Description of the primary school (általános iskola) system

What

The first school in the education system where children go when they are between the 6/7 and 14/15 years of age (in special cases children have the opportunity to go to secondary school after the 4^th or the 6^th grade if they fulfil the school recruitment process). The primary education is free, but you can choose private institutions where you have to pay monthly fee.

The primary school includes 8 grades which are divided into two parts: junior years (1-4. grade where the children gain the basic knowledge) and senior years (where the children gain more detailed knowledge). The main goal of the junior years is to develop basic skills such as literacy, numeracy and provide basic knowledge. In the senior years students gain more detailed knowledge from specialised teachers.

Who

Going to primary school is compulsory for every child living in Hungary who reaches the school age (6-7 years).

When

From the 6/7 years of age till the 14/15 years of age.

Good to know

In Hungary, the education system doesn’t make a difference between girls and boys. Every child needs to attend primary school.

On this link you can find more information on studying in Hungary (in English): http://menedek.hu/sites/default/files/okttajangolweb.pdf

Here, at the bottom of this page you can find a comprehensive description about the Hungarian educational system that was designed by the Menedék, Hungarian Association for Migrants (in Hungarian, English, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and Farsi): http://menedek.hu/en/node/653

For information in English about the Hungarian administration system (government offices, government windows, allowances, etc.) you can call the governmental helpline, what you can find under “Everyday life – Governmental helpline” on this link: http://hu.danubecompass.org/archives/situations/governmental-helpline. If you are calling from Hungary call this number: 1818, if you are calling from abroad call this number: +36 (1) 550-1858.

Where