Facts & figures
Philologist in Slovakian Language and Literature
Slovak
Program
ELTE’s MA in Slovakian Language and Literature is an ideal choice if you are familiar with the methods used to examine and interpret Slovakian literary, linguistic, linguistic-cultural and cultural texts and phenomena, as well as the possible approaches to their analysis. The programme is also suited to those who have knowledge of regional varieties of the Slovakian language and possess basic familiarity with the traditional and electronic sources, search tools, catalogues, databases and bibliographies characteristic of Slovakian linguistics and literary studies.
Programme details
Graduates of the programme acquire appropriate specialist and practical knowledge in the study and application of the Slovakian language. They are able to undertake independent research and applied professional tasks in Slovakian language teaching and research, contribute to the operation of professional systems, and carry out activities in the fields of research and development. They are also prepared to communicate Hungarian achievements in Slovakian language and literature, and more broadly in Slavic Studies, at national and international academic forums. The programme prepares graduates to continue their studies at doctoral level.
Students graduating from our university with an MA degree in Slovakian Studies have general knowledge of philology with a specialization in Slovakian literature and linguistics. The structure of our MA program is flexible and meets the needs of students with various interests. The strength of the course is also indicated by the scholarly achievements of the department staff (eg. regular participation in national and international conferences, regularly organized international conferences on Slavistics, numerous books and other national and international publications.
Interesting facts about the programme
Our programme is the initiator and organiser of an international literary translation competition. Several times a year, we welcome guest lecturers from abroad, and our students also regularly participate in the International Student Conference on Slavic Studies organised by our Institute.
Structure
Career
This programme enables students to work as specialists of Slovakian philology in the economic, cultural, political or social field. There are many opportunities for young professionals with an excellent command of Slovakian and a good understanding of the Slovakian culture as well as the historical, economic and social trends in contemporary Slovakia.
Note that the programme does not offer teaching qualifications.
Students graduating from our university with an MA degree in Slovakian Studies have an opportunity to work for Slovakian or/and Hungarian joint companies, in the field of culture or the educational sector, in the tourist industry, or to find employment related to cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary in a broader sense. Our graduates can also engage in an academic career and after completing their doctoral training and the successful defense of the doctoral dissertation obtain a PhD degree.
Scholar in Slovakian Studies
Organizer in various fields of Slovakian culture
Expert on Slovakian culture
Journalist
Literary translator
Specialist in diplomacy
etc.
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR | 100 EUR |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a bachelor’s degree in Slavonic Studies, Specialized in Slovakian Studies.
In the case of any other degree, each diploma will be considered individually. The applicant must have 30 credits in the field of Slovakian language, linguistics, literature or culture studies which might be acquired during the MA studies according to the Academic Regulations of the university.
Transcripts from your bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Slovak
Minimum B2 level (CEFR)
Admission to the master’s programme requires a state-recognised B2 (upper-intermediate) comprehensive language certificate in Slovakian, or an equivalent secondary school leaving certificate or higher education qualification.
English is the language of administration for all international courses at ELTE Faculty of Humanities. All communication in administrative matters will be conducted in English. It is therefore recommended that all applicants speak a minimum of A2 level of English, even if it is not the language of tuition of their chosen programme.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements |
Optional documents for admissions
Curriculum Vitae in English
In MS Word format with one low resolution photoResearch Proposal
Please consult the coordinating department for more informationLetter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2027 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2027 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
After the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs, applicants will be invited to an oral entrance exam. An entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of Slovak to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
Oral examination
The entrance examination is based on the specified bibliography and list of examination topics.
List of examination topics
I. Linguistics
1. The criteria for classifying languages. The genetic and typological classification of Slavic languages. The position of the Slovakian language within the Slavic language family.
2. The history of the Slovakian literary language.
3. The vertical and horizontal stratification of the Slovakian language (regional and social language varieties).
4. The phonetics, phonology and prosodic features of the Slovakian language.
5. The morphological system of Slovakian (morphemes, grammatical categories and parts of speech).
6. The syntactic system of Slovakian (syntactic units: syntagms, sentence elements, types and structures of sentences).
7. Lexicology: lexical and grammatical meanings of words, mechanisms of vocabulary expansion (polysemy, homonymy, synonyms, antonyms, paronyms); methods of word formation.
II. Literature
1. Major representatives of Slovakian Romanticism.
2. The most important authors and works of Slovakian Realism and Parnassianism.
3. Characteristic lyrical roles of Slovakian Modernism.
4. Epic trends and movements in Slovakian literature between the two World Wars.
5. Poetry in Slovakian literature between the two World Wars.
6. Twentieth-century Slovakian national and cultural aspirations.
Recommended reading
• Zajac, Peter – Schmarcová, Ľubica (eds.) et al.: Slovenský romantizmus. Host, 2019.
• Tureček, Dalibor – Haman, Aleš (eds.): Český a slovenský literární parnasismus. Host, 2015. (Chapters relating to Slovak literature.)
• Hučková, Dana: Kontexty Slovenskej moderny. Kalligram, 2014.
• Garay Kročanová, Dagmar: Prolegomena k dejinám slovenskej literatúry prvej polovice 20. storočia. Stimul, 2021.
• György, L.: Kapitoly zo slovenskej morfológie pre prekladateľov a tlmočníkov. Belianum, 2014.
• Orgoňová, O. – Bohunická, A.: Lexikológia slovenčiny. Bratislava, 2011.
• Pauliny, E.: Krátka gramatika slovenská. Bratislava: Veda, 1997.
• Paulíny, E. – Štolc, J. – Ružička, J.: Slovenská gramatika. Bratislava: SPN, 1968.
• Pekarovičová, J. – Žigová, Ľ. – Palcútová, M. – Štefánik, J.: Slovenčina pre cudzincov – praktická fonetická príručka. Bratislava: Stimul, 2005.
• Ripka, I. – Imrichová, M.: Kapitoly z lexikológie a lexikografie. Prešov: Prešovská univerzita v Prešove, Filozofická fakulta, 2011.
• Popovičová, Z. – Piatková, K.: Pragmatická gramatika 1. Bratislava: FFUK, 2021.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website
Contacts
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
More information
Website
Dr. habil Robert KISS SZEMAN
Associate professor
Head of Slovakian Studies
Find the structure of the program on the webpage of the Faculty.
Main areas of specialisation
• Foundational knowledge in the humanities and social sciences, specialist knowledge in Slovakian literary studies, linguistics and cultural studies, as well as language training (50-90 credits).
• Elective specialised programmes related to the field of study, covering linguistic, literary studies or cultural studies topics connected to the Slovakian language and culture (20-40 credits).