2026

There have been no reforms yet this year.

2025

Integration of artificial intelligence into vocational education and training 

In September 2025, the Government renewed Hungary’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the period 2025–2030 and adopted the related implementation measures (Government Resolution No. 1324 of 2025 (3 September) on the renewal of Hungary’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy and related implementation measures for the period 2025–2030). In this context, the Minister responsible for VET and the Government Commissioner for artificial intelligence were mandated to develop, by 31 March 2026, a roadmap for integrating of AI education into public education, and to ensure its implementation by 31 December 2026 (Government Resolution No. 1405 of 2025 (4 November) on measures aimed at raising public awareness of artificial intelligence). The Government has also decided to carry out annual reviews of the strategy. 

As part of the roll-out, an AI pilot course was launched at 60 vocational schools during the first semester of the current academic year. Following the training of approximately 100 instructors in November, the government aims to integrate AI training into the daily curriculum of all vocational schools by the spring semester.

Education Sector Skills Council has been established

The Education Sector Skills Council was established in September 2025 to align vocational education and training (VET) with labour market demands. By involving industry experts, the Council facilitates the integration of modern methodologies and updated content into VET programmes.

Sectoral skills councils, first introduced in 2019, serve as platforms for dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, ensuring the transfer of market-relevant skills. Currently, 20 such councils operate in Hungary under the coordination of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK). With the addition of the Education Sector Skills Council, a total of 21 bodies now work to bridge the gap between vocational training and employer requirements

Government allocates HUF 15 billion to bolster vocational training through two new projects

In September 2025, the Hungarian government launched two initiatives with a combined budget of HUF 15 billion (EUR 40.54 million) to strengthen vocational education and training (VET). The first project, with an allocation of HUF 8.9 billion (EUR 24 million) under EDIOP-PLUS 5.2.5-25, aims to intensify foreign language learning for students in both public and private VET institutions nationwide. The second initiative provides HUF 6.2 billion (EUR 16.76 million) to establish sectoral training centres in regions where such facilities are not yet available. Through these measures, the government aims to position Hungary as a leading provider of vocational excellence by 2030.

Continuation of the Peer Mentor Programme in vocational education

Following the successful training of selected instructors, the Peer Mentor Programme is set to resume in December 2025. The initiative aims to enhance academic achievement and reduce early school leaving (ESL) within the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Mentors (instructors) and peer mentors (students) will work together to bridge the gap between schools, students, and their families, while fostering mental resilience at both the individual and institutional levels. Initially, six vocational training centres were involved in the programme's roll-out.

Integration of artificial intelligence into adult education

In September 2025, the Government renewed Hungary’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the period 2025–2030 and adopted the related implementation measures (Government Resolution No. 1324 of 2025 (3 September) on the renewal of Hungary’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy and related implementation measures for the period 2025–2030).In this context, the ministers concerned were mandated to launch, by 31 May 2026, extracurricular training programmes on AI, especially for disadvantaged social groups and people with disabilities (Government Resolution No. 1405 of 2025 (4 November) on measures aimed at raising public awareness of artificial intelligence). 

The government has established the legal framework for the introduction of the Individual Learning Account

The government established the legal framework for the introduction of the Individual Learning Account by amending Act No. LXXVIII of 2013 on Adult Education and Government Decree No. 11 of 2020 on implementing the Adult Education Act. As defined by the law, the individual learning account is a scheme designed to encourage training relevant to the labour market. Through functions that support training selection, provide information on available training resources, and offer other support services, it helps reduce motivational and financial barriers, thereby reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning.

Micro-credentials in Vocational Education and Training (VET)

A recent amendment to the implementing regulation of the Act on VET marks another step toward building a more flexible, efficient, and labour-market-oriented vocational education and training system. A central feature of this amendment is the introduction of detailed rules for VET micro-credentials. These micro-credentials allow education and training programmes to adapt more quickly and respond more precisely to the changing needs of the economy. (https://njt.hu/jogszabaly/2020-12-20-22; https://kormany.hu/hirek/mikrotanusitvanyok-a-szakkepzesben-is) 

Establishment of Sectoral Knowledge Centres in Vocational Education and Training (VET)

To further strengthen vocational education and training, the government is allocating a total of HUF 21.4 billion (approximately EUR 55 million) to support five VET centres in creating sectoral knowledge hubs. These hubs will serve as specialised training centres that address key areas of the Hungarian economy, developed in cooperation with universities and local companies.

Funded through the European Union’s GINOP Plus programme, the project will establish knowledge centres in five cities across Hungary. Each centre will focus on one of the following strategic fields: information technology, electronics, the food industry, the automotive industry, and mechanical engineering.

(https://kormany.hu/hirek/hanko-balazs-ot-tudaskozpontot-alakitanak-ki-a-szakkepzes-tovabbi-fejlesztese-erdekeben; https://www.palyazat.gov.hu/programok/szechenyi-terv-plusz/ginop-plusz/ginop_plusz-5.1.1-24/alapadatok)

Further pay raise for teachers in vocational education and training

In parallel with teachers working in general education, the government will again significantly increase the salaries of nearly 24,000 vocational education teachers by 21.1%, starting from 1 January 2025 (1396/2024. (XII. 16.) Korm. határozat). HUF 50 billion (EUR 124.2 million) is available from the central budget for the wage increase. The pay raise applies to all vocational training institutions, whether state, church or university-run, regardless of the provider. Thanks to the pay raise, the gross wage of career starter teachers and trainers will rise to HUF 705,000 (EUR 1,752), the gross wage of "non-career starters" to HUF 800,000 (EUR 1,988) and the gross wage of older teachers and trainers to HUF 950,000 (EUR 2,360).

2024

Restrictions on the use of mobile phones in VET institutions

The government has restricted (245/2024. (VIII. 8.) Korm. rendelet) the use of telecommunication devices, in particular mobile phones, as well as devices for recording images or sound, and smart devices for accessing the internet, in schools. The restrictions are also used in VET institutions. The restriction means that, from the 2024/2025 school year onwards, these devices may not be used during the day in grades 9-13 and must be kept locked away during classes in the dormitory. The only exceptions to this rule are those classes, workshops, and activities where the teacher or the school head authorises their use.

Supporting the acquisition of driving licences in secondary schools

From 1 September 2024, the state will provide free of charge to secondary school students, including VET students, the basic knowledge and practical skills needed to pass the test for a category B driving licence. The central digital study registration system will provide students with online access to course material on the basic traffic knowledge, including first aid, which they can complete at home on their own IT devices outside school hours. The exams are also organised by the secondary schools through the study registration system. First aid demonstration sessions are provided by the Hungarian National Ambulance Service.

Improving teachers' pay in vocational education and training

In parallel with teachers in public education, the government has also significantly increased the salaries of teachers in vocational education by an average of 32.0%, at a cost of HUF 60 billion. The government decision (Government Decision No. 1010 of 2024 (23 January) on the salary improvement of vocational education teachers) covers 24,000 teachers working in state and non-state vocational education institutions.

Further improving interoperability

Students who achieve excellent results in the fifth year of vocational education and training (technicum) may even be offered a preliminary student status by the higher education institution with which the VET school has a training cooperation. This innovation will facilitate access to higher education for young people in VET in a progressive way, in addition to the acquisition of a vocational qualification. Credits acquired in the meantime will be accepted and recognised by higher education institutions. The possibility was created by the amendment to the Higher Education Act (Act CCIV of 2011 on National Higher Education) (Act LXXXV of 2023 amending certain acts necessary to strengthen the interconnection of universities and research institutions and the economy, and amending certain acts on adult education and culture).

Significant infrastructure development for quality education and training

An unprecedented school infrastructure development programme has been launched in Hungarian vocational education and training, using almost HUF 100 billion. Under the "21st Century Vocational Education and Training Institution Development Programme", a complex development project will renovate or build 110,000 square metres of teaching space in 34 institutions, create display kitchens and workshops, and green up the energy systems of buildings. The National Authority for Vocational and Adult Education and Training, the Digital Government Development and Project Management Ltd. and 18 vocational training centres have jointly won a non-refundable grant of HUF 95.8 billion for the project.

The aim of the programme is to create an attractive learning environment in the vocational training centres, to create the conditions for quality vocational education, to improve the infrastructure and energy efficiency of the buildings, classrooms, workshops, laboratories and community spaces used in education and training, and to modernise the equipment used in the institutions. The project is being implemented with the support of the European Union's Instrument for Recovery and Resilience (RRF) and the Hungarian government.