Education in Hungary - statistics & facts
The Hungarian education system is facing serious challenges due to the nation-wide shortage of teachers, caused by low salaries and increasing workload. In addition to teachers leaving their profession, the low number of graduates deciding to practice a pedagogical profession also contributes to the issue. In the 2023/2024 school year, approximately 164,000 teachers were employed in institutions for initial and vocational education, which represents a decrease of over 21,000 compared to the school year of 2003/2004.
Even though Hungary is facing difficulties due to teacher shortages in initial educational institutions, higher education has not been affected by this negative trend. In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 27,000 teachers worked at tertiary educational units, marking a 27 percent increase compared to 2010/2011.
Basic education in Hungary
Hungary offers basic public education to all its citizens, free of charge. Compulsory education starts at preschool at the age of five and is followed by mandatory school education until the age of 16. Primary level education usually consists of eight years, after which students enroll in secondary educational units according to their academic achievement and capabilities. Four-year general secondary schools prepare gifted students for tertiary education; students performing at an intermediate level typically enroll in secondary vocational schools, while vocational or technical schools offer vocational education and prepare students for the working world.Hungarian universities welcome international students
Over the past decade, Hungary has become a popular destination for international students due to the low cost of living and the country’s established reputation in the sciences. Hungary is predominantly chosen by students of medical professions owing to the accessibility of admission compared to other countries and an increasing number of institutions offering their courses in German or English. In the academic year of 2022/2023, a total of 310,000 students were enrolled in tertiary educational institutions in Hungary. In this period, the number of international students enrolled at Hungarian universities reached approximately 38,000, compared to around 14 thousand recorded in 2009/2010.Even though Hungary is facing difficulties due to teacher shortages in initial educational institutions, higher education has not been affected by this negative trend. In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 27,000 teachers worked at tertiary educational units, marking a 27 percent increase compared to 2010/2011.
