The Érettségi (Érettségi vizsga) is the Hungarian national secondary school diploma, administered by the Oktatási Hivatal (Educational Authority) under the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation. It is recognized worldwide as a demanding pre-university qualification and is accepted by universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
At Széchenyi Nemzetközi Gimnázium, students follow the eight-year Hungarian gimnázium curriculum from 5. évfolyam (age 10) through to 12. évfolyam (age 18), culminating in the Érettségi examination at the end of 12. évfolyam.
| Stage | Years | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alsó tagozat (Lower Gimnázium) | 5.–8. évfolyam | 10–14 | Core subjects: Hungarian language & literature, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Music, Art, Physical Education. Students develop a broad foundation across all disciplines. |
| 9. évfolyam (Transition Year) | 9. évfolyam | 14–15 | Transition to Felső tagozat. Students begin their second modern language and start to identify areas of strength for their elective subjects. |
| Felső tagozat (Upper Gimnázium) | 10.–12. évfolyam | 15–18 | Students choose elective subjects alongside core requirements. The Érettségi examination is taken at the end of 12. évfolyam and includes written and oral components in five subjects. |
In the Felső tagozat, students select elective subjects to complement their core studies. Széchenyi Nemzetközi Gimnázium offers the following:
Advanced algebra, analysis, probability, and geometry. Essential for students pursuing engineering, science, or economics at university.
Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Practical laboratory work forms a significant part of the course.
Genetics, ecology, human biology, and environmental studies. Includes fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Suited for students aiming for medicine or biological sciences.
Analysis of historical and contemporary issues, Hungarian and European history, international relations, and civic education (társadalomismeret).
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, Hungarian legal foundations, and political science. Preparation for business, law, and social science degrees.
In-depth study of English language, Anglophone literature, and cultural analysis. Conducted primarily in English.
In addition to the Érettségi, Széchenyi Nemzetközi Gimnázium is an authorized ECL examination centre. The ECL (European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages) is coordinated in Hungary by the University of Pécs and is recognized across Europe.
Students whose first language is not Hungarian are entered for ECL Hungarian examinations as they progress through their studies. This provides them with an internationally recognised certification of their Hungarian language level, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
| Level | CEFR | Typical Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECL A2 | A2 | End of 1st year | Basic interactions, routine tasks, describing surroundings |
| ECL B1 | B1 | End of 2nd year | Independent use, opinions, familiar topics |
| ECL B2 | B2 | 8.–9. évfolyam | Fluent interaction, complex texts, abstract topics |
| ECL C1 | C1 | 11.–12. évfolyam | Effective, flexible use in academic and professional contexts |
Students who join Széchenyi Nemzetközi Gimnázium with limited or no Hungarian receive dedicated language support through our Hungarian Language Integration Programme (HLI — Magyar mint idegen nyelv). This intensive programme runs alongside the regular curriculum and typically lasts one to two years, depending on the student's starting level and progress.
HLI students receive additional hours of Hungarian language instruction each week, adapted coursework in content subjects, and regular one-to-one tutoring. The goal is for students to transition fully into mainstream Hungarian-medium classes as quickly as possible.
Our university guidance programme begins in 10. évfolyam and continues through to 12. évfolyam. Students receive individual advice on university selection, application procedures, and personal statement preparation. Recent graduates have been accepted at universities including:
