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1. Policy Framework

2. Existing arrangements

Policy Framework

The recognition of skills acquired through volunteering in Hungary is primarily regulated through the higher education system. Although there is no specific law on skills validation, several top-level legal documents establish the criteria for recognition. The Act CCIV of 2011 on National Higher Education allows higher education institutions to integrate voluntary activities into the curriculum, enabling students to earn credits for their service. The Government Decree 423/2012. (XII. 29.) on the admission procedure to higher education (423/2012. (XII. 29.) Korm. rendelet a felsőoktatási felvételi eljárásról) was amended in the 2023–2024 academic year. It grants universities the autonomy to award 'institutional points' (up to 100 points) for various achievements, including documented public interest volunteer work (for more information on the changes see 6.1).

The Ministry of Culture and Innovation (Kulturális és Innovációs Minisztérium) is the top-level authority responsible for the validation and recognition frameworks in both public and higher education.

Existing arrangements

In recent years, the mechanisms for recognising the skills and time invested in volunteering have become more institutionalised, shifting volunteering from a purely altruistic activity toward one with formal career and educational benefits. Since 2024, most Hungarian universities have awarded extra points for volunteering. Generally, 50–100 hours of service performed at a host organisation registered under the Act LXXXVIII of 2005 on Public Interest Volunteer Activities is required. This is currently the most relevant form of formal recognition for young people.

In accordance with the Act CCIV of 2011 On National Higher Education, students can collect credits for a diploma through optional courses or voluntary activities. The specific implementation (such as how many hours equals 1 ECTS) is determined by the each universities' Academic and Exam Regulations. For secondary school students, the main tool is the school community service diary (közösségszolgálati napló), where host organisations certify the completed hours and the field of activity. The completion is formally recorded in the school leaving certificate. Youthpass is widely used for cross-border volunteering and the Europass Mobility (Europass mobilitási igazolvány) is used to document the   skills of young people participating in international placements or internships involving voluntary elements.