Created: 2026.07.10. 09:22
After serving as a host last year, Széchenyi István University is once again taking on a hosting role at EFOTT. This time, however, it is doing so together with three other Hungarian higher education institutions to celebrate the festival’s jubilee anniversary. Festival-goers can look forward to a wide range of activities between 8 and 11 July, offering not only a taste of the Széchenyi experience but also insights into the University’s research and development activities.
The first EFOTT – the National Tourist Meeting of University and College Students – was held in July 1976 at a holiday resort near Abaliget. What made the event unique was that it was organised each year by a different higher education institution, meaning that its location changed from year to year. This tradition continued until 2014, when the festival found a permanent home on the shores of Lake Velence. By then, it had evolved into a multi-day music festival while still retaining its student-centred character.
EFOTT welcomes visitors to Sukoró between 8 and 11 July (Photo: András Adorján)
The organisers marked the 50th anniversary with a special opening-day programme on 8 July: a four-hour marathon concert tracing the evolution of Hungarian popular music from the pop culture icons of the 1970s to today’s biggest stars, reflecting the festival’s own development over the past five decades. Another unique feature of this year’s edition is that the hosting role is shared by four universities rather than just one. Alongside Széchenyi István University, which made a highly successful debut as host last year, the co-hosts are Budapest Business University, Eötvös Loránd University and the University of Pannonia in Veszprém.
Széchenyi István University’s stand was also visited by Márk Radnai, Vice-President of the Tisza Party. (Photo: András Adorján)
“The four-university model allows the diversity of Hungarian higher education to be showcased more effectively. It is also a positive development that students from the organising institutions have once again shown strong interest in the event. This year has been no exception. It is particularly rewarding that we, as hosts, have also learned from one another and established excellent professional connections,” said Eszter Pajor, Marketing Specialist at Széchenyi István University.
The University’s exhibition area is located within Universum, a dedicated zone for university, corporate and civil society exhibitors. Here, the institution presents its academic programmes, developments and opportunities through a different thematic focus each day. Precision agriculture, engineering innovation and health technology will take centre stage, while visitors can also enjoy a drone exhibition, virtual reality demonstrations and interactive simulations. On Saturday, Uni-Medicampus Ltd., a company owned by the University, will offer on-site health assessments. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to try impairment goggles and a reflex-testing game.
The organising team of Széchenyi István University (Photo: András Adorján)
“Within our festival courtyard, we have created a chill zone as well as a beauty corner, where volunteers from the Student Union offer make-up services, hair braiding and festival tattoos. Two of our partners, E.ON and Waberer’s, are also joining us with a range of exciting activities and surprises. In the bar we operate together with the other hosts, DJs from the College Studio will provide the entertainment. In addition, festival-goers can meet us at right at the entrance through a checkpoint challenge, with lucky winners being transported to the festival gates by golf cart,” added Eszter Pajor.
At the opening press conference, Gergő Lőrincz, Director of Services and Branding at Széchenyi István University, emphasised that the institution is proud to once again be among the hosts. He explained that, in addition to conveying the unique Széchenyi spirit, the University aims to demonstrate its innovative approach through thematic days running from Thursday to Saturday. “We are continuously developing our programmes and working to provide our ever-growing community of nearly 17,000 students with up-to-date, practical knowledge that meets the needs of the labour market,” he said.
At the press conference, it was announced that this year’s special feature is that the host role is being shared by four universities rather than one (Photo: András Adorján)
The organisers also announced that the 50th EFOTT will be the last edition held in the Lake Velence region. From 2027 onwards, the event will relocate to Esztergom. Until then, current, prospective and former students, as well as all interested visitors, are invited to Sukoró to give the venue a fitting farewell.
SZE EFOTT 50th Anniversary
