Hospitality and tourism studies gain popularity in Hungary

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 25. 09:12

Once again, the hospitality and tourism bachelor’s programme has proven to be one of the most popular choices among Hungarian university applicants. Over 10,000 applications were submitted for the programme in 2025, with 2,250 candidates listing it as their first choice. Admission scores have risen across the country, and many universities will now also launch the programme in self-funded formats.

More Admitted Students, Rising Entry Scores

According to the Hungarian Educational Authority, over 134,000 applications were submitted for programmes starting in autumn 2025, and 95,907 students were admitted. Of these, 77% – a total of 74,156 students – will study in state-funded programmes. Regional universities are also strengthening: every second admitted student will enrol in a non-Budapest institution.

The hospitality and tourism BA was offered by 17 universities, attracting a total of 10,331 applications. The most popular institution remains the Budapest Business School (BGE), followed by Kodolányi János University and the University of Debrecen. BGE admitted 723 students this year, including 539 to the Hungarian-language full-time programme – a 25.1% increase from 2024. Additionally, 82 students were accepted to the English-language full-time programme, and 102 to the Hungarian-language correspondence programme.

“We are pleased to see that not only student numbers are rising, but so are the admission thresholds for both state-funded and self-funded places. This trend reflects both the popularity of the programme and our long-term objective to train highly motivated, well-prepared professionals who will shape the future of tourism,” said Kornélia Kiss, Dean of BGE.

Record Scores and New Programme Locations

This year, minimum admission scores for full-time, state-funded hospitality and tourism programmes increased by an average of 40 points compared to 2024. The highest thresholds were at Kodolányi János University and Edutus University (424 points), while BGE required at least 400 points for state-funded admission. The University of Debrecen is launching a new campus in Siófok, where 304 points were needed to get in. At Tokaj-Hegyalja University, the admission threshold was set at 230 points.

Interest in master’s programmes is also growing: the tourism management MA received 242 applications, with 72 listed as first-choice. BGE admitted 33 students to its Hungarian-language part-time MA and 9 students to the full-time English-language programme. The former represents a 26.9% increase compared to the previous year.

Despite changes to the Hungarian baccalaureate system and the scoring method, the programme has maintained its popularity – and even strengthened its competitiveness, as evidenced by the rising scores. Students beginning their studies in autumn 2025 can look forward to updated curricula, student-focused programme structures, and innovative learning content.