Homeschooling in Hungary
Permitted only with prior Oktatási Hivatal approval — no automatic right to home educate.
Home education in Hungary is permitted only as an exception, via the individual work schedule status (egyéni munkarend), which requires prior approval from the Educational Authority (Oktatási Hivatal). The arrangement is governed by Act CXC of 2011 on National Public Education (Nkt.), as amended by Act LXX of 2019, which replaced the older magántanuló (private student) status from 1 September 2020. Approved students remain enrolled at a school and must pass annual classification exams covering the National Core Curriculum.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Compulsory education runs from age 6 (school year starting after the child turns 6 by 31 August) until the end of the school year in which the child turns 16.
- Compulsory preschool (óvoda) of at least 4 hours per day applies from age 5; kindergarten is available from age 3.
- Home education is only possible through approved individual work schedule status (egyéni munkarend), introduced by Act LXX of 2019 effective 1 September 2020 (replacing the former magántanuló status).
- Parents or legal guardians must petition the Oktatási Hivatal (Educational Authority) by 15 June for the following school year; late applications only in exceptional circumstances.
- The Authority decides the petition and may consult the school, child welfare services, and family services before granting individual work schedule.
- Approved students remain registered at a school and must follow the National Core Curriculum (Nemzeti Alaptanterv, Government Decree 110/2012 (VI. 4.) Korm. rendelet, as amended).
- Annual classification exams (osztályozó vizsga) at the registering school are required to verify progress.
- No formal teaching qualifications are required of the parent.
Legal Framework
Act CXC of 2011 on National Public Education (2011. évi CXC. törvény a nemzeti köznevelésről, Nkt.), as amended by Act LXX of 2019 (2019. évi LXX. törvény), governs home education in Hungary. Section 45 of the Nkt. (as amended) provides the basis for individual work schedule (egyéni munkarend), which replaced the magántanuló status from 1 September 2020. Petitions are decided by the Educational Authority (Oktatási Hivatal). The curriculum requirement is set by Government Decree 110/2012 (VI. 4.) Korm. rendelet on the National Core Curriculum (Nemzeti Alaptanterv), as amended.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Petition for individual work schedule
When
15 June
Where
Oktatási Hivatal
How to submit
Online or mail
What to include
- • Justification based on child's circumstances, development, or successful study; Authority may consult school and services
Late petitions only in exceptional circumstances
How to Get Started
- 1
Choose registering school
- 2
Prepare petition with justification by 15 June
- 3
Submit to Oktatási Hivatal
- 4
Await approval
- 5
Prepare for annual exams
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Permitted under law
- ✓Flexible for exceptional cases
Cons
- •Hard to obtain approval
- •Ongoing exam pressure
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · HU homeschool law guide