Students in Hungary in trouble: low scholarships, financial problems
It has been three years since scholarships were last increased. However, that increase is nowhere to be seen today because of soaring inflation. Half of students in Hungary struggle to make ends meet, according to a recent survey.
With student spendings up by 10-25 percent in a year, most students are trying to save money. They typically spend less on entertainment, food and clothes, according to a recent survey. Student grants and social allowances were increased three years ago, but inflation has made them ineffective, Eduline writes.
Some of the monthly expenditure for a university student are as follows:
- monthly student pass in Budapest: HUF 3,450 (EUR 9);
- rent for an average apartment in the capital: HUF 145,000 (EUR 379) (if three people share the apartment, HUF 48,000 [EUR 125.4] each) plus utilities;
- telephone bill, mobile data: at least HUF 6-7,000 (EUR 15.7-18.3)
On top of this come food, clothes, medicines, school fees, etc.
Since 2020, the minimum amount of the scholarship is HUF 8300 (EUR 21.7).
However, even this is not available to self-funded students. The average scholarship is not much higher, ranging between HUF 15-25,000 (EUR 39.2-65.3) per month, napi.hu writes. Those who are also eligible for social grants can expect to receive at least HUF 16-32,000 (EUR 41.8-83.6) a month. However, for the majority of students, the amount of regular university grants – both academic and social – is still no higher than HUF 40-50,000 (EUR 104.5-130.6) per month.
The student standard allowance (hallgatói normatíva) is used as the basis for calculating scholarships and social allowances. This sum has been HUF 166,600 (EUR 435.1) from 1 February 2020. Of course, this amount will not be paid out to all students, but higher education institutions can use it to provide financial support to students with good academic results and those in need.
“Although not much time has passed since the last increase, this money has practically been devalued,” Marcell Eszterhai, president of the National Conference of Student Self-Governments (Hallgatói Önkormányzatok Országos Konferenciája, HÖOK), who has been in office since January, told Eduline. He added that tackling the problem will definitely be a major focus of his next two-year presidency.
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Source: Eduline.hu, napi.hu
4 Comments
Education in Hungary, when faced with the continuation of NEGLECT – Respect to Education, manifesting itself from out of this Orban led Government.
What is going to draw, inspire funding or support – when the entire Education system continues, through No INVESTMENT – that could be truly identified, over near 13 years in office, from this Orban Government.
Education in Hungary – educators, students – the “Stress” in the millions on parents, looking forward to what in the future there children, grand-children – what is there FUTURE.
Education by this Orban Government has been – ABUSED.
Educators have been tolerant, patient that never forget is a VOCATION.
We have been Educators, Students, Families – expected still with NO funding from a Government, that have taken Hungary to the brink of near Financial collapse, still to Function – Educate the Future the students, the youth of Hungary.
What century when you dissect – pull it ALL apart, what century is Education in Hungary – functioning under?
Is it of the 19th or 20th century?
The conditions/environments that Educators and Students, the lack of modern, state of the art “Tools” needed in the areas, the vastness of areas – for educators/students, to assist them – in there respective chosen courses being Degrees or Diplomas – of study, has been continues to be NEGLECTED – by this Orban Government.
No INVESTMENT and 13 years of NEGLECT and the ZENITH of problems for Orban that he has created in EDUCATION in Hungary – Orban he carries that on his shoulders – he has taken us to this place of grave uncertainty, and will be another Major negative – when in time his Legacy is written or discussed – that will be INCLUSIVE – what he Orban failed to do in EDUCATION for Hungary.
Dear author,
Dear editor,
The amount of HUF 8,300 or (EUR 21.7) is not the monthly stipend given to students. Instead, it is HUF 83,000. Thus, it is a mistake to rectify.
Thank you.
Dear Jean Claude, thank you for your remark. However, HUF 8300 is not a typo: that is the minimum amount of scholarship that can be given based on academic performance.
“rent for an average apartment in the capital: HUF 145,000 (EUR 379) (if three people share the apartment, HUF 48,000 [EUR 125.4] each) plus utilities;
Please use the sharing tools at the bottom of the articles.”
The price will then be topped up with common costs and utilities -> which will never be less then 160k/month.
The price 48.000ft/person is no longer exist. Instead even a shared apartment can cost 90k-140k for a ROOM, then plus utilities.
It is also almost impossible for students or early graduates to leave alon now since the price for a 30 something square meter studio is now 160k+ HUF for rent only