Eötvös Loránd University earned recognition for its global research and educational collaborations, extensive student mobility opportunities, outstanding number of international students, and foreign language education.

On Monday, at a gala held in the Royal Castle of Gödöllő, the University of the Year 2026 awards were presented in 12 categories, each with a cash prize of 10 million HUF. Eötvös Loránd University competed in the University of Internationality category against the University of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Szeged.

The recognition was finally awarded to Eötvös Loránd University based on its outstanding results in international rankings, more than 4000 foreign language courses, more than 100 English language programs, more than 5000 international students, and global research and educational collaborations.

The award was received by Gyula Scheuer chancellor, Gábor Zemplén deputy rector for international affairs, and Anna Dorottya Nagy, president of the ELTE Student Union, from Balázs Hankó, culture and innovation minister, and Rodrigo Ballester, ministerial commissioner responsible for the internationalization of Hungarian higher education and research.

In his brief speech, Deputy Rector Gábor Zemplén emphasized that the award holds great significance for the entire community of Eötvös Loránd University, the new rectorate leadership, as well as for the thousands of educators and researchers. He also expressed his hope that many of the over 40,000 students at the institution will be joined by this year's more than 20,000 first-choice applicants this fall, who will also be able to use the opportunities offered by ELTE's extensive international networks.