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College in Budapest, Hungary From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS; Hungarian: Nemzeti Közszolgálati Egyetem) is a higher educational institution in Budapest, Hungary. Established in 2012, it is one of the youngest universities in Central and Eastern Europe; however, its faculties as former independent colleges look back much earlier.
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Nemzeti Közszolgálati Egyetem | |
Facade of the main building at the Ludovika Campus of UPS | |
| Motto | A haza szolgálatában |
|---|---|
Motto in English | In Service of the Homeland |
| Type | Public |
| Rector | Gergely Deli |
Academic staff | 570 |
Administrative staff | 430 |
| Students | 6,200 |
| Address | 2 Ludovika tér , , |
| Campus | Ludovika |
| Website | en |
The university was officially founded on 1 January 2012 through the merger of the Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University (becoming the Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training), the Police College (becoming the Faculty of Law Enforcement) and the Faculty of Public Administration of Corvinus University of Budapest (becoming the Faculty of Public Administration at LUPS). As of 1 February 2017, the Institute of Water Engineering and Water Management and the Institute of Water Supply and Environmental Engineering of Eötvös József College in Baja were merged into the Ludovika University of Public Service, thus creating the Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS). In addition to these faculties, LUPS includes institutions that function as educational organs and think tanks and is initiating its fourth faculty of European and international studies.
The institution currently has five faculties: the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies (FPGIS), the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training (FMSOT), the Faculty of Law Enforcement (FLE), the Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS) and the Nemeskürty István Teacher Training Faculty (NITK).
The university's primary goal is to educate future public administration officials, military and law enforcement officers (through BA and MA programmes) and to develop the skills and know-how of current members of public service (through further training programmes). Moreover, LUPS also functions as a think tank for public service (through PhD programmes, joint conferences, and individual research activities of lecturers).
While modern Hungarian higher education has always included programmes focusing on the education and training of people primarily preparing for public service, Ludovika - UPS is the first university in the country exclusively dealing with the formation of future public servants.
The University of Public Service was officially established on 1 January 2012 through the merger of three separate higher educational institutions: the Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University, the Police College and the Faculty of Public Administration of Corvinus University of Budapest. In 2017, the water and environmental institutes of the József Eötvös College merged into the university.
Accordingly, these institutions became the Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training, the Faculty of Law Enforcement, the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies and the Faculty of Water Sciences respectively. In 2024, the Nemeskürty István Teacher Training Faculty (NITK) commenced its operation, making it the fifth faculty at LUPS.
The merger of the three higher educational institutions, focusing on military officer, law enforcement officer and public administration official training respectively, was directed by the aim of establishing a university where all main branches of public service training are present. This reflects a comprehensive approach which enables the efficient and effective cooperation of future servicemen in these respective branches. In addition to the students' understanding of each other's field of expertise and service, the concept includes the opportunity for mobility (cross-career paths) in civil, military, and law enforcement services.
Although UPS was officially established on 1 January 2012, through their merger the Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University, the Police College and the Faculty of Public Administration of Corvinus University of Budapest became the legal predecessors of UPS.
The Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University was officially established in 1996, but it had several predecessors dating back to the early nineteenth century. The most notable is the Royal Hungarian Ludovika Academy which was established on 8 November 1808. The academy was not only the first Hungarian military higher educational institution but was acknowledged to be on an equal level as the Theresian Military Academy in Austria in 1897 making the Ludovika Academy an internationally renowned centre for military sciences and officer training.
Regarding the training of law enforcement officers and public administration officials, the predecessors of Ludovika - UPS have been present in Hungarian higher education for 40 years with the Police College being founded in 1970 and the College of Public Administration established in 1977 (and functioning as the Faculty of Public Administration at the Corvinus University of Budapest after 2005).
The efforts of UPS in building on this legacy include the university's return to the Ludovika Campus that used to give home to the Royal Hungarian Ludovika Academy.
Since Ludovika - UPS was established through the merger of three separate higher educational institutions, the university has started its operation on three different campuses at once. The integration of the faculties includes their inclusion in one single campus.
Following the traditions in Hungarian public service training, the headquarters of UPS is the Ludovika Campus: in May 2012 the Hungarian government decided to renovate the main building of the Ludovika Academy and the nearby Orczy Park thus establishing the central campus for Ludovika - UPS. The renewal of the main campus building was realized following a dual directive: the building was to be modern yet preserving its heritage. Accordingly, the campus centre was equipped with up-to-date technology and infrastructure while keeping its original trademarks in a neo-classicist style. The Orczy Park and its surroundings provide altogether an area of 73,700 square metres (18.2 acres) for the new campus.
The management of the university is led by the rector who is supported by vice-rectors with separate portfolios: the vice rector for science, the vice-rector for education, the vice-rector for development, and the vice-rector for international affairs. In addition, the internal administrative and financial issues are managed by the secretary-general and the chief financial director, respectively.
The institution currently has five faculties: the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies (FPGIS), the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training (FMSOT), the Faculty of Law Enforcement (FLE), the Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS) and the Nemeskürty István Teacher Training Faculty (NITK).
The Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training educates professional military officers in the fields of infantry, armour, artillery, reconnaissance, maintenance, logistics, military engineering, signalling, nuclear, biological chemical defence, and air defence. Besides gaining the highest standard of professional education, cadets learn about proper military traditions and get familiar with the commitments required to become able to deal with the complex challenges of the unfolding century. The university is the only one in Hungary entitled to provide BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in military sciences and military engineering, and to educate military officers. Owing to the special nature of this profession, education is tailored according to the needs of the Ministry of Defence and the Hungarian Defence Forces.
The faculty is also responsible for educating civil experts for the national and international defence spheres in the fields of defence C3 systems management, radicalism and religious extremism, and security and defence policy. Graduates are guaranteed a job in the defence sector or other sectors of the state administration, but many of them make an international career in notable international organisations, such as the NATO and the EU. The highest level of further education is also incorporated in the Faculty – graduates of the so-called General Staff Training Centre regularly coat high positions in the Hungarian Defence Forces.
The faculty's main Campus, the Miklós Zrínyi Barracks and University Campus (1101 Budapest, Hungária körút 9-11) is located near downtown Budapest. Seminar rooms, special language labs, a library with more than 500 thousand books, sport facilities, a restaurant and a buffet are all at the disposal of the cadets and students. The department of Air Force of the faculty is located in Szolnok.[citation needed]
Two out of the four Doctoral Schools of the university belong to the faculty. The Doctoral School of Military Science (established in 1996) and Doctoral School of Military Engineering (established in 2002) guarantee that lecturers and researchers of the faculty can initiate and carry out grandiose research projects, often in the form of international consortia. The Doctoral School of Military Sciences focuses on the questions of military science regarding the activities of the defence sphere. This includes a wide spectrum of research fields from military history through security theories, defence administration to national security. The Doctoral School of Military Engineering include all disciplines of technical, disciplinary, technological, technology transfer and technical innovations related to the military application of all other engineering disciplines belonging to engineering sciences.
The modern training of law enforcement officers in Hungary dates back to the period following the 1867 Austro-Hungarian Compromise. During the dual monarchy era, the Hungarian law enforcement system was established, drawing on the region's traditional practices and Western European experiences. Initially, the training had a course-like format, but by the 1920s, comprehensive law enforcement education was introduced, especially after the signing of the Treaty of Trianon. The nationalization of the police, enacted by decree No. 5047/1919 ME, led to the creation of the Hungarian State Police, and training programs were adjusted accordingly.
In response to evolving crime patterns and increasing responsibilities in the 1960s, the need for a well-trained law enforcement officer corps became evident. On May 28, 1970, the Ministry of Interior decided to establish the Police College (RTF), which began operations on September 1, 1971. Students who completed their studies received state exams and diplomas. Over time, the curriculum expanded to include disaster management, economic protection, and civil security specialties, laying the groundwork for the educational portfolio of its successor, the Faculty of Law Enforcement (FLE) at the LUPS.
The Police College was integrated into the LUPS as the Faculty of Law Enforcement (FLE) on January 1, 2012.
The FLE is unique in Hungarian higher education as it is the sole institution providing advanced law enforcement training. During their studies, students not only enhance their sense of vocation and expertise but also acquire high-level knowledge and the necessary behavioral standards, preparing them for dedicated service in law enforcement agencies.
The Disaster Management Institute (KVI) was established on January 1, 2012, under the professional supervision of the National Directorate General for Disaster Management (BM OKF) of the Ministry of Interior. As part of the Faculty of Law Enforcement, the institute consists of three departments:
The institute also includes an Education Organization Unit and operates at the university’s Hungária Boulevard campus. The programs offered are managed by the FLE and cater to both undergraduate and doctoral students, fulfilling the needs of professional disaster management organizations and economic sectors.
The FLE provides a comprehensive portfolio of programs, from undergraduate to doctoral levels, ensuring a steady supply of qualified personnel for law enforcement and related sectors. Since 2013, the faculty has offered a new undergraduate degree in disaster management, allowing students to specialize in:
A two-year master’s program in disaster management was launched in the 2016/2017 academic year, integrating the undergraduate specializations and focusing on leadership competencies.
The demand for FLE graduates is consistently high across the law enforcement sector, including:
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can continue to state-supported master's programs in law enforcement leadership, enabling them to pursue careers in various fields, such as:
The FLE offers a wide range of accredited undergraduate programs, including:
The faculty also offers several accredited master’s programs:
The Doctoral School of Law Enforcement (RDI) provides various forms of training for PhD candidates, focusing on research-based knowledge. The program aims to promote a knowledge-driven law enforcement culture. Research areas include:
This extensive training portfolio ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors, contributing to the development of a well-rounded, modern law enforcement framework in Hungary
The tradition of training Hungarian public administration experts dates back centuries, with politico-cameral sciences being taught as early as the 18th century within legal studies. Over time, legal, political, and public administration education have both merged and separated at various points. In the 20th century, for instance, a degree in economics from József Nádor University of Technology and Economics qualified graduates for state administration roles. However, from the mid-20th century, economics and public administration training diverged: economics gained its own university, while public administration was integrated into political and legal studies.
The College of Public Administration was established in 1977 by Presidential Decree No. 3 to provide higher-level training for public administration professionals. Since then, a complete vertical structure of undergraduate, specialized, and continuing education programs was built, culminating in the development of university-level public administration training.
Founded in 1977, the College of Public Administration became the core institution for public administration education in Hungary. As part of the higher education reform at the turn of the millennium, it became the Faculty of Public Administration at the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration in 2000. This change enabled the launch of university-level public administration programs. From January 1, 2004, the faculty became part of the integrated Corvinus University of Budapest. In 2006, it was renamed the Faculty of Public Administration, adopting the motto "Pro publico bono" ("For the public good").
In 2012, the faculty joined the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS). On February 1, 2016, it was renamed the Faculty of Public Governance and Administration. To enhance its competitiveness and offer broader training programs, the Faculty of Public Governance and Administration merged with the Faculty of International and European Studies on August 1, 2019, forming the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies (FPGIS).
The primary goal of ÁNTK is to train professionals who, with their acquired knowledge and skills, excel in Hungarian public administration, diplomacy, and international assignments within EU institutions. Graduates from FPGIS are equipped to succeed both in domestic and international administrative environments. The degree obtained at this faculty opens pathways to careers in EU administration, international organizations, and various levels of the defense sector.
This faculty is a key training base for Hungary's public service, providing a comprehensive range of programs designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern governance and international relations.
On September 1, 1962, the National Directorate of Water Management established the Advanced Water Management Technical School in Baja. By the late 1960s, significant changes (mergers and closures) occurred in the structure of higher-level technical schools. As a result, from the 1970/1971 academic year onward, the program continued as the Faculty of Water Management at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. At this stage, graduates received a diploma in engineering rather than a specialized technician certificate. The next modernization step in higher education came on January 1, 1979, when the Faculty became part of the Pollack Mihály Technical College (PMMF) under the name Water Management Institute. Later, from July 1, 1994, it operated as the Water Management Division of PMMF within the organizational structure of the University of Pécs. On June 1, 1996, the Division separated from the University of Pécs. Following the efforts for integration in higher education, the two higher education institutions of Baja city merged: the 125-year-old Eötvös József Teacher Training College and the Water Management Division of PMMF, forming the Eötvös József College under a unified organizational framework. The Technical Faculty of the College is the legal successor of the Advanced Water Management Technical School established in 1962. In 2010, it continued as the Faculty of Engineering and Economic Sciences at Eötvös József College.
The Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS) at the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) was established on February 1, 2017, through the integration of the Water Supply and Environmental Engineering Institute and the Hydraulic and Water Management Institute of Eötvös József College into LUPS.
The Faculty of Water Sciences at LUPS is one of the most critical training bases for the water sector in Hungary, known for its national reputation and importance. The undergraduate programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and water operations engineering focus on addressing the greatest environmental and societal challenge of the 21st century: water scarcity and other water management issues arising from global climate change. Effective water management will fundamentally determine the economic performance, food security, environmental conditions, and quality of life in Hungary and globally. Hence, the water sector remains an indispensable field as long as water is the foundation of life on Earth.
The programs are based in Baja, where the university provides a modern educational infrastructure, including specialized teaching facilities for water technology processes, well-equipped laboratories, and advanced measuring instruments, as well as a state-of-the-art student dormitory. The FWS also operates field stations in Magyaregregy (in the Eastern Mecsek Mountains) and along the Danube in Érsekcsanád. These sites serve as educational venues for watershed exploration and high-water measurements.
The Teacher Training Faculty named after István Nemeskürty officially commenced operations at the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) on August 1, 2024. The new faculty, which will welcome its first cohort of teacher training students in 2025, offers a broad spectrum of pedagogy programs and will also launch courses in the humanities. The university's mission is to educate experts who play a vital role in the operation of the Hungarian state, and teaching is seen as an integral part of public service, just like other professions taught at the university.
Students who choose the teacher training programs at LUPS will receive a practice-oriented, small-group education supported by mentor teachers, offering them the opportunity to obtain both teaching and humanities degrees. A key objective is to ensure that graduates of these programs pass on modern, enduring, and identity-strengthening knowledge to their students and play a leading role in community organization beyond their educational duties. LUPS will not only serve as a site for education but also function as a methodological center aligned with public education needs. Beyond training future teachers, the university will conduct scientific research to support teacher education and professional development. LUPS will also incorporate the experiences and knowledge gained through its internationalization processes into both education and research.
The newest faculty dedicated to teacher training at LUPS honors the legacy and values of István Nemeskürty, a distinguished teacher, recipient of the Széchenyi Prize and Kossuth Grand Prize, and a prominent writer, literary, and film historian.
The Hungarian Academy of Diplomacy, which provides high-level theoretical and practical education, is realized in close cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ludovika University of Public Service, offering competitive knowledge to those who wish to work in the Hungarian diplomatic corps and represent Hungary's national and economic interests around the world. The one-year course is held at the Ludovika University of Public Service’s Ludovika Campus, where admitted students can acquire professional and language skills important for foreign affairs, participate in various skill development courses, and engage in simulation exercises.
The Europe of Nations Career Program, launched in September 2020, is implemented by the Ludovika University of Public Service in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice with the aim of increasing the number of Hungarian professionals with the appropriate policy knowledge who successfully apply and find positions within European Union institutions. The program is a true milestone in supporting those preparing for a career in the EU, as it offers both the deepening of theoretical knowledge and the practical transfer of expertise from professionals. The six-month training places particular emphasis on skill development and enhancing specialized language skills.
The Ludovika Collegium trains leaders for public administration. The program, starting in February 2021, provides a distinguished scholarship and personalized training aimed at producing professionals with a strategic mindset, who think responsibly about the world and prioritize the public interest in public administration. It is a university-level professional workshop and interdisciplinary student community, where students with different academic backgrounds inspire each other. Future leaders studying here can participate in high-quality, up-to-date, talent development programs that apply new methodologies. For the success of Hungarian public administration, it is essential that professionally prepared, well-trained, and foreign language-proficient professionals assist in the preparation of public policy decisions, developing alternatives, and implementing programs.
Since 2019, there are no longer any inter-faculty institutes at the National University of Public Service. Their activities are now carried out as part of a faculty or through the newly established Eötvös József Research Center (EJKK).
The Eötvös József Research Center (EJRC) of the Ludovika University of Public Service was established on February 1, 2019. It operates under the supervision of the rector and the leadership of its director. The EJRC is the research organizational unit of the University responsible for central-level organization of strategic research and the operation of research institutes. Through its institutes focused on strategic research, the EJRC conducts multidisciplinary research in specific areas, whose scientific results are integrated into the educational activities of the faculties, enrich the overall research activities of the University, and strengthen cooperation with researchers from other higher education and scientific institutions. Its mission also includes preserving and passing on the intellectual legacy of Baron József Eötvös, focusing on his state science work, and transmitting his contributions to modern times.
Civil servants in public administration are entitled to career advancement according to the regulations set out in the law. However, to reach the required classification level or fill a position, the civil servant must complete the prescribed training or exams.
Starting January 1, 2024, the John Lukacs Institute will be established at the Ludovika University of Public Service under the auspices of the Eötvös József Research Center, merging three previous institutes: the American Studies Research Institute, the Institute for Strategic Studies, and the Strategic Defense Research Institute.
The institute is named after John Lukacs, a Hungarian-born historian whose intellectual legacy is invaluable to universal historical studies. As a legendary professor at Chestnut Hill College's history department in Pennsylvania, and as a visiting professor at Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and Princeton universities, Lukacs taught several generations of students from 1946 until his death in 2019. His thought, writings, and teachings have influenced both American and European historical and political thinking. Throughout his career, he responded insightfully to developments in the international political system and changes in the power dynamics between major powers.
In line with his legacy, the John Lukacs Institute strives to conduct research and produce publications from a Hungarian perspective to help understand the strategic issues of the rising great power competition today, the driving forces behind international politics, especially transatlantic relations, and international security challenges. As a university institute, it is of key importance that these results be organically incorporated into the academic, research, and educational spheres both at the university and internationally.
Today the university is home of numerous international conferences, workshops, summer schools and other events on a regular basis and takes part in numerous student and lecturer mobility programmes. While LUPS graduates primarily begin their career in national public service, this also includes career paths with international aspects.
Ludovika-UPS is a member of several international organisations dealing with public administration and law enforcement education, such as the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), the Networks of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration in Central and Eastern Europe (NISPAcee), the Association of European Police Colleges (AEPC), the European Police College (CEPOL), the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). Furthermore, Ludovika-UPS has relations with the NATO Defence College (NDC) and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (GCMC). As a higher educational institution LUPS has many bilateral relations with other European universities with their cooperation primarily focusing on the mobility of students and lecturers. LUPS has bilateral agreements with numerous higher education institutions. The university is the partner of College of Law in Wroclaw. On the basis of this cooperation, students can take part in the Erasmus+ program[1]
Students at Ludovika-UPS organize their own respective societies of which the Special Student Societies receive particular attention due to their mission of organizing both open scientific events and leisure activities. These societies are located at each faculty of Ludovika-UPS and have their own set of focus with the Special Student Society for Security Policy dealing with contemporary issues of foreign and security policy, the Ostrakon Special Student Society focusing on governance and management, the Magyary Zoltán Special Student Society dealing with public administration related issues and the Szent György Special Student Society including students interested in law enforcement studies.
Student organisations also offer opportunities for additional academic efforts and research. There are several special student societies operating as groups of socially sensitive intellectuals who are devoted to their (and their fellow students') talent management. These societies are found in all faculties of LUPS and are open to students with a strong commitment to acquire deeper knowledge. Another form of intellectual self-development is the participation in the so-called scientific students' associations. In essence, these societies provide a forum for talented students to publish and present their scientific/academic works thereby aiding them in their first steps towards PhD studies.
Due to the work of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), international students are always invited to events and parties organised by the various student organisations while the International Office invites international students to all relevant conferences and scientific programmes in English. One of the university's most popular series of events is the Ludovika Ambassadors' Forum where ambassadors accredited to Hungary share their thoughts about current issues of international affairs related to Hungary and to their respective country.
Representing students' interests is also very important for UPS. The Students' Union helps students in this respect and actively participates in the work of every important decision-making body of Ludovika - UPS. A similar role is allocated to the Doctoral Students' Union, as it represents all PhD students of the university. These organizations also offer a wide range of events for students.
Students, lecturers, and administrative staff of Ludovika-UPS can participate at several official events organized regularly throughout the academic year. For students, the first major events are the Freshman Camp offering an opportunity for first year students to meet each other in a friendly environment with several joint activities and concerts, and the Students' Ball where the symbolic inauguration of first year students is held. At the end of the academic year, official events are held where students can socialize with their professors. These usually take form of a ball organized by the special student communities and the related institutes or departments.
Since November is considered as the month of science at LUPS, the university organizes an official ball to which students, professors and members of the administrative staff are both welcome. This event is harmonized with the Hungarian Science Festival which is a nationwide set of programmes: universities have open lectures to the public and young researchers and PhD students can give presentations on their respective research topics and results.
Bachelor and Master level students with potential for additional research can participate at conferences where they can present their respective papers which they prepared with the guidance of professors. These conferences are organized by the faculties' scientific students’ associations separately on the faculty level after which a similar conference is held on the university level. This is synchronized with the organization of the National Conference of Scientific Students’ Associations held biannually. These events offer great opportunities for those BA and MA level students who wish to publish their research results and have the intention of continuing their studies on a PhD level in the future.
The university offers several recreational programmes, from which the largest one is the University Sports Day when students, lecturers and members of the administrative staff can participate at various physical activities. Similarly, the Faculty Days and Dormitory Days offer sporting activities as well, however, these events last 2–3 days with each day having a different theme.
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