Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes in Hungary was 56.59% as of 2023. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita in 2022 was 27.84%. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was last measured in 2018 at 8.98%.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education is not tuition-free in Hungary.
Governance
Hungary’s Ministry of Culture and Innovation is responsible for overseeing higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and adult education.
Each institution is managed by the ‘founder’ or the ‘maintainer’ of the institution. This could be the state, minority self-governments, churches, religious associations, or a private person or organization.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Subnational funding mechanisms
Subsidies for higher education come directly from the state budget and do not utilize subnational funding mechanisms.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
As of 2025, there are 6 state-run higher education institutions, 27 church-run institutions, and 31 which are private. Of the 31 private institutions, 21 are previously state-run institutions that are now placed under public trusts
Church-run institutions and private institutions may be entitled to state support on the bases of an agreement concluded between the minister and the maintainer. Subsidies may be provided for certain national goals such as the promotion of certain majors or for research and development.
Higher education institutions under public trusts are entitled to support in accordance with the same principles as a state higher education institution but through a public task financing contract.
Allocation and equity
According to Hungary’s 2005 Higher Education Act, the state provides support to higher education institutions primarily by funding the maintainers, and more directly through state subsidies, which considers the number of self-funded students participating in the school.
State aid is used to fund the following: The basic activity of the higher education institution; Student benefits; Student sports; Tasks related to the national economy and regional development; Performance of certain additional public tasks and higher education tasks; Support for special institutions; and Cultural and development studies.
Higher education institutions are funded based on an agreement between the Minister and the maintainer of the institution. State institutions are entitled to state support under the same shared conditions. The agreements are set for a period of 15 to 25 years, with more detailed task financing determined on a 6-year cycle. The basis of the support considers the institution’s scientific, research, and artistic activities, as well as their quality and performance. Institutions whose students have high rates of employment receive more funds.
In addition, higher education institutions receive other subsidies from the state to support students financially so that students have access to dormitories, housing accommodation, textbooks, sports and cultural activities, and scholarships (see section 3).
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Participation in tertiary education is guaranteed to all Hungarian citizens without discrimination. To eliminate inequality of opportunity, students belonging to equity groups, among others disabled persons receive extra points in the admission process.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
There are two main types of scholarships available to students: performance-based scholarships and social-based scholarships. Performance based scholarships are given by the state while social-based scholarships are given by the higher education institutions, but funded by the state.
Social-Based Scholarships
According to Hungary’s 2005 Higher Education Act, students have the right to receive financial or in-kind benefits relative to their financial standing, income situation, and academic performance. This may be through dormitory placement, accommodation grants, maintenance grant, bursaries, loans, or exemption from payments. The annual amount of student benefits is calculated based on factors such as the average costs for tuition, housing, and textbooks. These funds are transferred to higher education institutions to be used to support student benefits.
The institutions’ student welfare committee determine how to distribute the amount among the students. They may consider the student family’s net income per-capita, if the student is an orphan, if they are disadvantaged, if they have any disabilities, the distance of the community, healthcare expenses, or the number of dependents the student has. Students may receive a monthly grant, which is determined by the institution on the basis of the student’s social situation. Each institution’s
Performance-Based Scholarships
The main form of state scholarships is performance-based. Applicants with the best performance can receive a full state scholarship. Those just slightly behind may receive a partial scholarship that covers 50% of their tuition fees. Those who receive the scholarship must then work for a Hungarian employer for the same period of time that they were receiving the scholarship. Disadvantaged or disabled students receive bonus points in addition to their academic performance that may help them obtain the scholarship.
Bursa Hungarica Higher Education Self-Government Scholarship System
This multi-level support system is financially covered by the local government, the county government, and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. The scholarship aims to support the higher education studies of disadvantaged and socially deprived young people.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No information was found.
Accommodation
Hungary’s 2005 Higher Education Act guarantees that students be provided dormitory placement or an accommodation grant if needed. Implementation is determined by higher education institutions.
Textbooks
The cost of textbooks is included in the student scholarships provided by the government.
