# Hungary education reforms: curriculum, autonomy, and schools > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-education-policy-reforms > Updated: 2026-09-13T10:01:17.000Z. Sources: 65. Developments: 27. Education Minister Judit Lannert is leading a comprehensive reform of the Hungarian education system, focusing on curriculum overhauls, exam redesigns, and digital integration. The reform agenda includes reviewing high school structures, modernizing the National Core Curriculum, and reforming the high school graduation exam (érettségi) to prioritize 21st-century competencies. Recent developments include a 14-point primary education package introduced by State Secretary Marietta Kókayné Lányi. This initiative promotes child-centered learning through flexible morning starts, longer breaks, increased physical activity, and experiential learning. While the package recommends measures such as 35-minute lessons and minimal weekend homework, individual schools maintain the autonomy to implement specific elements based on local needs. Legislative changes have also restored the authority of teaching staffs to approve pedagogical programs, organizational rules, and annual work plans. In September 2026, Lannert announced that teacher training programs will be discontinued at the National University of Public Service. The ministry aims to transition these programs to other institutions to create a more “unified, transparent, and high-quality training system” and to strengthen training regarding special educational needs. Additionally, the ministry plans to simplify university admission processes to attract talent to the profession. Regarding early childhood and school entry, new legislative proposals aim to reform mandatory enrollment rules. To address criticisms of a 2020 regulation that mandated enrollment for children turning six by August 31, the new system would allow a child to remain in kindergarten if both parents and teachers agree. If a disagreement occurs, an expert examination will facilitate the decision. This change seeks to reduce the administrative burdens and inconsistencies previously required for requesting an extra year in kindergarten. ## Claims - Packaged water consumption in July was four times higher than usual. (single source) - The bottled water sector accounts for only 0.19% of Tunisia's annual water resources. (single source) - Over 3 million liters of bottled water per day were mobilized for four days to supply Greater Tunis. (single source) - Bottled water currently represents between 50% and 70% of distribution in supermarkets, compared to 20% normally. (single source) - Tunisia has 30 operational industrial units for mineral and table water production. (single source) - National water consumption for packaged water reached 2.7 billion liters in 2025. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Hungary to reform mandatory school enrollment rules Hungarian Education Minister Judit Lannert announced a plan to allow parents and teachers to decide on school enrollment, replacing a rigid mandatory system with expert-assisted flexibility. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-reform-mandatory-school-enrollment-rules ### 2026-09-06: Hungary to end teacher training at National University of Public Service Hungarian Education Minister Judit Lannert announced the removal of teacher training programs from the National University of Public Service to unify and reform pedagogical education. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-end-teacher-training-at-national-university-of-public-service ### 2026-08-27: Hungary implements major leadership changes in education sector Hungary implements major leadership shifts in education, appointing 359 new public school principals and replacing 98 percent of university foundation board members. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-implements-major-leadership-changes-in-education-sector ### 2026-08-26: Hungary introduces primary school reforms for flexible learning The Hungarian Ministry of Education has introduced a 14-point reform package for primary schools, allowing institutions to implement flexible schedules, longer breaks, and more experiential learning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-introduces-primary-school-reforms-for-flexible-learning ### 2026-08-21: Hungary implements new public education law amendments New Hungarian education laws took effect on August 20, increasing autonomy for school principals and teaching staffs while restoring collective rights and strike protections for educators. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-implements-new-public-education-law-amendments ### 2026-08-18: Hungary implements education reforms amid calls for principal selection autonomy Hungarian legislative changes aim to increase school autonomy and restore teacher decision-making rights, amid a new petition demanding that teaching staffs, rather than districts, select school principals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-implements-education-reforms-amid-calls-for-principal-selection-autonomy ### 2026-08-16: Hungary to restore parental and teacher decision-making on school readiness Hungary plans to restore the right of parents and kindergarten teachers to decide on a child's school readiness by the 2027/2028 school year, reducing the role of the Educational Authority. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-restore-parental-and-teacher-decision-making-on-school-readiness ### 2026-08-13: Hungarian educators propose reforms for primary and kindergarten systems Hungarian educators and unions are proposing reforms for primary and kindergarten education, including shorter lessons, smaller group sizes, and returning school readiness decisions to parents and teachers. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-educators-propose-reforms-for-primary-and-kindergarten-systems ### 2026-08-10: Hungary proposes new higher education programs and primary school reforms Hungary's Ministry of Education and Children proposes new higher education programs in AI, biotechnology, and ecology, alongside reforms to primary education focusing on student well-being. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-proposes-new-higher-education-programs-and-primary-school-reforms ### 2026-08-08: Hungary proposes primary school reforms including 35-minute lessons The Hungarian Ministry of Education proposed a 14-point reform for primary schools, including 35-minute lessons, reduced homework, and more flexible, child-centered daily schedules. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarys-education-ministry-proposes-35minute-lowergrade-lessons ### 2026-07-27: Hungary to revise 2026‑27 school year schedule and assessment rules Hungary plans to amend the 2026‑27 school calendar, giving schools more flexibility for theme days, reducing non‑teaching days, and simplifying national assessments. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-revise-202627-school-year-schedule-and-assessment-rules ### 2026-07-26: Hungarian university admission parties attract thousands in Budapest and Szeged Pont Ott Parti events in Budapest and Szeged drew thousands of university hopefuls, featuring concerts, threshold announcements, and extensive student support for newcomers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-university-admission-parties-attract-thousands-in-budapest-and-szeged ### 2026-07-23: Hungary admits over 101,000 university students in 2026 record intake Hungary’s 2026 university admissions saw 140,427 applicants, 101,572 admissions (72 % acceptance), record enrolments at ELTE, SZTE, NKE and others, and a surge in student‑housing demand. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elte-sets-record-for-2026-admissions-with-13723-new-students ### 2026-07-21: Hungarian Universities Hold Pont Ott Party for Admissions Results Hungarian universities celebrated admission results with Pont Ott Party events in Budapest and ten regional venues, while a study revealed weak links between tuition costs and early‑career salaries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-universities-hold-pont-ott-party-for-admissions-results ### 2026-07-19: Hungary school‑start support deadline: report SNI status by July 22 Hungary’s minister urged parents to report SNI status by 22 July for school‑start support; missing data means loss of HUF 100 000 aid, pending parliamentary approval. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-sets-july-22-deadline-for-reporting-special-educational-needs-to-access-school-support ### 2026-07-18: Hungary education ministry reviews student proposals and rolls out first‑grade supply kits Hungary’s education ministry is reviewing student‑proposed reforms on mental health, school infrastructure and vocational training while supplying a free, fully equipped school kit to all first‑graders. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-education-ministry-reviews-student-proposals-and-rolls-out-firstgrade-supply-kits ### 2026-07-17: Hungarian university applicants hold admission score parties in Eger and Kecskemét On July 23, 2026, prospective students in Eger and Kecskemét attended university‑organized parties where admission score thresholds were announced alongside music, games and information sessions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-university-applicants-hold-admission-score-parties-in-eger-and-kecskemt ### 2026-07-14: Hungary pushes 2026 university admission thresholds announcement to July 23 Hungary's Education Office will announce 2026 university admission thresholds on July 23, delayed due to a record number of applicants; Békéscsaba will hold a celebratory event the same day. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-pushes-2026-university-admission-thresholds-announcement-to-july-23 ### 2026-07-07: Hungarian Education Office sets July deadline for university admissions changes Hungary’s Education Office allows university applicants to upload missing documents and reorder programmes once, until July 9, 2026, with final admission results due by July 31. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-education-office-sets-july-deadline-for-university-admissions-changes ### 2026-07-01: Hungary Sets 2026‑27 School Calendar and Announces Education Ministry Reforms Hungary’s education ministry set the 2026‑27 school calendar, cut non‑teaching days, introduced a digital schedule and a ‘Students’ Voice’ day, while minister Judit Lannert plans summer school visits to shape ‑ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-sets-202627-school-calendar-and-announces-education-ministry-reforms ### 2026-06-23: Hungary's education ministry proposes child‑centered reforms and exam‑stress guidance Hungary's education ministry proposes child‑centered reforms while experts advise students and parents on coping with poor exam results. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarys-education-ministry-proposes-childcentered-reforms-and-examstress-guidance ### 2026-06-19: Hungary sets 2026 oral exam dates and admission thresholds; teachers' union calls for technical school reforms Hungary announced the 2026 oral exam schedule and July 23 admission thresholds, while the teachers' union urged reforms for technical‑school exam breaks and independent certification. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-sets-2026-oral-exam-dates-and-admission-thresholds-teachers-union-calls-for-technical-school ### 2026-06-10: Hungarian Education Minister Lannert Judit Rules Out Closure of Church Schools Hungary's education minister says church schools will not be closed, proposes curriculum reforms and sector‑neutral funding, and urges inclusion of Roma students. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-education-minister-lannert-judit-rules-out-closure-of-church-schools ### 2026-06-07: Education Minister Lannert Judit Refutes Claims of High‑School Abolition Education Minister Lannert Judit denied plans to scrap six‑ and eight‑grade high schools, saying Gulyás misinterpreted her remarks and calling for review of the admission system; she also marked Teacher’s Day, 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-education-minister-lannert-judit-addresses-teachers-on-teachers-day ### 2026-06-06: Hungarian Education Minister Lannert Judit Pushes Exam and School System Overhaul Hungarian Education Minister Lannert Judit proposes reforms of the graduation exam, six‑/eight‑class schools, teacher evaluation and AI use to modernise education. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-education-minister-lannert-judit-pushes-exam-and-school-system-overhaul ### 2026-06-06: Hungarian Education Minister Judit Lannert warns of AI dangers and calls for education reform Hungary’s education minister Judit Lannert says AI poses risks if students lack critical thinking, urging use from age 12‑14, and calls to keep but modernise the high‑school exam. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-education-minister-judit-lannert-warns-of-ai-dangers-and-calls-for-education-reform ### 2026-05-13: Hungary's Education Minister Lannert Judit defends school sexual education amid LGBT debate Hungarian education minister Lannert defends school sex education, sparking debate over LGBT issues and child protection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarys-education-minister-lannert-judit-defends-school-sexual-education-amid-lgbt-debate --- Cite as: Hungary education reforms: curriculum, autonomy, and schools. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-education-policy-reforms