Enrollment to kindergarten and schools

Information for Ukrainian refugee parents and other caregivers holding temporary protection status on enrollment in kindergarten and school for the academic year 2025/2026.

“Every child needs time to adapt to a new language. My daughter attended afternoon catch-up classes for two years, which helped her tremendously. Although she had to repeat the first year in Hungary, she is now in 7th grade and speaks Hungarian well, has good average grades, and feels comfortable in her classroom. My youngest child attended a kindergarten within the same complex as that school. He adapted very easily and will start first grade in September.” – Ukrainian mother (40 years old) of two children living in Budapest.

“My eldest child completed the 11th grade online in Ukraine and has already started applying to a Hungarian university. She was not accepted into a Hungarian secondary school due to her lack of Hungarian language skills. My younger child was enrolled very quickly. Although he was in the 7th grade in Ukraine, he was placed in the 6th grade here to learn Hungarian. He adapted easily, made friends, and enjoys the school. My son participated in a catch-up program three times a week, which helped him to learn Hungarian and to complete his homework. We chose this school because my nephew studied there. I am very happy with our decision and deeply grateful to the school for their support.” – Ukrainian mother (41 years old) of two children living in Budapest.”

Can I enroll my child in a Hungarian school or kindergarten, and under what conditions?

• Yes! Holders of temporary protection status and Hungarian-Ukrainian dual nationals have the right to attend kindergarten (from the age of 3) and school (from the age of 6), like Hungarian children.
• Every child, including those with temporary protection status, must attend accredited educational institutions in Hungary if they reside in the country for more than three months. This requirement is due to education being compulsory for children between the ages of 3 and 16 in Hungary.
• Kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary educational institutions are obliged to offer access to their institutions for all children within their educational districts. However, due to capacity issues schools might reject the enrollment of the child and in such case, you can try a neighboring district school or ask the assistant of the educational district.
• Kindergartens, primary, and secondary education are free of charge in Hungary at public institutions, which are mainly state or church-run. However, you have the option to choose private institutions, bearing in mind that they require the payment of fees.
• Primary education is provided by primary schools (Grades 1-8, for children aged 6-14), after which children can enter secondary schools (Grades 9-12, for those aged 15-18, please note that some secondary schools accept students after Grade 4 or 6), such as general secondary schools or vocational training institutions, including technical and vocational schools.

Why should I enroll my child in a Hungarian school?

School enrollment and attendance are required under Hungarian law. It is also essential for the development of your child and ensures that their fundamental rights are respected.

• It could help to prepare children for all possible future scenarios, whether to return to Ukraine after a temporary period, or to develop long-term plans to stay in Hungary / the EU, if needed.
• Studying in a Hungarian school allows children to access quality education and makes it easier for them to interact with their peers, experience a sense of normalcy, reduce their social isolation and receive appropriate support services, regardless of the length of your intended stay in Hungary.
• Hungary's education system ranks mid-tier among 36 European countries in the latest international assessment, ensuring your child has access to quality education: https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/rankings/pisa_science_scores/Europe/
• Studying in a Hungarian school is more sustainable, offering a consistent learning opportunity. Experience has shown that enrollment in temporary or 'pop-up' schools using the Ukrainian curriculum may not have the resources to continue operating for a full academic year in Hungary, leading to further disruption of your children’s education.
• Experience shows that children, especially adolescents, who are not included in the host country's education system run a higher risk of leaving education and/or training early, seriously impeding their potential to progress in their future studies or in the labor market later.
• The Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science recommends that refugee parents familiarize themselves with the requirements of compulsory education and enroll children according to the host countries’ local rules. The Ministry also highlights the social benefits of enrolling in a host country's education system.

When does the enrollment period for the 2025/2026 school term start?

• The school term for 2025/2026 begins on September 1, 2025. The enrollment for first graders takes place on April 10-11, 2025. Kindergarten enrollment dates are determined by the local municipality. We recommend verifying the specific dates with the selected schools/kindergarten, as there may be variations, especially regarding kindergarten enrollment.
• Children who turn 3 years old by August 31, 2025, are required to enroll in kindergarten for at least 4 hours per day. Children who turn 6 years old by August 31, 2025, join the first grade of primary school. As an exception, parents can request one year of postponed schooling, children at age of 7 must start the first year of primary school. All children with TP status and dual nationality between 3 and 16 years residing in Hungary for more than 3 months are expected to enroll in kindergarten and school based on their age and/or academic achievement level.
• Adherence to the enrollment deadline is advised to ensure that your child can begin kindergarten or school on the first day of the new term.
• If you are unable to meet the deadline, you can still enroll your child but you are advised to initiate the registration process as soon as possible. Enrollment into schools is possible throughout the entire year depending on the capacities of the school.

How can I enroll my child in kindergarten?

• Kindergarten covers the early education of children aged between 3 and 6 years.
• You can find out which kindergarten is assigned to you based on your address by visiting this link: https://kir2korzet3h.kir.hu/Pub/index.
• However, parents have the freedom to choose a kindergarten for their child. You have the right to contact any kindergarten you wish, but they may not be able to accommodate your child depending on their capacities.
• It is advisable to directly contact the kindergarten of your choice. However, you can also seek further information and support from the local municipality or the local Family Support and Child Welfare Services.
• If your district kindergarten/school operates at the maximum number of children it can accommodate and therefore cannot enroll your child, in these cases, the child should have access to a neighboring school.
• If you don't speak Hungarian, please ensure that you have someone accompany you to provide translation support.
• You can request a translation service from IOM by filling out this FORM.

How can I enroll my child in a primary school?

• Primary School covers Grades 1 – 8.
• On this link https://kir2korzet3h.kir.hu/Pub/index you can find which school is assigned to you based on your address.
• Even though, there is a free choice of schools, so you have the right to enroll your child in any school you wish, but they might not be able to accept your child due to capacity shortages.
• It is advised to directly reach out to the school of your choice. You can seek further information and assistance in finding a place for your child from the relevant educational district center.
• If your district kindergarten/school operates at the maximum capacity and therefore cannot enroll your child, the child should have access to a neighboring school.
• In case you don't speak Hungarian, please make sure to have someone accompany you and support you with translation.
• You can also request a translation service from IOM by filling this FORM.

Where should I enroll my child if they have special educational needs?

• It is the right of the child with developmental delays and disabilities to receive developmental pedagogical or special educational services according to their needs. These needs are established by the expert committee based on their assessment.
• In Hungary, your child can be educated in different forms depending on his/her needs. There are designated educational institutions which can host special needs children in an integrated school setting or in special classes, depending on the needs of the child. The form of education is defined by the Pedagogical Assistance Services; therefore, as a first step, we recommend getting in contact with the Pedagogical Assistant Service of your district.
• Further information about the available services and assessment process is available on the webpage of UNHCR: https://help.unhcr.org/hungary/education-with-disabilities/

What documents do I need to enroll my child in school?

Schools may request certain documents for enrollment, which may include the following:

• Filled-in application document, usually accessible from the selected educational institution
• Birth certificate of your child (no Hungarian translation is required)
• Document indicating the ID of your child (e.g., passport, ID card)
• The number of the child’s Hungarian health insurance. For this Temporary Protection card number is sufficient, or in case of dual nationals, a technical ID number requested from health professionals, or a TAJ card, if you already have it.
• Document indicating the parent’s ID (e.g., passport, ID card)
• Temporary Protection card or other residency card of the child
• Vaccination documents of the child
• Certificate of the last finished school year (from Ukraine too)
• Document indicating your address (address card or address certificate issued by NDGAP or health visitor)

If you do not have these documents, please do not be discouraged and explain your situation to the school management. Commonly, forcibly displaced persons face challenges in providing full sets of documents.

Does my child need to be vaccinated in order to attend school?

• There are different mandatory vaccines for every child in Hungary, depending on their age.
• It is advised to contact a pediatrician or a health visitor to discuss the vaccination plan for your child.
• You might be requested to show proof of vaccination during the kindergarten or school enrollment process.
• If your child has been vaccinated in Ukraine but you don’t have proof, please ask the pediatrician for advice.

What grade will my child attend?

• The school director, together with the parents, will decide on the grade in which the child will be enrolled according to their abilities and level of knowledge.
• This decision should be made in consultation with the parents, although the child may also be asked to take some tests.

I am still uncertain where in Hungary I will stay – what shall I do?

• We advise you to enroll your child at your current place of residence. If you later move to another part of Hungary, you should enroll your child there in the local school and notify the previous school about your move.
• It is essential that your child continues their education and does not miss school.

What happens if I decide to return to Ukraine or move to another country?

• If you decide to return to Ukraine, you can cancel the enrollment in Hungary.
• Please inform the school of your departure date and request written confirmation of your child’s school attendance.

If we return to Ukraine, will the educational progress of my child within the Hungarian education system be accepted in the Ukrainian education system?

• Based on a bilateral agreement between Hungary and Ukraine, studies conducted in state-accredited educational institutions are recognized by both countries. It means that students can generally continue their studies in the next grade after returning to Ukraine from Hungary, if they meet the requirements set out in the Ukrainian legislation.
• Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science prepared a grade conversation methodology which describes how children returning from abroad can validate their educational history within Ukrainian schools. The guidance is available here.

• It is critical that parents keep records of the previous education of their children in Ukraine and in Hungary (i.e. report cards, evaluations, grades, diplomas, certificates). These will in most cases be taken into account when a child is assessed and placed in school.

Can I keep my child enrolled in the Ukrainian education system online?

• Enrolment in Hungarian schools does not, per se, hinder or exclude refugee children from Ukraine from remaining enrolled in online education according to the curriculum of Ukraine. In fact, community feedback has shown that this form of learning remains popular: In Hungary, 40% of refugees asked reported that they were also following the Ukrainian curriculum online while attending Hungarian schools, while 13% were exclusively following the Ukrainian curriculum online.
• Studies have revealed benefits from continuing to follow parts of the Ukrainian curriculum for subjects that are not taught in the host country, such as the Ukrainian language, history, and culture, as they maintain linkages with the linguistic and cultural aspects of the country of origin.
• Important changes took place in relation to online education. The Ukrainian Ministry of Education indicated its support for Ukrainian children’s enrolment into host country schools. You can find the online educational program and policy of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science here. The Ukrainian online educational program has been reduced for those fleeing the war. Children are encouraged to attend local, host country schools, and they study remotely in Ukrainian only the main subjects that are not available in a foreign school. This will reduce their workload from 25 hours to 6, and the grades from the other subjects studied in the host countries will be recalculated.
• When it comes to online education, you need to consider that enrolling your child in Ukrainian distance learning should not mean that you do not have to enroll your child in a certified educational institution in Hungary. Compulsory education cannot be fulfilled through unregistered, community-led schools, or fully online schools.

If my child is solely enrolled in Ukrainian distance schooling and/or afterschool programs, is it fulfilling his/her educational obligations in Hungary?

• No, informal educational programs (Educational programs happening outside of the school-based learning system such as afterschool programs, catch-up classes or other educational programs offered by organizations, non-recognized as educational institutions) and online learning are not accepted and do not interchange with mandatory schooling in Hungary.
• Some organizations offer face-to-face education in line with the Ukrainian curriculum, taught by Ukrainian teachers. It is important to check if these educational programs are recognized by the Hungarian authorities as well as by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science. Additionally, there can be a risk that funding for some of these schools becomes limited in certain cases, or funding may be discontinued, forcing them to cease their activities sooner or later.
• You should evaluate the quality and continuity of these education options before considering them for your children. When complementary forms of education are considered in addition to education in the national school system, you should ensure that any learning that takes place is recognized and rewarded with official grades or certificates to protect against their children losing out on credentials and to avoid a lack of documentation on academic achievement and skills.

Is there any support provided by the state to help the educational integration of Ukrainian refugees?

• Yes, if they request it, Hungarian public schools can receive 130.000 HUF/child/month extra financial support if they provide a minimum of 5 hours of individual sessions (e.g. language or catch-up classes) per week for the Ukrainian students in addition to the compulsory curriculum. Before enrollment it is worth asking if the school can support extra language preparation and learning support to your child.
• Ukrainian refugees are entitled to free meals in schools for the six months after enrollment, after which you can reapply for this benefit at the local municipality office through the school. You are eligible for continued support if the per capita income in the family does not exceed 130% of the Hungarian minimum wage. You can access the relevant legislation in Hungarian here.
• In addition to free meals, Ukrainian refugees are also entitled to free textbooks and books of Hungarian as a foreign language. This is organized by the school and can be request from the schoolteacher.

Are there any public education institutions in Hungary where the language of teaching is Ukrainian or partially Ukrainian?

• Yes, there are two institutions recognized in Hungary that offer teaching in Ukrainian, the Maszoret Avot School and Kindergarten and the Hungarian – Ukrainian Bilingual Primary and Secondary School, both in Budapest.
• In the Maszoret Avot School and Kindergarten the core subjects are taught in Ukrainian by Ukrainian teachers and the curriculum include Hungarian language and literature too (for more information, please check here: https://maszoretavot.hu/).
• The Hungarian-Ukrainian Bilingual Primary and Secondary School offers education for primary and secondary school students. Depending on the grade, 40% to 60 % of the subjects are taught in Ukrainian, while the rest of the curriculum is in Hungarian (for more information, please check here: https://ukrhaz.hu/).
• Students can be enrolled free of charge and follow the Hungarian national curriculum in both institutions. The official qualifications granted on graduation (Hungarian school certificates) are recognized in Hungary.

What happens if I have temporary protection in Hungary, but decide not to enroll my child to the Hungarian education system?

• In the event that a child between 3 and 16 years of age is not enrolled in a Hungarian kindergarten or school, the parent or legal guardian of the child may be subject to a fine (ranging from HUF 5,000 to 150,000). You can access the relevant legislation in Hungarian here.
• In Hungary, if a child is enrolled in a Hungarian school but has more than 10 hours of uncertified absence, the school notify the Family and Child Welfare Service. If the absence exceeds 50 hours, the Guardianship authority will be involved.
• Even if these are not implemented due to legislative gaps (TP holders are not under the personal scope of certain, related acts), schooling is obligatory for TP holder children between the ages of 3 and 16 that might be followed up by authorities.

What happens, if I decide to withdraw my temporary protection status to avoid the compulsory school enrolment of my child?

• It is not advised to renounce your and/or your child’s temporary protection status in order to avoid mandatory school attendance. If you plan to stay in Hungary for a longer period, it is important that you and your child have a legal title to stay in Hungary. Temporary protection gives you the right to reside in Hungary, and access to important services such as free medical treatment and regular social allowance.

Where do I find more information?

• Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, Offline Schools: https://offlineschool.mon.gov.ua/#contacts
• “Safe in Hungary” website: https://safeinhungary.gov.hu/en/stay/education

Who can help me with interpretation?

You can request an in person and telephone interpretation service of IOM by filling in this FORM. Th service can be booked for maximum 1 hour. Personal interpretation services should be ordered in justified cases. When booking, please indicate the reason for requesting a personal interpretation.

You can also ask for a free phone interpretation from Deva Inn via filling out the following request form minimum 24 hours before your official appointment.

Tipp: Use your browser to auto-translate websites from Hungarian to Ukraine and google translation application or other voice translator phone applications to interpret your voice or text.

Where can I get further support or assistance with the enrolment process?

Please try first to enroll your child by yourself, or with the help of a trusted community member. If you continue to face difficulties, your questions are not answered, you may flag this to the respective educational district and Inclusion Working Group focal point, who will review your case and follow up. To start this process, please reach out to the UNHCR Helpline available in Hungarian, Ukrainian and English, toll free and operates from 8 – 17 hrs (Monday-Friday).