The 255th academic year begins at Semmelweis University

Approximately 4,200 first-year students have started the 2025/26 academic year at Semmelweis University. In Hungarian-language programs, 2,500 freshers can begin their studies across six faculties. Meanwhile, the number of first-year international students in the English and German-language programs has increased compared to last year, with students coming from over 100 countries worldwide. “I am more certain than ever that those best suited to this profession are here today. Becoming a Semmelweis student is proof of that,” said Rector Dr. Béla Merkely at the ceremonial opening of the academic year, held at the MVM Dome. First-year students can now enjoy the benefits of Curriculum 2.0, an upgraded, even more practice-oriented reform introduced last academic year.

“You are the cream of the crop! You are among those who will not only contribute to the future of the Hungarian medical and healthcare professions, the healing of our fellow human beings, and improving their health, but also to enhancing the reputation of Semmelweis University,” said Dr. Béla Merkely in his ceremonial address to the first-year students.

The rector pointed out that this was the 255th academic year of Semmelweis University. “This heritage, accumulated over more than 250 years, sets us apart from many other universities. The professional and human greatness of our predecessors is the foundation on which Semmelweis has been built over many decades to become one of the world’s best and most internationally diverse universities today,” he said. He also mentioned that Semmelweis University was celebrating several milestones in the new academic year: the 70-year jubilee of the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Semmelweis University is more than just an institution of higher education. It is a historical trademark and brand that is committed to providing the highest-quality education, science, innovation, and healthcare services. However, all this presents not only an opportunity but also a challenge: It is not enough to preserve the values left to us – we must also continue to enrich them. – Dr. Béla Merkely

The rector spoke about the university’s outstanding international relations and its excellent position in global higher education rankings, adding that the goal was to enter the top 100 universities in the world. However, growth and competition are not simply goals, but rather tools for enhancing our excellence, with the best interests of our patients in mind, the rector pointed out, adding that this was the reason behind the university’s ongoing expansion of its portfolio and its decision in 2019 to be the first institution in Hungary to reform its medical and healthcare training curriculum in the spirit of practice-oriented education. First-year students who are just beginning their studies can now enjoy the benefits of the upgraded Curriculum 2.0. All this is guided by the approach that direct contact with the patient, detailed questioning about the patient’s complaints, examination, and mastery of minor diagnostic procedures are indispensable, emphasized the rector.

Dr. Béla Merkely drew the attention of the first-year students to the vast amount of knowledge they would need to acquire. He stated that medicine and health sciences were not only among the most beautiful professions in the world, but also among the most challenging. At the same time, the university places great emphasis on making student life as lively and exciting as possible. The Medic Orchestra and the Semmelweis University Choir welcome new students, as do the institution’s sixteen sports clubs.

“As I look at you, I am more certain than ever that those best suited to this profession are here today. Becoming a Semmelweis student is proof of that. The key to your success will be the hard work you are about to undertake. As rector of Semmelweis University, I can proudly say that you are in the best place to achieve your goals!” said Dr. Béla Merkely to the first-year students.

In his welcoming speech, Gábor Orbán, Chairman of the Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education (NEOA), the institution maintaining the university, emphasized that medicine was not merely a world of textbooks and exams, but a lifelong commitment to people. Knowledge is indispensable, but empathy, patience, and continuous learning are crucial for becoming a truly excellent professional. “The mission of the university’s leadership and NEOA is to create an environment for educators, researchers, and students alike in which this exceptional performance can not only be maintained but also enhanced. However, all this only makes real sense if the primary subject of medicine – the human being, the patient – is treated with respect, dignity, and humanity,” he said, adding that this should be the guiding principle throughout one’s studies and entire career.

He also highlighted that the institution’s successes were due to the joint efforts of the university community, which were based on cooperation and excellence.

You are now members of this dedicated community, and through your work and diligence, you too can shape what Semmelweis University represents. – Gábor Orbán

He also reminded the freshmen that, at the end of their studies, they would receive a degree that was respected not only in Hungary but also in healthcare institutions worldwide.

After the speeches, students enrolling in the first year at Semmelweis University took their oath in three languages: Hungarian, English, and German.

Two awards, established in 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of international education, were presented for the first time. They were created by Dr. Attila Horváth, Director General of the then College International and now Chairman of the McDaniel College Budapest Campus Local Board. These distinctions are bestowed upon international students who have completed the English or German preparatory program at McDaniel College Budapest Campus, successfully applied to Semmelweis University, and excelled in their first year of study. The Professor Andor Szécsény Award for participants in the English-language program was given to Alyousef Ammar, while the Professor Attila Fonyó Award for participants in the German-language program was presented to Özcan Akay by Rector Dr. Béla Merkely and Dr. László Frenyó, Dean of McDaniel College.

On behalf of the Students’ Union (HÖK), President Imre Richárd Nagy welcomed the first-year students. “This constantly renewing community is diverse, enthusiastic, and cohesive, which makes it valuable and special. Here, everyone has the opportunity to find their place, fulfill their potential, and work together to ensure that our university remains a leading, prominent, internationally recognized institution of higher education in Hungary and Europe,” he emphasized. In his words, both the university and the Students’ Union were working to offer the highest level of support to students in terms of vocational, community, and personal development. He encouraged students to become active members of the university community: to get involved in public life, arts, science, and sports. The president of HÖK mentioned that this year’s revamped Freshman Camp would welcome more participants than ever before, which would further stimulate the rich and thriving student community life at Semmelweis University.

He extended a special welcome to international students. “Your presence not only enriches our community but also reminds us that the language of science and healing knows no limits,” he emphasized.

The 2025/26 academic year has started with approximately 4,200 new students at Semmelweis University. In Hungarian-language programs, 2,500 freshmen begin their studies at six faculties, while in English and German-language programs, the number of first-year international students has increased compared to last year, with students coming from more than 100 countries around the world.