Created: 2026.01.12. 12:02
Every year, tens of thousands of visitors meet Hungarian and international higher education institutions at the Educatio International Education Exhibition. At this year’s event, Széchenyi István University once again welcomed young people planning their further studies with an impressive stand and a wealth of useful information. At the opening ceremony, it was also announced that the Győr-based institution will be one of the co-hosts of the EFOTT Festival on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Educatio Exhibition took place at Hungexpo in Budapest between 8 and 10 January, with nearly 150 exhibitors welcoming visitors. At the opening, Dr Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, emphasised that the primary goal is the success of young people. In this context, he noted: “Today, twelve Hungarian universities are among the top 5% worldwide, three institutions are in the top 2%, and one university is in the top 1%. Through our Pannónia Scholarship Programme, 11,355 students have reached the world’s best universities in less than a year and a half.” He added that graduates find employment on average within 42 days, with a salary multiplier of at least 1.5.
At the opening ceremony, it was announced that, on the occasion of the festival’s 50th anniversary, EFOTT will exceptionally have four co-host institutions this year. In addition to last year’s host, Széchenyi István University, the co-hosts will be Budapest University of Business and Economics (BGE), Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) and the University of Pannonia (PE) in Veszprém. The jubilee festival will be held between 8 and 12 July on the shores of Lake Velence, in Sukoró. “It was an enormous experience for us to host EFOTT last year and to present everything we can offer young people. We are delighted to be partners of the event again in 2026 together with three other excellent institutions, in the spirit of community building,” said Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice-President for General and Educational Affairs of Széchenyi István University, following the announcement.
Gábor Lasztovicza, Managing Director of EFOTT; Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice-President for General and Educational Affairs of Széchenyi István University; Dr Gyula Scheuer, Chancellor of ELTE; Dr György Andor, Rector of BGE; Dr Katalin Barna, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the University of Pannonia; and Dr Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, at the presentation of the EFOTT co-host plaques (Photo: Máté Dudás)
The Győr-based institution presented more than one hundred academic programmes across its eleven fields of education (law, economics, social sciences, engineering, agriculture, humanities, information technology, education, health sciences, arts and sports sciences) at a prominent location in Pavilion D of the Educatio Exhibition, on a stand exceeding 130 square metres.
“Our stand was centred around an LED wall of more than 120 square metres, displaying the most important information about our institution, visible even from a distance. The activities of our nine faculties were presented in detail to interested visitors by approximately thirty students, supported by two lecturers per faculty. Our colleagues also provided information on the admissions process, practice-oriented dual education programmes, various scholarships, student accommodation and university life,” emphasised Gergő Lőrincz, Director of Services and Brand Management at Széchenyi István University.
He added that students were able to learn about the University’s world-class student teams, including members of SZEnergy, multiple world record holders, who also shared their personal experiences and showcased their race car. Staff from the University’s International Office provided detailed information on international mobility opportunities and English-taught programmes. In addition, visitors were able to try out a drone simulator.
Students of Széchenyi István University shared their own experiences with prospective applicants (Photo: Máté Dudás)
Hanna Pósa visited the event from Pápa. “I am planning to list Széchenyi István University as my first choice because I consider it extremely innovative and modern. I would like to study marketing, and I asked about this at the stand, where I gained very positive impressions. I have already registered for the open day so that I can get to know the campus in person,” she emphasised.
Hanna Pósa from Pápa visited the higher education exhibition specifically because of Széchenyi István University (Photo: Máté Dudás)
“My primary goal is to be admitted to Széchenyi István University to study vehicle engineering in Győr,” said Gergő Pálinkás from Budaörs. He added that he likes the atmosphere of the campus and has heard many positive things from an acquaintance who already studies there. He also mentioned that he is interested in the Business Administration and Management programme, so he plans to attend the University’s open day to gather more information about these courses.
Gergő Pálinkás from Budaörs would like to continue his studies in vehicle engineering in Győr (Photo: Máté Dudás)
Rebeka Szilágyi and Marcell Albert both came from the Kozma Lajos Wood Industry and Creative Technical School in Újpest. “We stopped at the Győr stand because of the Faculty of Design and Performance Arts. Both of us are interested in the Graphic Design programme, and we are pleased that this can also be studied here,” said Rebeka. Marcell added that they received excellent information and that what they heard sparked the interest of both of them.
Marcell Albert and Rebeka Szilágyi were interested in the Faculty of Design and Performance Arts of Széchenyi István University (Photo: Máté Dudás)
The Educatio+ professional conference accompanying the opening day of the exhibition focused on the student experience, during which the leaders of Széchenyi István University also presented the institution’s best practices. Dr Zsolt Kovács participated in the roundtable discussion entitled “Lower dropout rates, better talent management?”, while Gergő Lőrincz took part in the panel “What do students consider an experience?”, both highlighting the opportunities offered by the University.
Széchenyi István University’s stand attracted significant interest (Photo: Máté Dudás)
Those who were unable to attend the Budapest event, or whose interest was sparked by what they saw there, are encouraged to visit the Győr campus on 20 January, when an open day will be held for prospective students.
Gallery: András Adorján, Máté Dudás
