Hungary’s vocational training system is one of the leading models in Europe and globally, and for young people it should not be seen as a “plan B” but as a true profession and path to fulfillment, Minister for Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó said at a press conference in Eger on Tuesday.
The minister highlighted that next week 44,000 students will begin their vocational studies. Hungary’s system is currently ranked second in Europe, third among OECD countries, and is listed among the world’s top ten. According to Hankó, this achievement stems from years of renewal that have resulted in motivated teachers, committed students, and modernized infrastructure.
He noted that since 2020 teachers’ salaries in vocational training have increased two and a half times, with 24,000 educators now earning at least 705,000 forints gross, while many reach 900,000 to 1 million forints. Students benefit from a supportive scholarship system, including starting grants of 8,000 to 59,000 forints, and those in dual training programs can earn a net 168,000 forints monthly. After passing their professional exams, graduates receive a one-time career-starting allowance of 300,000 forints, with more than 30,000 students supported this summer with 9.5 billion forints.
Hankó also pointed to the “workers’ loan,” already used by 25,000 young professionals to help start their independent lives. He added that 100 billion forints of development projects are currently underway at 34 vocational sites, with a similar sum planned for the coming years, including five sectoral knowledge centers built in cooperation with universities and industry.
“In the new school year, vocational students will also receive free textbooks, as will all of Hungary’s 1.2 million pupils,” Hankó underlined.