The Hungarian higher education system consists of universities and colleges. Higher education institutions provide university education, college education and (since September 1996) a new type, the higher vocational education. Universities generally impart high-standard theoretical knowledge, while colleges offer more practical-oriented and shorter courses.

In 1996 there were 89 higher education institutions in Hungary: 30 universities (25 state and 5 church maintained universities) and 59 colleges (31 state, 23 church run colleges and 5 run by foundations). At present the number of higher education institutions is near 100.

Hungarian higher education institutions are autonomous. The institutions are professionally independent and the determination of the curriculum is the exclusive right of the institutions, taking into account the general requirements issued by the Government. The Rector of a university is mandated by the President of the Republic and the Director General of a college by the Prime Minister.

The requirement for admission to university or college education is the Hungarian Maturity Certificate: a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent. This certificate is awarded after 12 years of study which generally consists of 8 years primary education and 4 years secondary education. The division of the twelve years of study may vary.

The decision on admission of students to higher education institutions is made on the basis of their secondary school results and their entrance exams.

In the Hungarian grading system the top grade is 5 (excellent), while the lowest grade is 1 (failure).

The degrees received from colleges ("fõiskolai oklevél") and universities ("egyetemi oklevél") make students eligible for graduate study both in Hungary and abroad.

Students graduating from medical/dental/veterinary universities, from faculties of law receive the qualification of "doktor": dr.med., dr. med.dent., dr. vet., dr. jur.

Advanced (graduate) degrees before 1993 were: doctor universitatis (dr. univ.), candidatus scientiarum (C.Sc.) and doctor scientiarum (D.Sc.). C.Sc. and D.Sc. were given by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. At present Ph.D. studies are organized in accredited doctorate programs of universities.

In 1995/96 the total number of students studying in higher education institutions were 197.565 of whom 81.347 were university students and 98.218 were college students. The number of students studying in non-state higher education was 18.104.

The Higher Education Law prescribes the establishment of a national credit system by the end of 1998.

Important institutions and bodies of Hungarian higher education: - the Ministry of Culture and Education; - the Hungarian Accreditation Committee; - the Higher Education and Research Council; - the Hungarian Rectors' Conference; - the Conference of College Director Generals; - the Rectors' Board of Hungarian Art Academies; - the National Admission Office; - the Hungarian Centre for Equivalence and International Mobility.

Extracts from Hungarian Higher Education and Qualifications, a publication of the Hungarian Centre for Equivalence and International Mobility, 1996.

Prepared by Ildikó Ficzkó, Szeged, AFIK

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