Hungary, a country of picturesque architecture and rich culture, is situated in the center of Europe. This landlocked country receives many foreign visitors yearly, thanks to cheap accommodation and a lively culture. A lot of these foreign visitors include students in pursuit of higher education.
Although a small country, Hungary’s education has carved a respectable position among its competitive European neighbors. Its higher education system has gained credibility over the years due to its strict practice and abidance to traditional teaching methods. However, many will beg to disagree with the current hierarchy and rigorous standards and say there’s a need for reform in the current education system.
In this article, we will walk you through the pros and cons of the education system in Hungary and whether it should be on your education destination list for abroad.
Pros / Advantages of the Education System in Hungary
The main attraction for international students is the low cost of living and the affordable tuition fees in Hungary compared to other countries. In addition, proper acts are in place to ensure the education you get is up to mark and recognized by different countries. Continue reading this article to learn more about the advantages of the education system in Hungary.
1. Low Living Costs
In Hungary, you get quality education at a decent cost. Some may argue that the education institutes in Hungary charge more than their European counterparts. However, the total cost is still affordable. This is because the living costs (traveling, rent, etc) are significantly lower than you might have to pay in the US, Germany, etc.
Students should have 520 euros per month for accommodation, utilities, and local transportation if they live in Budapest. In comparison, the cost goes down to 300 euros for the smaller cities. Therefore, although it may be more expensive to attend Hungarian universities than in other European countries, the country’s lower living costs reduce the overall cost of studying abroad in Hungary.
2. Quality Education
With Hungary’s membership in the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area, Study programs in Hungary are internationally recognized. The country has some of the oldest and most esteemed universities, like the University of Pecs and the University of Debrecen, which provide quality education and contribute to science, technology, and the humanities.
Another positive aspect of education institutes in Hungary is the assurance of easy accessibility to everyone regardless of background or personal circumstances. Students benefit greatly from easy access to education across formats.
3. Traditional Teaching Approach
The Hungarian educational institutes focus on technical education and a career-oriented teaching approach. A strong emphasis is placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and students are prepared to contribute to medicine, technology, etc. Maintaining high standards across various educational fields subsequently reflects the focus on a theory-based systematic approach.
4. Low Competition for Admissions
The country of Hungary is not as well known as the U.S. or even other European countries. This can serve as a blessing in disguise for international students as there is less competition for admission spots and scholarships. Most students apply to study in the US, UK, etc., which makes the admission process cutthroat. Opting for lesser-known countries that provide quality education will increase your chances of getting an opportunity to study abroad.
Cons / Drawbacks of the Education System in Hungary
While you may be getting some advantages by choosing to study in Hungary, like quality education at a cheaper cost, there are still some disadvantages to Hungary’s education system that you need to consider. They include;
1. Political Interference and Bureaucracy
The education system in Hungary is centralized, giving teachers and students little to no autonomy. The government makes the study plan, which the teachers must implement. Such a teaching environment can stunt a student’s growth, who can otherwise flourish in a setting centered around their needs.
2. Teacher and Staff Shortage
Another plight of the Hungarian educational institutes is the shortage of qualified teachers and staff members. The prestige of the teaching profession has plummeted significantly over the years. The teachers blame low wages, overburdened schedules, lack of autonomy, etc., for the low turnout of professional teaching staff every year.
3. Language Barrier
Like other foreign countries, international students can also face language barrier challenges in Hungary. Even though the educational institutes offer English-taught programs for international students, Hungary isn’t an English-speaking country. Only a certain percentage of the population can converse in English. This can make daily life chores difficult for international students who are not yet familiar with the local language.
4. Lack of Vocational Opportunities
The educational institutes in Hungary put a strong emphasis on academics and theory-based learning. The lack of vocational and hands-on work experience can inhibit the students from acquiring unique skills and exploring alternative career paths.
FAQs: Studying in Hungary
How Is the Education System in Hungary Different from Other Countries?
The education system in Hungary follows the international standard set by the Bologna Process. This process demonstrates the commitment of European nations to provide high-quality education that is globally recognized. Having mentioned that, the country does differ from others in some educational aspects.
The Hungarian education system follows a centralized curriculum across the country. The government decides the entire curriculum with little to no teacher interference. Other countries like the Netherlands follow a unified version of the centralized and decentralized curriculum, while the practice in the US varies with the states.
Furthermore, the Hungarian education system offers bilingual education (ESL teachers) to minority populations. This practice differs from countries like the US, which do not have a widespread bilingual education system.
Another aspect to remember is the heavy influence of the traditional academic system in Hungary’s education institutes. The curriculum strongly focuses on academic studies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education rather than vocational teaching techniques. This practice contrasts with that of Finland and the Netherlands, which put a strong emphasis on student problem-solving and creative abilities.
Do International Students Face Extreme Challenges While Studying in Hungary
International students looking to find educational institutes in Hungary may have limited options. The maximum number of opportunities is in Budapest, which dominates other regions in populations and academic institutes. That is not to say that students can’t apply to different cities like Miskolc, Debrecen, etc. Researching and weighing your chances before settling for an institute will save you unnecessary trouble.
Like any foreign country, language barriers can concern international students. Although some institutes in Hungary offer ESL (English as a second language) teachers, not all institutes will accommodate the language barrier. In addition, interacting with locals daily for commuting, rental procedures, etc, will trouble you if you are unfamiliar with the local language. The idea of conversing in a foreign language may seem intimidating. Still, international students can enroll in language courses and diplomas to ensure they are familiar with the local language so they can complete their daily tasks.
Hungary is an ideal study destination for many international students. But before even applying to one of its universities, it is wise to acknowledge the pros and cons of an education system as this can help you get a better picture of your institute choices.
We hope this article on the pros and cons of the education system in Hungary has helped you get a better picture of the higher education system in Hungary. Please also check out these Open Courses in Europe to explore your study options. You can also read more articles on our Study in Hungary to learn more about studying abroad.
