Debrecen4U
September 7, 2026
More Than 9,000 First-year Students Take Oaths at University of Debrecen’s Opening Ceremony
More than 30,000 students will begin the new academic year at the University of Debrecen, including more than 9,000 first-year students. The higher education institution, which offers the broadest range of degree programmes in Hungary, held its ceremonial Senate meeting on Sunday, where the new students were officially inducted and a number of awards were presented.
The students entered the ceremonial Senate meeting alongside the university leadership, carrying gerundiums symbolising the University of Debrecen’s faculties. At the ceremony, Rector Zoltán Bács said that the institution’s mission had remained unchanged for almost 500 years: to provide knowledge and build community. “Building on its historical heritage, it is capable of constantly renewing itself and adapting to a changing world. It strives for independence and autonomy, develops efficient operating models and creates the conditions, stability, security and foundations for the future for its members,” Rector Zoltán Bács said.
The University of Debrecen is one of Hungary’s most important universities, and Hungary’s future also depends on it, said Judit Lannert in her welcome address. The Minister for Education and Children’s Affairs added that this is why one of the government’s key objectives is to establish a unified, transparent and high-quality teacher training system in Hungary. “Future teachers need sound professional and methodological knowledge, up-to-date digital skills, as well as the ability to recognise children’s different abilities and effectively support their development,” said Judit Lannert, who also announced that teacher training would be discontinued at the Ludovika University of Public Service.
More than 9,000 first-year students took their oaths at the opening ceremony, including 2,000 international students. The youngest fresher this year is just 15 years old and will study physics and mathematics in English. “I live in Pallag, so I don’t want to travel far, and I’m not allowed to go abroad at the age of 15 anyway. My parents also studied here, and I think it offers a pretty good degree. They also have interesting laboratories and are involved in research,” explained Hunor Csóka.
The University of Debrecen presents its Alumni Award to companies that cooperate effectively with the institution and help students and recent graduates find employment or develop professionally. This year, the award went to BMW’s Debrecen plant. In his acceptance speech, President and CEO Hans-Peter Kemser said that the award belonged not only to him, but to every employee at the plant.” When we came here, we did not just want to build a factory. We wanted to do more: to be good citizens and build a community. Today, I can honestly say that we have achieved this in Debrecen,” said the President and CEO.
For the first time, Rector Emeritus awards were presented at the ceremonial opening of the academic year, recognising the work of former university leaders and thanking them for their contributions to the University of Debrecen.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)
