Hungary

Basic Information about Hungary

Situated in Central Europe, Hungary has always been a meeting-point of European cultures. The country has a population of around 10 million. Its capital, Budapest, is a metropolis with 2 million inhabitants and is seen by many as one of the most beautiful European cities. With a continental climate, the country is protected from excessive climatic changes and natural catastrophes. Hungarian is the country's official language although English, German and several other languages are taught in schools and spoken by an increasing proportion of the population.

Hungarian culture offers a unique and distinctive combination of Western European influences and Eastern European traits. The country is proud of its rich cultural heritage and diversity that attracts people from all over the world. Hungary presents geological sites and prehistoric remains, ancient Roman ruins, relics of Turkish culture and well-preserved historic buildings providing an overview of the different styles of European architecture. Eight of these sites have been designated by UNESCO to be part of the World Heritage.

While based on its rich cultural and folklore traditions, Hungary is a centre of classical and contemporary European art, music and literature; it is also home to avant-garde and experimental cultural movements.

Higher Education System

The higher education system in Hungary has three levels. Bachelors' (undergraduate - 3 years), Masters' (graduate - 2 years), long-cycle undivided Masters' (5 years) and PhD (doctoral - 3 years) degrees awarded by Hungarian higher education institutions are recognised in all of the European Union member countries.

At present, Hungary's higher education system comprises 19 state-financed universities, 7 private universities, 10 state-financed colleges and 34 non state-financed colleges. More details of Hungary 's higher education system and major universities are available at the Ministry of National Resources website at www.nefmi.gov.hu .

Scholarships available for foreign students

• Hungarian Scholarship Board (HSB)

The HSB scholarships and grants are based on a pool system and bilateral educational, scientific and cultural exchange programmes. These international agreements enable undergraduates, postgraduates, professors, researchers and artists to widen their professional experience in Hungary.

•  Scholarship types offered by HSB

A. - semester/partial studies (3-10 months)

Can be applied for by: undergraduate (BA/BSc) and graduate (MA/MSc) students, especially those majoring in Hungarian Language and Literature

B. - postgraduate studies, research (3-21 days or 1-10 months)

Can be applied for by: applicants holding a Master's degree

C/1. - full PhD programme (36 months)

C/2. - partial PhD studies (1-12 months)

D. - postdoctoral studies, research (1-10 months)

E. - research stay (3-21 days or 1-10 months)

F or associate or higher ranking professors

F. - summer courses (1-4 weeks)

• Study Programmes offered by Balassi Institute (BI)

• BI offers Hungarian language courses of 60-300 lessons at all levels and with various schedules (from 2*3 to 5*4 hours/week).

• Students of BI Summer University, organised in co-operation with Kodolányi János University, attend 20 language lessons per week. This is complemented by additional 3-4 lectures (also offered in English) on a wide range of subjects and by cultural programmes and study trips. Students receive up to 14 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits for their work.

• BI Preparatory Courses for University Studies are designed for young people from abroad who plan to continue their studies at a Hungarian higher education institution. The one-year course with 900 lessons starts with an intensive language training course which is later supplemented with studies in a chosen field and its terminology (specialisations offered: economics, medicine, engineering, law and humanities). Preliminary knowledge of Hungarian is not a prerequisite.

• BI university level curriculum in Hungarian Studies, prepared in co-operation with the University of Pécs, offers a 10-month university exchange programme for people studying Hungarian at foreign universities. 25-40 ECTS credit points are available for attending the course.

• BI one-year Translator Course is open to people with a good command of Hungarian who plan to start a literary translator's career.

• BI courses are open both on a scholarship basis and for self-financed students.

Useful websites:

Embassy of the Republic of Hungary

17 Beale Crescent
Deakin ACT 2600
Tel : (02) 6282 3226
Fax : (02) 6285 3012
Email : cbr.missions@kum.hu
http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kulkepviselet/AU/en/mainpage.htm

Hungarian Government website: www.kormany.hu/en

Balassi Institute - Hungarian Scholarship Board : www.scholarship.hu

Balassi Institute - Study Transfer Programme Office: www.bbi.hu

Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gov.hu

Hungary on the Internet: www.hungary.hu

Hungarian Education Accreditation Board: www.mab.hu/english

Hungary Handbook: www.tka.hu/pages/en/index.php