Another ten Hungarian universities switch to the new model from August
EnglishThe government is committed to making the entire Hungarian higher education system and all its actors interested in achieving results that will earn them international recognition. By raising the competitiveness of Hungarian universities, the standard of education and the country’s innovation performance will improve. As of August 1, a total of twenty-one institutions will already be operating in the new foundation-based model.
On August 1 2021, the ten universities that transitioned earlier will be joined by the Budapest Business School, the University of Debrecen, the University of Dunaújváros, the Hungarian Dance Academy, the University of Nyíregyháza, the University of Óbuda, the University of Pécs, Semmelweis University, the University of Szeged and the University of Physical Education. Based on foreign examples, a new Hungarian higher education institution under the name Tokaj-Hegyalja University will also be established in the world-famous wine region specializing in viticulture and oenology.
Also on the initiative of the Senate, in accordance with the historical traditions, Eszterházy Károly University will be taken over by the Archdiocese of Eger. According to a decision made by the National Assembly in April this year the maintenance rights of higher education institutions are to be transferred to public interest trusts performing public tasks.
The transformation will lead to greater operational flexibility, so in the future the foundations will ensure the high quality performance of public tasks directly or through the institutions they maintain, under private law, independently of the government.
Due to a more predictable operational environment, institutions can respond more quickly and efficiently to changing economic needs. As engines of local social life, training and economic development, universities in the new model can provide the background for training, research, innovation, arts, sports and cultural services to raise the competitiveness of their region and also of Hungary.
The wider resources, more attractive employee situation, performance-based promotion opportunities, better infrastructure and higher requirements will altogether lead to improved quality. Hungarian universities can improve their positions in the international higher education rankings. As of September 2021, nearly 70 percent i.e. more than 180,000 students will be studying in institutions working in the new model.
