Hungarian higher education stands for more than 600 years of academic excellence. The first university in Hungary was founded in Pécs, located in the southern region of Hungary, in 1367. Today there are 70 higher educational institutions in Hungary ranging from top research universities to minor colleges. The universities and colleges are financed either by the state, private organizations or a church.
Hungary joined the Bologna Process in 1999 by signing the Bologna Declaration with 28 other countries to establish the European Higher Education Area by 2020.
Credit system The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is the only existing credit system in Hungary. The ECTS was developed within the framework of European higher educational cooperation and mobility programmes for recognising periods of studies. The ECTS were initially implemented in the academic year 2003/04.
Diploma Supplement The Diploma Supplement (DS, oklevélmelléklet) has been issued by higher education institutions since July 2003. Since 2006 all higher education institutions have provided the document automatically and free of charge in Hungarian and English and/or in the language of an ethnic minority. The DS contains all information about the qualification, the degree programme and a short description of the subjects taught.
Admission According to the Higher Education Act, admission for Bachelor’s degree programmes and some long-term Master’s degree programmes is selective. The minimum requirement for admission for these degree programmes is a secondary school leaving certificate or its non-Hungarian equivalent. There are a few exceptions where practical examinations or tests are also required.
Courses include undergraduate and post graduate in business, economics, maths, science, engineering, information technology, health, medical, pharmacy, veterinary science, social sciences, agricultural science, education and related short training courses.
