education

Hungarian counties ranked: Where is the best and worst place to live?

A recent survey uncovers which Hungarian counties lead in happiness and which lag behind, revealing key factors such as financial security, age, and marital status that shape overall satisfaction.

About the survey

Pénzcentrum has conducted its yearly survey to find out which are the happiest and the least happy Hungarian counties. Based on responses from nearly 11,000 participants, the study highlights that factors like age, marital status, occupation, and financial stability significantly influence happiness. In addition, Hungarians felt slightly better in 2024 compared to the previous year. Happiness is crucial for societal and economic well-being, boosting productivity, creativity, and public health while attracting tourism and driving economic growth. As inflation slows, real wages rise, and labour market pressures ease, life in Hungary appears more manageable.

The happiest Hungarian counties

The average happiness score in Hungary has risen slightly to 5.8 from last year’s 5.7, with notable regional variations among Hungarian counties. Somogy and Vas counties lead the happiness rankings, while Nógrád consistently ranks last. Vas retained its top position, and Somogy made a remarkable leap from 19th to second place. Pest county also improved significantly, moving from 9th to 3rd, while Győr-Moson-Sopron and Zala counties slipped in the rankings.

Furthermore, gender and demographic differences reveal that women are generally happier than men, older individuals are happier than younger ones, and entrepreneurs report higher happiness than public sector workers, who scored the lowest with an average of 4.1. Married people and those with children reported greater happiness compared to single or childless respondents.

Healthcare and financial situation determine happiness

Hungary faces significant challenges in public health, ranking second to last among EU countries, with the healthcare crisis posing a critical threat due to doctor shortages, limited access to free medical care, and lengthy waiting times. Despite these issues, satisfaction with health has slightly improved, with Hungarian counties like Pest and Vas, as well as Budapest, reporting the highest satisfaction, while Nógrád remains the least satisfied.

Financial security emerges as a key determinant of happiness, as regions with higher average incomes, such as the capital, Pest, and Győr-Moson-Sopron, report the greatest financial contentment. Education and occupation also play a role, with individuals with higher education and professions such as employees, civil servants, and pensioners feeling more financially secure. However, despite rising wages and slowed inflation, overall financial satisfaction remains modest, with last year’s average score unchanged at 5.5.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

January 12, 2025

Hungarian government initiates talks with student union on university scholarship reforms

Veronika Varga-Bajusz HÖOK university higher education students scholarship

The government is starting talks with the National Union of Students in Hungary (Hallgatói Önkormányzatok Országos Konferenciája, HÖOK) on university student scholarships, the state secretary for higher education and adult training said on Thursday.

Based on feedback from students, the government believes it is once again necessary to review the regulation and the per-student allocation of scholarships, Veronika Varga-Bajusz told a press conference on the sidelines of the international Educatio expo in Budapest.

She said that although the government was already spending close to 20 billion forints (EUR 48.2 million) a year on student scholarships based on academic performance and social needs, it was worth reviewing their regulation again. Varga-Bajusz said the government disbursed 11.1 billion forints of scholarship funding to 50,045 students in spring 2024.

Hungarian higher education institutions “are competitive in just about every academic field” having shifted from being state-run to being operated by foundations, the state secretary said, adding that the higher education reform offered students “countless career opportunities”.

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January 10, 2025

Hungarian culture minister: Hungarian higher education is cool

Hungarian higher education is “cool”, providing success, competitiveness, career and experiences, the culture and innovation minister said at the opening event of the Educatio expo in Budapest on Thursday.

In an effort to help young people have a vision of the future, the government had reformed higher education and completed a “competitiveness turnaround” in the sector, Balázs Hankó said. “Our aim is to have a Hungarian university among the top 100 institutions in the world.” The developments are strengthening the Hungarian economy, and “making our everyday life better”, Hankó said.

Applications to higher education were at a record high in the past decade and courses are becoming increasingly diverse, with 17 new MA courses launched this year alone, he said. One Hungarian university is among the top 1% in the world, and 12 are listed in the top 2%, he added. The government’s 100 billion forint (EUR 240.9 million) scholarship scheme is helping 260,000 students, he added. Meanwhile, the Pannonia programme is offering them access to the best universities in the world, he added.

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January 9, 2025

Hungary’s culture minister explores strengthening ties with Transylvania’s cultural and educational institutions

The minister of culture and innovation discussed ways to improve and tighten cooperation between the Hungarian government and institutions involved in culture, education and family affairs during a two-day visit to Szekler Land and Transylvania.

Balázs Hankó held talks on Tuesday with officials from Harghita County and Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda), Romanian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos. He added that on Wednesday he had met leaders of the Sapientia – Hungarian University of Transylvania in Sfantu Gheorghe (Sepsiszentgyörgy) and viewed the location for a planned new university campus. He said they had discussed the university’s plans to become one of the top ten universities in Romania for which the Hungarian government would also provide support.

He added that he had also held talks with the Mayor of Sfantu Gheorghe, Arpad Antal, as well as the heads of local institutions. He said that at a meeting with the theatre directors of Sfantu Gheorghe and Targu Secuiesc (Kézdivásárhely), they had discussed ways to boost activities involving children, considering that 2025 has been designated as a year for children in the county.

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January 8, 2025

Hungarian universities defend autonomy, condemn EU decision on Erasmus+ exclusion

Six Hungarian universities on Wednesday expressed support for Hungary’s higher education model based on the opportunity given to universities to be run by foundations rather than directly by the state, saying that the European Commission had ignored powerful arguments made for the past two years that the changes had not at all compromised the autonomy of universities.

Referring to a recent European Commission decision to maintain the status quo locking students of Hungarian universities run by foundations from the Erasmus+ and Horizon programmes, the universities said in a statement that the commission was uninterested in pursuing dialogue.

The statement by Semmelweis, Óbuda and Veterinary Science universities of Budapest, and the universities of Debrecen, Miskolc, and Dunaújváros said the EC decision was “aimed at putting pressure on Hungary … involving students and researchers of 21 universities in a political conflict”.

The students and researchers “are suffering unjust discrimination”, the statement said, adding that the procedure breached the EU’s fundamental principles stipulating equal treatment and scientific freedoms.

“The EC’s problems with the Hungarian government … have nothing to do with Hungarian universities,” the statement said. “We are convinced that the European Commission and Council’s concerns against the government of Hungary in connection with the rule of law cannot be legitimately used as an excuse to interfere with the integrity of Hungarian universities and to grievously punish researchers and students,” it added.

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December 18, 2024

Orbán: Hungary aims to become global leader in education and research with investments in universities

Hungary, as “the westernmost Eastern people and the easternmost Western people”, wants to connect to all of the world’s economic power centres, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at the inauguration of the renovated pavilion buildings of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest on Tuesday.

“We’re making good progress on this, and this is something Hungarian universities will be big winners of,” the prime minister said.

Orbán said the world was on the verge of fundamental changes, arguing that the liberal world order had come to an end, and the winners of the new era would be those who fully realised their potential. But those who “fall in line” and “fail to recognise the strength in their national character”, he added, would quickly fade into irrelevance.

orbán education research university — Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd

He said Hungary was preparing to set its role on the international stage on new foundations.

“We don’t want to follow the path carved out by others, but rather to make use of the advantages that stem from our own history, our own economic structure and our own culture,” Orbán said.

He said Hungarian animal science was world-renowned, adding that the University of Veterinary Medicine offered “perhaps the highest-quality education” in the country. He said it was the institution that made the most scientific discoveries and was among the world’s top 150 universities, “of which all Hungarians can be justly proud”.

Orbán said the university aimed to become one of the world’s top 50 such institutions, and the newly opened buildings and new research laboratories could help this plan succeed. Now the university has the proper background that will make it possible for students and researchers to perform above average also in terms of international publications and patent development, he added.

He said the developments at the University of Veterinary Medicine were part of the new era of Hungary’s higher education system, with Hungarian universities aiming to belong to the global top tier. He cited the latest European Union figures showing that Hungary was spending the most on higher education in proportion to GDP in the whole of the EU.

He said Hungary has tripled spending on research and development in the past ten years. As a result, there are currently 12 Hungarian universities in the global top five percent as against seven universities five years ago, he added. The number of international students in Hungary has nearly doubled in the past ten years, he said.

Orbán said Hungary would not allow Brussels to penalise young Hungarians “because we protect our sovereignty”. As a result the government has set up the Pannonia scholarship scheme, he added. “We do not have to rely on other people’s money, but we on our own can also develop successful scientific cooperation with the best universities around the world,” he said.

He said further buildings of the University of Veterinary Medicine were planned to be revamped in the future, adding that the hope was that the war would end in 2025, the European economy would return to its normal track, Hungary’s economy would be set on a growth path, and this would enable the allocation of funds necessary to further develop the university.

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December 11, 2024

Shocking: Student attempts suicide at Szeged elementary school, Hungary – UPDATED with new information

szeged zrínyi ilona általános iskola suicide attempt

A tragic incident occurred at a Szeged elementary school, where a student reportedly attempted suicide on school grounds. The boy was discovered by a school janitor and rushed to the hospital. Authorities and emergency services have declined to release further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Emergency responders, including ambulances and police, were dispatched to Zrínyi Ilona Elementary School in Szeged after reports of a student attempting suicide. According to Délmagyar, the incident involved an upper-grade student who was found hanging in the school restroom. The janitor discovered the boy, who was transported to the hospital. His current condition remains unknown.

Parents of other students reportedly learned about the event from media outlets, sparking concern and shock. A fellow student revealed that the boy had recently transferred to the school. On the day of the incident, he borrowed a neck strap meal card from a classmate, allegedly using it in the attempt.

Authorities, including the police, ambulance services, and the Szeged Education Center, have refrained from providing additional information to Szegeder and Telex, citing a media blackout on the case. The Csongrád-Csanád County Police Headquarters confirmed that the matter is under investigation but declined further comment.

UPDATE: New information about the boy

“The student who attempted suicide at the Zrínyi school was a former Wesley student who was fine for two years until Wesley closed. Now he’s attempted suicide,” a Telex reader contacted the news portal on Wednesday.

Another source told Szegeder that the student who hanged himself on Tuesday at the Zrínyi Ilona Elementary School in Szeged was originally attending the Wesley János Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary School in Szeged, which was closed by the Government Office in September.

Endre Tóth, a politician of the opposition party Momentum , also reported that the student used to go to Wesley, a school run by Gábor Iványi’s church. “We obviously don’t know the exact reasons for the student’s actions, but we do know that for students with special needs, who attended Wesley in large numbers, a change of school is a much greater shock than the average. Especially when they have to do it suddenly, in a matter of days, without any preparation. Especially if they have to go back to a school where they were previously very unhappy,” he said.

According to him, they should not have been subjected to this. As he said, “Neither financial debts nor the personal grievances of the Prime Minister are worth so much, nothing can be more important than the physical and mental health of children”.

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December 4, 2024

BME’s ownership shift: Could this be a threat to the university’s autonomy?

The management of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) organised a forum to discuss the possible restructuring of the university’s operational structure. The event brought together senior staff from all areas of the university and presented a draft of a new operational framework developed by the Principal’s Office and the current maintenance staff.

Hungarian film classics with English subtitles at prestigious Budapest university for free (Copy) — Photo: FB/BME

According to Portfolio, one of the key elements of the proposed operating model is the transfer of the university’s maintenance rights to a state-owned company. This move could provide greater flexibility and long-term funding stability. In addition to an increase in core public funding, the model also includes performance-based funding, which could incentivise the university to be more efficient. Infrastructure and property assets would continue to be managed by the University, but the duration and conditions of their management would be strengthened.

Key elements of the new model

The Rector, Charaf Hassan, emphasised that the restructuring of the operational structure was in line with the objectives set out in the Rector’s proposal. The new maintenance framework would be based on the specificities of BME, taking into account the current situation and future needs of the university. The model would focus on ensuring high-quality teaching, maintaining and strengthening the autonomy of the University, and achieving competitive salaries.

New rector heading Budapest top university — Photo: FB/BME

The new system could also include a role for national companies as supporters. This would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the University’s economic and market links and increase the predictability and stability of funding. The Rector stated that these partnerships could contribute to more flexible operations, further enhancing the quality of education and improving the international competitiveness of the University’s research. The Rector stressed that, even under the new maintenance framework, it is a condition for BME to continue to participate in the EU Horizon and Erasmus grant schemes.

At the forum, Hassan also stated that he would be seeking approval at the December Senate meeting to work out further details of the change of ownership. To ensure the success of the negotiations, he plans to set up a committee that will include university leaders and student representatives. Charaf Hassan also said that the University community would be kept informed of the process and progress, and that decision-making would be based on an inclusive and broad-based dialogue.

Stability, predictability and performance

Charaf Hassan concluded that BME is considering a new operating model that will provide more stable and predictable funding while giving the university more resources in a performance-based system. The new framework aims to maintain and strengthen BME’s international role while continuing to be a national centre for innovation and quality education. Hassan emphasised that the future of the University is a shared concern and that transparency and collaboration are key to shaping it.

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November 30, 2024

Top 3 in the region: Corvinus University gains prestigious recognition

Corvinus University of Budapest has once again earned its place among the elite institutions in global higher education. In the latest Eduniversal rankings, Corvinus was recognised as one of the top business schools in Central and Eastern Europe, underscoring its excellence and long-term vision.

The Eduniversal rankings, which evaluate the world’s top 1,000 business schools, placed Corvinus third in the region, sharing this prestigious spot with the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb. Leading the rankings were the University of Economics in Prague and the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Warsaw. This distinction is particularly significant as it reflects the opinions of higher education leaders from over 150 countries, making it a powerful testament to Corvinus’ international standing.

Global recognition

Corvinus University’s high placement demonstrates the success of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its professional network and enhance its prestige on the world stage. According to Világgazdaság, Cécile Escape Perochain, Managing Director of the Eduniversal Group, highlighted Corvinus’ exemplary role, not only in its region but also globally. She praised the innovative leadership and forward-thinking strategies of its management, which serve as a model for other universities.

Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of the University, acknowledged the collective contributions of students, faculty, and researchers in achieving this milestone. He emphasised that Corvinus’ mission is to showcase its values and achievements to a global audience, further solidifying its international reputation.

This is not the first time Corvinus has garnered such recognition. Over the years, it has consistently excelled in regional rankings. For instance, its full-time MBA programme was ranked first in the region by the QS rankings this year, further highlighting the university’s unwavering commitment to quality education and research.

Budapest university among Europe's top 50 MBA business programs (Copy) — Photo: FB/Corvinus

The key to success

The result of careful planning and an unwavering commitment to excellence was needed to achieve this ranking. By prioritising education and research programmes that give students a competitive edge while aligning with global academic trends, the university ensures its relevance and impact. Corvinus’ strategy focuses on strengthening its international presence, building partnerships with industry leaders, and boosting its research output. These initiatives aim to cement its position as a regional leader and establish it as a serious contender on the global stage.

The rapidly evolving world of higher education demands constant innovation and adaptability. Corvinus’ leadership recognises that staying ahead means attracting the best talent, both students and academics, and staying attuned to the shifting demands of a highly competitive landscape.

Securing third place in the latest Eduniversal rankings is a major achievement. It reinforces Corvinus’ reputation as a regional powerhouse and provides a strong foundation for further progress in teaching and research. With its bold vision and dedication to excellence, Corvinus is well-prepared to tackle future challenges and seize new opportunities.

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November 28, 2024

American teacher faces expulsion from Hungary after a 10-year career in Budapest

American teacher expelled from Hungary children classroom

An American teacher with a decade-long career at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by Hungary’s National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) due to a procedural error in renewing his residence permit. Despite his longstanding contribution to the local community and education system, the teacher was forced to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, highlighting the rigidity of Hungary’s strict immigration laws.

American teacher expelled from the country

As reported by Telex, an American teacher working at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), despite having lived in the country for a decade. According to a letter from the school principal to parents and students, the American teacher resides in a local apartment and has been a longstanding educator in Budapest. The expulsion stemmed from a procedural error during the renewal of his residence permit. The head teacher explained that documentation was submitted in an incorrect sequence, leading to the application’s automatic rejection.

What will happen now?

The American teacher was required to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, with the option to apply for the ban to be lifted before reapplying for a residence permit. The duration of this process is uncertain, but the school estimates the teacher’s absence will last between three weeks and two months. In the meantime, the school is working to secure professional substitutes to manage the unfortunate situation. The head teacher criticised the procedure, calling it “totally pointless and incomprehensible.” The head teacher writes the following in an open letter:

The fact that the teacher has been teaching in Hungary for 10 years, that he has a public service of great importance to the Hungarian state and society in a field of shortage, that he is a graduate teacher with no criminal record, a decent background and a decent living, is obviously not a factor. We will do our utmost, we will do everything we can to ensure that the teacher can get back to work as soon as possible because his work and his precense are of the utmost importance to our community and our students.

Strict immigration laws

The head teacher declined to comment as the matter is ongoing, and the American teacher has not responded to Telex’s inquiries. However, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) provided a general statement, emphasising that Hungary enforces some of the strictest immigration rules among EU Member States. They noted that applications are automatically rejected if they fail to meet legal requirements, with no room for discretion.

OIF explained that foreign nationals losing their residency rights must leave Hungary immediately, as mandated by national and EU laws. They highlighted that the expulsion period is determined case-by-case, factoring in individual circumstances. While the expelled individual can seek remedies or reapply for residency under specific legal conditions, these steps must align with existing legislation.

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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

November 24, 2024

Hungary’s universities break through in 2024 Shanghai Rankings—Which ones are top 200?

Hungarian universities are rising globally, reaching significant milestones in the latest 2024 Shanghai Subject Rankings. These rankings are highly competitive, evaluating over 5,000 universities from 96 countries based on research impact, publication quality, international collaboration, and scientific awards. For a small country, this presence on the world stage is a major win for Hungary’s academic reputation.

The rankings are not just about quantity; the Shanghai Rankings prioritise quality indicators such as the share of top-cited (Q1) research articles, citation frequency, and international collaboration. They also consider research quality and the international reputation of faculty, including awards and recognitions. According to Eduline, rankings like these provide a nuanced picture of which institutions are advancing on a global scale and why.

Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary — Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary

Hungarian university placements in the top 200

Semmelweis University has achieved an impressive standing, ranked among the world’s top 100 in Pharmacy (76–100), the only Hungarian institution to reach this level in any category this year. Several other Hungarian universities are making headway across disciplines in the Shanghai top 200. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) is placed in the 151–200 range in mathematics, while Semmelweis is also ranked in the top 200 for clinical medicine and dentistry.

The University of Veterinary Medicine is similarly positioned in the 151–200 range for Veterinary Science, while BME (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) takes a 101–150 spot in Civil Engineering, an especially competitive field. These placements clearly highlight Hungary’s progress and potential in both the sciences and technical fields.

In the natural sciences, ELTE ranks 151–200 in mathematics, with the University of Debrecen and BME following at 301–400 and 401–500, respectively. ELTE also holds a 201–300 spot in physics, with BME in the same range for chemistry. Semmelweis is again ranked 151–200 in clinical medicine and 201–300 in health technology, reaffirming its influence in the medical sciences.

Photo: Facebook, ELTE University Library

Hungary’s leading universities

Semmelweis University is building an impressive track record, not only appearing in Shanghai but also among the Times Higher Education’s top 300 worldwide. Its 76–100 ranking in Pharmaceutical Sciences reinforces its global status and impact, particularly among Hungarian institutions. Semmelweis University is not only achieving high ranks; it is setting the standard for Hungarian higher education on the international stage.

ELTE, Hungary’s oldest university, has maintained a high standard since 1635. BME, one of the first technical universities globally, was established in 1782, and both continue to make strides in modern research. Universities such as the University of Szeged and the University of Debrecen are also recognised internationally for high performance in their fields, making Hungary a key player in Central European academia.

Hungarian universities’ continued success in global rankings underscores their commitment to research excellence and academic collaboration. These achievements create new opportunities for international partnerships and make Hungary a more attractive destination for students and researchers worldwide. With a growing reputation, Hungary’s universities are building a global profile that will continue to attract top talent, expand research collaborations, and strengthen Hungary’s position in the international academic community.

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November 17, 2024

Living in Hungary: Insights from expats on what they enjoy and what they don’t

Young foreigners in Hungary Budapest tourists living in Hungary

Dreaming of a fresh start abroad? For many expats, living in Hungary—particularly in the vibrant capital of Budapest—has become a top choice. With affordable housing, remote work opportunities, and a rich cultural tapestry, it is easy to see why this city is capturing hearts worldwide. Discover what is drawing people to call Budapest home.

Cheap rent and food

As Femina writes, living in Hungary offers expats a smart financial move, especially in bustling Budapest. With rents and food prices significantly cheaper than in Western Europe or the US, the city attracts remote workers and professionals earning competitive Western salaries. While housing costs are rising for locals, foreign incomes often make Budapest’s varied rental options—cosy flats in Buda or modern city apartments—affordable. Unlike overcrowded cities such as London, where soaring rents are pushing people out, Budapest remains an appealing haven for those seeking a better standard of living without breaking the bank.

According to Expat Arrivals, one of the joys of living in Hungary is enjoying delicious food without spending excessively. While food prices may feel steep for locals, they remain affordable for expats from countries such as the US, France, or Italy. Budapest’s vibrant markets, brimming with fresh, locally grown produce, offer a taste of Hungary’s best at wallet-friendly prices. For expats, it is a culinary haven where quality meets affordability.

market újpest hungary price vegetable fruit food — Local market in Újpest, Budapest. Photo: Daily News Hungary

Not speaking the language?

Living in Hungary doesn’t mean you must master the local language to get by—particularly in Budapest. With many companies operating in English, industries such as IT and customer service actively seek international talent. English speakers bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, making them highly desirable to employers. Universities abroad continue to supply skilled professionals, ensuring expats are warmly welcomed into Hungary’s vibrant labour market.

Tourism and travelling

Living in Hungary, particularly in the capital, means immersing yourself in a city brimming with culture and charm. From stunning architecture and lush green spaces to world-class museums and vibrant art festivals, there is always something to experience. Moreover, Budapest’s central location in Europe makes it a traveller’s dream, with easy and affordable access to cities such as Vienna, Ljubljana, and Prague via train or bus. Add to that its reliable and budget-friendly public transport, and it is no wonder Budapest is a magnet for culture lovers and adventurers alike.

travel in Hungary train MÁV station train in Hungary railway — Source: Pixabay

The cons of living in Hungary

While living in Hungary has its perks, expats should be aware of some challenges. The education system can be tough for foreign families, with limited options and high private school fees. Similarly, healthcare often drives expats to opt for costly private providers. On top of this, Hungary’s love for paperwork can make navigating bureaucracy feel overwhelming. Despite these hurdles, many find the benefits of living in Hungary outweigh the drawbacks.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 15, 2024

Record number of Hungarian students flee the country for higher education abroad

More and more Hungarian students are deciding to continue their studies abroad. While the five most popular destinations have not changed in recent years, certain trends can be seen in the latest data.

Hungarian students abroad

As Portfolio writes, the 2023/2024 academic year is setting a new record for the number of Hungarian students studying abroad, now exceeding 17,500, according to Engame Academy. While Germany and the Netherlands remain popular destinations, the Netherlands is close to overtaking Germany due to recent shifts in students’ preferences. Brexit’s effects continue to impact applications to the UK, while the appeal of the Netherlands is rising. Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK continue to rank as the top five destinations for Hungarian students, although their order has shifted in recent years. Engame Academy’s Rita Nádas advises students planning to study abroad to monitor these changing trends and start preparing during secondary school. Nádas says:

Many Hungarian students only decide on their higher education options in the final year of secondary school, often just before applying for admission. But abroad, successful university admission requires a strong application profile, with sound career guidance and skills development.

The top three

Austria and Germany remain top choices for Hungarian students studying abroad, with Austria attracting 3,862 students and Germany 2,986. Austria’s appeal lies in its free tuition and proximity, while Germany has seen a rise in Hungarian enrolment, nearing 3,000 students. The Netherlands, now in third place with 2,926 students, has become especially popular since Brexit due to its extensive English-language programmes, affordable fees of about EUR 2,500 per year, and an international environment that eases adaptation for non-Dutch speakers.

Denmark and the UK are popular options too

Denmark has secured fourth place for Hungarian students studying abroad, attracting 1,263 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. Known for its high-quality, tuition-free education for EU students, Denmark’s appeal has grown with more English-language courses, driving a 5% rise in Hungarian enrolments. Despite the high cost of living, Denmark’s educational offerings remain attractive to Hungarian students, surpassing the United Kingdom, which has dropped to fifth place. In contrast, only 1,154 Hungarian students currently study in the UK, which has declined significantly post-Brexit due to increased tuition fees and the removal of student loans for EU students.

london traffic eta united kingdom — Photo: depositphotos.com

While the UK previously saw growing interest from Hungarian students, with a record 2,650 enrolments in 2020/2021, Brexit has created substantial obstacles. Ireland is emerging as an alternative, although it still hosts only 161 students from Hungary due to stringent admission requirements.

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November 15, 2024

Hungary’s push for Erasmus, Horizon access: Minister accuses Brussels of blocking youth and researchers

Hungarian youth and researchers “are entitled” to access the European Union’s Erasmus and Horizon programmes, the minister of culture and innovation told public news channel M1 on Wednesday evening.

Balázs Hankó insisted that Brussels’ aim was “to consciously hinder Hungarian researchers and youth.”

Regarding the legislation amendments Hungarian universities run by foundations, Hankó said the European Commission “is not telling the truth” when they deny receiving the amendments.

The government sent the amendment proposals to Brussels a year ago, he said. The minister noted that he had had a number of talks on the topic in Brussels since; “last time, I talked to two representatives of the Commission on October 25, whom I gave the amendment so they can give an opinion.”

“It is not true that Brussels didn’t know about the proposal,” Hankó said.

The government adopted three of the EC’s five recommendations, regarding conflicts of interest of university foundations’ board members, the term of board membership, and the time elapsing before they can become members of the board after a conflict of interest.

At the same time, the government rejected recommendations to “exclude Hungarian professors and rectors from the boards and to allow foreign NGOs to nominate board members.”

Hungary’s parliament has adopted the amendments with the condition that it would come into force “once Brussels had allowed Hungarian youth back into the Erasmus programme, and researchers into Horizon”, he said.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 14, 2024

Budapest’s 9th district eyed for new student town to address housing shortage

The student hostels (“student town”) Budapest needs could be built in the city’s 9th district, the minister of culture and innovation told commercial broadcaster TV2 on Tuesday.

Balázs Hankó said the number of freshmen at Hungary’s colleges and universities has exceeded 100,000 for the second consecutive year, and the growing figure indicated an increasing demand for accommodation. Actual accommodation caters to 46,000 students nationwide as opposed to the demand for 120,000 places, and Budapest itself currently has 17,000 places for 57,000 applicants, he added.

Hankó said the brownfield area in the 9th district would be an ideal location for a “student town”, with potential accommodation for 12,000-20,000 students, including “units that could help young people start a family as early as possible”.

The minister said the project was in the financial planning phase, adding that the government was seeking to find private sources of financing for its implementation.

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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

November 13, 2024

8 Hungarian universities secure spots in Shanghai Ranking’s top 500!

Fully eight Hungarian universities rank among the top 500 in the latest Shanghai Ranking, the culture and innovation ministry said on Wednesday.

The Hungarian institutions were competing with prestigious universities like Harvard and Oxford in five main academic fields, the ministry said in a statement. The medical Semmelweis University ranked in the top 100 in the field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, the ministry said, adding that Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and the University of Veterinary Medicine (ATE) also performed well.

The Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) ranks 1,900 universities from 96 countries in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences, the statement said. Of Hungary’s 64 higher education institutions, eight were ranked in 22 fields on this year’s list, all of which were ranked in the top 500. Semmelweis University ranks 82nd globally in the field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and among the top 200 in clinical medicine. Meanwhile, BME ranks 101-150th in civil engineering, ELTE 151-200th in mathematics, and ATE 151-200th in veterinary sciences.

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November 13, 2024

OLAF to investigate EUR 1.8 million luxury mini nursery in Hungary

After the Hungarian Integrity Authority’s investigations, the EU’s anti-fraud office is also getting involved in finding out details about a Hungarian luxury mini nursery’s high expenditure of EU funds.

OLAF starts investigation

Telex pointed out that the EU’s anti-fraud office, OLAF, has joined the Hungarian Integrity Authority in investigating a controversial mini nursery project in Nógrád County, Hungary. Funded with HUF 677 million (approximately EUR 1.8 million), the nursery provides just 12 places, a cost that independent MEP Ákos Hadházy has pointed out equates to HUF 56 million (EUR 136,337) per place. Hadházy brought the matter to the attention of the EU’s anti-fraud office in February, raising concerns about the high expenditure of EU funds on this project. He shared OLAF’s response, confirming the investigation, on his Facebook page.

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November 12, 2024

Hungarian students perform above average in international digital competence

Hungarian students performed above average in last year’s International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) computer and information literacy study, a government official said on Tuesday.

Hungarian students perform above average

The digital competence of students is at the forefront of Hungary’s digital education strategy and public education strategy, both of which ensure infrastructure development and the digital knowledge of teachers, Katalin Balatoni, the deputy state secretary for public education told a press conference.

Broadband internet is available in schools, students have constant access to electronic devices, and a broad array of digital teaching materials and audiovisual content is available on the public education portal, she added.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 12, 2024