15+1 Hungarian university terms every international student should know

Starting university in Hungary can be both exciting and overwhelming – especially for international students. Beyond the usual academic challenges, you’ll quickly notice that Hungarian students (and even professors) use numerous unique short forms and slang that you won’t find in textbooks. To help you navigate university life more easily, we’ve compiled the 15+1 most important Hungarian university terms every international student should know.

Most important Hungarian University terms every international student should know

1. Neptun

This is the central student administration system in Hungary. You’ll use Neptun for everything: registering for courses, signing up for exams, submitting requests, and managing finances. For many first-year students, “Neptun” initially feels like a puzzle, but you’ll quickly become accustomed to it. Understanding Hungarian university terms like this is essential for navigating day-to-day academic life.

2. Kredit (credit points)

The standard measurement of your academic progress. In a Bachelor’s programme, you usually need 180 credits; in a Master’s, 120. On average, students complete around 30 credits per semester.

3. Gólyatábor / Gólyahét (Freshers’ Camp / Freshers’ Week)

The first big community experience for freshmen (“gólya” means stork, but also “freshman”). A week of games, parties, and bonding with fellow students before the semester officially begins.

4. ZH – Zárthelyi dolgozat (midterm test)

Written tests held during the semester, similar to high school exams. Many courses require multiple ZHs, and together they often determine your final grade.

5. Kollokvium (end-of-term exam)

An official examination for larger, theory-heavy subjects. It can be oral or written and usually takes place during the exam period. Knowing Hungarian university terms like kollokvium helps you understand expectations and exam schedules.

6. HÖK – Hallgatói Önkormányzat (Student Union)

The student government body representing students’ interests. They organise events, provide support, and even assist with administrative or academic issues.

7. Hallgatói nyilatkozat (student declaration)

A document that state-funded students must sign, committing to complete their degree within a set timeframe and to work in Hungary for a period equal to the length of their studies.

8. Szabvál – Szabadon választható tárgy (elective course)

Elective courses you can choose in addition to compulsory ones. They may include anything from sports classes to courses at another faculty. Understanding Hungarian university terms for electives ensures you can make informed choices.

9. Passziválás (suspension of studies / gap semester)

If you want to pause your studies for a semester, you can “passziválni.” This means no classes, no exams, no tuition fees – but also no student ID benefits or scholarships.

10. Átsorolás (reclassification of tuition status)

Each year, universities decide whether state-funded students must switch to self-funded status if their performance drops, or whether excellent self-funded students can move up to state-funded places.

11. Abszolutórium (final certificate of completed studies)

An official certificate showing you’ve completed all coursework and exams – though not yet your thesis or final exam. It’s the final step before graduation.

12. Tárgyfelvétel (course registration)

At the start of each semester, you register for classes in Neptun. Sometimes it’s a real competition to secure a place in popular courses!

13. Kötelező előadás vs. gyakorlat (lecture vs. seminar class)

Lectures are usually large-scale and theoretical, while “gyakorlat” (practice classes) are smaller, interactive, and often mandatory.

14. UV – Utóvizsga (retake exam / resit)

If you fail a subject during the exam period, you can retake it at the end of the exam period, during the so-called “UV week.”

15. Konzultáció (consultation hours)

A chance to meet lecturers directly, ask questions, or prepare for exams and thesis writing. Very useful – though many students forget to take advantage of it.

+1. Szeminárium (seminar)

A small-group class (10–20 people) where active participation is expected. Homework, presentations, and sometimes ZHs are common. At the end, you receive a “practical grade.”

Familiarising yourself with these Hungarian university terms will not only help you survive but thrive in university life. Learning them makes it easier to follow conversations, understand professors’ instructions, and feel fully part of the student community. Whether you’re registering for classes, attending a gólyahét, or preparing for your kollokvium, these terms will prove invaluable. In short, mastering these Hungarian university terms is essential for any international student. By embracing them, you’ll gain confidence, navigate administrative tasks, and integrate smoothly into academic and social life. Keep this list handy – it’s your ultimate guide to key Hungarian university terms.

More interesting news from this topic: higher education in Hungary.

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