Created: 2026.03.05. 13:46
The one-year, scholarship-based Diplomatic Training Programme of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy was recently presented at Széchenyi István University to considerable interest. At the information session, students received first-hand insights into the path to a career in the foreign service, the application requirements, and the admissions process.
Széchenyi István University places special emphasis on enabling its students to gain international experience and to think globally. The institution’s mobility opportunities – including partial study programmes and internships abroad within the framework of the Pannonia Scholarship Programme – open the international arena to many young people each year. The presentation of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy’s Diplomatic Training Programme fitted well into this approach. At the Győr stop of the nationwide information roadshow on 3 March, the programme structure, application criteria, and admission process were explained in detail.
In her welcome address, Dr Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich, President of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy, emphasised that a career in diplomacy is not only a vocation but also a responsibility, as members of the foreign service represent Hungary’s interests worldwide. As she noted, their aim is to prepare well-qualified professionals with international experience to serve Hungarian diplomacy.
The professional details of the programme were presented by Dr Ádám Imre Szűcs, Deputy State Secretary responsible for education, scholarship programmes and science diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In his presentation, he outlined the structure of the two-semester programme, its theoretical and practical modules, and the opportunity to undertake placements at Hungarian diplomatic missions abroad. “The Diplomatic Training Programme offers comprehensive and competitive knowledge to those wishing to pursue a career within the Hungarian diplomatic corps. The programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to begin their professional careers within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, representing national and economic interests,” he stated.
Practical information regarding the admission procedure was provided by Dr Sándor Nagy, Chief Advisor of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy. He detailed the characteristics of the multi-stage selection process, the importance of language proficiency, and the role of the mentoring scheme, which supports participants’ professional integration and development. Admitted students receive intensive theoretical and practical preparation, focusing on international law, foreign policy, diplomatic history, protocol and negotiation techniques. In the second semester, students complete a professional placement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and at Hungarian diplomatic missions, gaining experience in a real diplomatic environment.
Dr László Knapp, Vice-Dean for Educational Affairs of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Széchenyi István University; Dr Sándor Remsei, Dean of the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics; Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations; Dr Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich, President of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy; Dr Ádám Imre Szűcs, Deputy State Secretary responsible for education, scholarship programmes and science diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Dr Júlia Szőke, Vice-Dean for Science and International and Scientific Affairs of the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Réka Orosz-Barczi, International Director of the University, at the Management Campus building hosting the event (Photo: Gergely Nagy)
The programme provides a monthly net scholarship of HUF 300,000 for the entire duration of the diplomatic training. Applications must be submitted electronically via the website of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy. Eligibility criteria include Hungarian citizenship, a clean criminal record, a university degree (which must be obtained by the start of the programme at the latest), advanced proficiency in English, and at least intermediate knowledge of one additional foreign language. The admission procedure consists of several stages, including written and oral assessments, and comprehensively evaluates applicants’ professional preparedness, language competences and suitability for diplomatic service. The application deadline is 10 May.
A large number of students expressed interest in the programme (Photo: Gergely Nagy)
