the thesis of the dissertation in a public debate. 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 (főiskola) 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 (egyetem) and specialize in one or two subjects.

Training of higher education teachers

According to the Higher Education Act, only those with a university-level degree may work as teachers or lecturers in higher education institutions.

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Distance education is offered by accredited higher education institutions.

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 and the diplomas awarded are equivalent to those granted to full-time students.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Oktatási Minisztérium (Ministry of Education)

Head: Bálint Magyar, Minister

Szalay utca 10-14
1055 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 4737333/ 4737332

Fax: +36(1) 2692437

EMail: balint.magyar@om.gov.hu

WWW: http://www.om.hu

Felsöoktatási Konferenciák Szövetsége (Confederation of Hungarian Conferences on Higher Education)

Head: Lajos Besenyei, President

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

Tel: +36(1) 3440310

Fax: +36(1) 2513003

EMail: Secretary@fksz.hu

Magyar Akkreditációs Bizottság (Hungarian Accreditation Committee)

Head: Dr László Fésüs

International relations: Krisztina Rozsnyai, Head, International Relations

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

Tel: +36(1) 3440314

Fax: +36(1) 3440313

EMail: titkarsag@mab.hu

WWW: http://www.mab.hu/english/index.html

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Érettségi Bizonyítvány

For entry to: Higher vocational training

Numerus clausus/restrictions:

Restrictions in some cases.

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Érettségi Bizonyítvány

For entry to: all colleges, university colleges and universities

Entrance exams required: From the academic year 2005/2006 on, there are no more entrance examinations. Admission is based on the results of secondary school studies and/or secondary school leaving examinations.

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

Other admission requirements: An aptitude test (e.g. teacher training) or practical examinations (e.g. in Arts, sports, …) is required for some study programmes.

Foreign students admission

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

Admission requirements: Foreign students must hold a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent (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 a higher education institution in the given country).

Health requirements: For some courses.

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: 15 Feb

For university level studies: 15 Feb

For advanced/doctoral studies: Apr

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (HAC) (http://www.mab.hu/english/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 ENIC/NARIC, Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre, Ministry of Education

Head: Gábor Mészáros, General Director

H-1055
Budapest
Szalay u. 10-14
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 4737325/ 4737321

Fax: +36(1) 3321932

EMail: meik@om.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 non-university post-secondary studies: Act C of 2001 on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It also applies to foreigners.

For access to university level studies: Act C of 2001 on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It also applies to foreigners.

For access to advanced studies and research: Act C of 2001 on the recognition of foreign certificates and degrees. It also applies to foreigners.

For the exercise of a profession: Act C of 2001 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

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Name of agreement: Austria

Year of signature: 1994

Name of agreement: Austria; China; Croatia; Romania

Year of signature: 1997

Name of agreement: Austria; Lao People's Democratic Republic

Year of signature: 1982

Name of agreement: Bulgaria

Year of signature: 1975

Name of agreement: Germany

Year of signature: 2001

Name of agreement: India

Year of signature: 1976

Name of agreement: Slovak Republic

Year of signature: 2000

Country/state involved: Slovak Republic

Name of agreement: Slovenia

Year of signature: 1999

Name of agreement: Spain

Year of signature: 1989

Name of agreement: Syria

Year of signature: 1986

Name of agreement: Ukraine

Year of signature: 1998

Name of agreement: USSR (former)

Year of signature: 1974

Name of agreement: Yugoslavia (former)

Year of signature: 1980

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

Title: Higher Education in Hungary: Heading for the Third Millennium

Publisher: Ministry of Education

Year of publication: 2002

Title: Higher Education Programmes in Foreign Languages in Hungary

Publisher: Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre

Year of publication: 1999

Title: Hungarian Higher Education in the Year of the Millennium

Publisher: Ministry of Education

Year of publication: 2000

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

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

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

Tel: +36(1) 4600575

Fax: +36(1) 3212878

EMail: info@hook.ph.hu

WWW: http://www.hook.hu

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: 2500000 (Forint)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 3000 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 11000 (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 Board

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

Tel: +36(1) 3434800

Fax: +36(1) 3440339

WWW: http://www.scholarship.hu

TEMPUS Public Foundation

Váci út 37
1134 Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36(1) 2371300

Fax: +36(1) 2391329

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 (fail).

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 (fail) or with the classification: kiválóan megfelelt (excellent) (5), megfelelt (satisfactory) (3), nem felelt meg (fail) (1).

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: 2005-2006

Source: IAU from Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre, Ministry of Education, Budapest, December 2005

Note on Higher Education Institutions: Also National Defence University (www.zmne.hu), and Theological Colleges uniquely dedicated to the training of Ministers. The Central European University located in Budapest is listed under United States of America, 'Outside USA'.