The 392nd academic year of Eötvös Loránd University began on September 4th with the ceremonial session of the Senate. In keeping with tradition, the academic year opening held in the Aula Magna at Egyetem Square was led by Rector Lénárd Darázs. The event was attended by and included a festive address by Péter Magyar, Prime Minister of Hungary. The first-year students were welcomed by Anna Dorottya Nagy, president of the ELTE University Student Council.

"One of our most important tasks is to ensure equal opportunities for young people in university studies," said Péter Magyar, Prime Minister of Hungary, in his inaugural speech. He then called on the university's leadership to create opportunities for young people to deepen their knowledge, to thrive in the world of work, and to discover the joy of free thinking. He highlighted that ELTE, as one of the centers of teacher training, also plays an important role in renewing public education. He added that quality teaching and research work is unimaginable without real financial recognition. At the end of his address, he pledged that the citizens of ELTE can count on government partnership in creating a new era for Hungarian higher education and scientific research.

"ELTE holds fast to its centuries-old traditions and values, and has never strayed from the ideal and practice of value-driven university operation,” said Rector Lénárd Darázs. He pointed out that the university conducts its teaching and research guided by humanist and European values such as academic freedom, university autonomy, and equal treatment. ELTE has remained the country’s leading higher education institution even during recent challenges by consistently upholding these values. The rector also mentioned the extremely difficult financial and infrastructural situation ELTE is facing at the start of this academic year.

This academic year at ELTE begins with another outstanding admissions result: in the 2026 general and supplementary admission processes, a total of 14,531 new students were admitted to the university’s programs. This surpasses last year’s record by about 5 percent. In the general admission process, 13,723 were accepted, and a further 808 through the supplementary round. With these results, ELTE continues to strengthen its nearly two-decade-long leading position in Hungarian higher education.

"Ask questions, speak up, seek companions, and take action for change,” encouraged the first-year students Anna Dorottya Nagy, president of the ELTE University Student Council (EHÖK). She added that EHÖK works so that the university years are about community, opportunities, and supporting each other, not just studying.

This September, a record number of new students will become part of ELTE’s diverse professional, scientific, and community life. In the new academic year, the university continues to strive to provide a community for its students that, alongside high-quality teaching and research, offers opportunities for professional growth, initiative, and independent thinking.

This year, the Senate awarded the title of professor emeritus to twelve university professors. Four people received commemorative medals. The Eötvös Ring was awarded to László Zentai. The list of those honored in 2026 can be read in the following news article.