Informative Materials – Hungary

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1 Informative Materials – Hungary
1.1 Education paths leading to professional caregiving in Hungary
1.2 Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.3 Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Hungary
1.3.1 Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.3.2 General about recognition for purpose of continuing education
1.4 Employment conditions in Hungary; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
1.4.1 Recognition of education for the purpose of work
1.5 Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Hungary (as low-skilled foreigners)
1.6 Information on earning
1.7 Job offers
1.8 Some statistic data
1.9 Link to relevant websites in country
1.10 Useful materials
1.11 References

Education paths leading to professional caregiving in Hungary

To become a formal senior`s caregiver in Hungary, it is essential to follow a varying education path, depending on the chosen profession and its characteristics.

In Hungary, initial vocational education and training is offered in secondary, post-secondary and higher education, although obtaining the first qualification in adult training can also be possible. The vocational qualifications are listed in the national qualifications register, and the progression in educational careers depends on the type of institution and certificates acquired (CEDEFOP, 2011).

Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

The Hungarian Qualifications Framework (HQF) follows the European Qualification Framework (EQF).

In the HQF if we do an advanced search by “Health and welfare” & “vocational school education” (level 2-4) we will find one qualification exclusively regarding the senior`s population: dementia career (Hungarian: demencia gondozó)

Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Hungary

Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

The recognition of education or skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning uses the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), which aims to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. In close cooperation with the European Commission, European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) also provides analytical and coordination support for the implementation of the EQF.

The European Commission Information about recognition of Professional Qualifications – Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs delivers the following information:

User guide, Directive 2005/36/EC – All you need to know about recognition of professional qualifications, Publications Office, 2020, available here (It permits the download in all languages).

For CEDEFOP (Vocational education and training in Hungary) see  here.

General about recognition for purpose of continuing education

Information about academic recognition in Hungary can be reached  here.

Employment conditions in Hungary; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations

For employment conditions of EU citizens see Living and working conditions: Hungary (europa.eu) (EURES, 2023)

In Hungary, there are services of both public (state-funded) employment agencies and private employment agencies.

Recognition of education for the purpose of work

The recognition of the level of qualification is a prerequisite for the recognition of professional qualification (EURAXESS, 2023). The professional should request the recognition of the level of qualification and the professional qualification from Hungarian Equivalence and Information Center.

See more information  here.

The professional should attend to the source ENIC/NARIC Hungary for more information. 

Language requirements: most senior`s only speak and understand Hungarian thus it is essential that the professional has a good command of the Hungarian language.

The professional can apply for a Hungarian course.

Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Hungary (as low-skilled foreigners)

There is formal and non-formal training education for senior caregivers.

One example in non-formal training is the GRANDIS XXI. Project – Vocational Education for Interprofessional Elderly Care in the 21st century (Erasmus Project).

This is a competence-based, modular training program (competence map, curriculum and learning materials) for formal and informal caregivers, develop to empower these population with advanced health literacy and tailored digital competencies, with special ICT skills in using eHealth technologies like smart devices, social alarms, wristbands, and special tele-diagnostic tools installed in the home. The project has finished but work still continues.

For more information see

Information on earning

A senior`s caregivers’ salary in Hungary can differ greatly depending on the work context (private or public) and type of contract.

According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI, 2023) the average pay for a Caregiver is HUF 3,708,893 a year and HUF 1,783 an hour in Hungary (gross amount). The average salary range for a Caregiver is between HUF 2,826,177 and HUF 4,306,025. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Caregiver. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Hungary.

Information available here

Job offers

Virtual Labour Market Portal

National Employment Service

Vocational education and training in Hungary

National qualifications frameworks online tool

EURAXESS – Hungary

Some statistic data

According to Hungary – Eurocarers: Hungary is an ageing society. Between 2017 and 2070, the senior’s population is expected to rise from 19.6% to 29.6% and the old-age dependency ratio is projected to rise from 32.2% to 57.4%.

In Hungary, long-term care services are scarce and no system is in place.

The number of professional caregivers is declining. “4.2% of jobs in the social and health care sectors were vacant in the fourth quarter of 2019, the highest of all sectors”.

Link to relevant websites in country

Useful materials

References