Hungary to reorganize professional awards for educators

A new draft regulation in Hungary aims to reorganize professional awards for educators following the restructuring of ministerial responsibilities. The proposed changes would transfer educational awards previously held by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation to the newly established Ministry of Education and Youth.

The draft outlines 23 different awards and categories covering kindergarten, public education, higher education, and vocational training. Under the proposal, a three-member committee would rank nominees, with final decisions made by Minister of Education and Youth Judit Lannert.

Financial rewards vary by category. Certain prestigious awards, such as the Eötvös József-díj, Szent-Györgyi Albert-díj, and the Apáczai Csere János-díj for vocational training, would include a gross reward of one million forints. Other recognitions may offer 500,000 forints, while some awards might link the cash component to the recipient's public service salary base.

The regulation is described as a transitional measure, with a full review of the award system expected in the future. As part of the transition, several higher education and vocational training awards are scheduled to be presented on the national holiday of October 23, 2026.