Published: November 23 2023
Budapest has launched a new €26.2 million scheme for international university relations. The program, created jointly with the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, aims to provide opportunities for students, educators, and researchers to participate in exchange programs.
Key Points about the Scheme
- The scheme was developed in partnership with Tempus Public Foundation, Pannon University, the University of Debrecen, Szechenyi Istvan University, Óbuda University, and Semmelweis University.
- Approximately 8,000 individuals will have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs through this scheme.
- The program will initially focus on institutions that have undergone government-funded reform and are run by foundations.
- Applications from universities will be accepted from January 15, and students can submit their applications in March.
- The exchange programs, including collaborations with non-European universities, will start in autumn of the following year.
- The government aims to achieve several goals with this scheme, including having at least one Hungarian university ranked among the top 100 in the world, three Hungarian universities ranked among the top 100 in Europe, and doubling the number of students participating in international exchange programs by 2030.
Suspension of Erasmus Scholarship Funding for Hungary
Hungary is currently facing a suspension of Erasmus scholarship funding. The government has submitted a proposal to the European Commission, but has not yet received a response. The government has stated that they are negotiating with the Commission and are hopeful that the proposals made will be accepted to ensure the protection of European Union resources.
Source: MTI
Questions & Answers
What is the new international relations program launched in Budapest? The new international relations program is a joint initiative of Tempus Public Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, Pannon University, the University of Debrecen, Szechenyi Istvan University, Óbuda University, and Semmelweis University. It aims to promote exchange programs for students, educators, and researchers.
How much funding is allocated to the international relations program? A total of HUF 10 billion (EUR 26.2m) has been allocated to the international relations program.
How many participants will benefit from the international relations program? The program is expected to offer opportunities for approximately 8,000 students, educators, and researchers to participate in exchange programs.
Which institutions will initially be covered by the program? The program will initially cover institutions that have undergone a government-funded reform and are run by foundations.
When can universities start applying for the program? Universities can start applying for the program on January 15.
When can students submit their applications for exchange programs? Students can submit their applications for exchange programs in March.
When will the exchange programs, including exchanges with non-European universities, begin? The exchange programs, including exchanges with non-European universities, will begin from autumn next year.
What are the government's goals for Hungarian universities and international exchange programs? The government's goals are to have at least one Hungarian university among the top 100 universities in the world, three Hungarian universities ranked among the top 100 European universities, and to double the number of students participating in international exchange programs by 2030.
What is the current status of Erasmus scholarship funding for Hungary? The Erasmus scholarship funding for Hungary has been suspended.
Has the Hungarian government made any proposals regarding the suspension of Erasmus scholarship funding? Yes, the Hungarian government has sent its latest proposal to the European Commission close to two weeks ago.
What is the government's view on the response from the European Commission regarding the Erasmus scholarship funding? The government expects the response from the European Commission to be delayed. They are negotiating and hoping that the Commission will accept their proposals in order to ensure the protection of European Union resources.
What has been the deadline for Hungarian universities to apply for Erasmus funding? Hungarian universities had until February 23 to apply for Erasmus funding.
Is there a possibility for the deadline for funding contracts to be postponed? Yes, the Commission can decide to postpone the deadline for funding contracts.
What has been the Hungarian government's experience with the European Commission introducing new criteria? The Hungarian government believes that the European Commission has a history of introducing new criteria, which has only served to delay the process so far.
