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Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning

Section 49. (6) of the Act CCIV of 2011 on National Higher Education [2011. évi CCIV. törvény 49. § (6) bekezdése] states, that the Credit Transfer Committee of a certain university may recognise knowledge and work experience gained through non-formal or informal learning. The procedure and the number of credits are regulated at the institutional level in the given institution's Study and Examination Rules.

Universities could recognise competencies acquired through non-formal or informal learning and professional experience with credits or with exemption from certain requirements. Recognition is based on the comparison of the competencies acquired with the requirements for obtaining the credits. The Government Regulation no. 87/2015. (IV.9.) ensures the legal basis for that process.

From 2024, there were some changes in the admission procedure, and the universities decide on the points that can be obtained for extracurricular activities, such as entrance exams, art competitions, work experience, competence tests, sports competitions, equal opportunities (the points for these activities were also set centrally) (for more information, see 6.1).

Information and guidance

There are no outlets/services/large-scale initiatives for disseminating information and offering guidance on the validation of non-formal and informal learning.

Quality assurance

The quality assurance of the arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal competencies is ensured in the Fundamental Law of Hungary (Alaptörvény) in Article X. and XI. According to Article X.

'(1) Hungary shall ensure the freedom of scientific research and artistic creation, the freedom of learning for the acquisition of the highest possible level of knowledge and, within the framework laid down in an Act, the freedom of teaching.

(2) The State shall have no right to decide on questions of scientific truth; only scientists shall have the right to evaluate scientific research.

(3) Hungary shall protect the scientific and artistic freedom of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Hungarian Academy of Arts. Higher education institutions shall be autonomous in terms of the content and the methods of research and teaching; their organisation shall be regulated by an Act. The Government shall, within the framework of an Act, lay down the rules governing the management of public institutes of higher education and shall supervise their management.'