Key Changes to University Policies and Academic Programs
The recent Senate meeting at Semmelweis University brought significant updates to education regulations, scholarship policies, and academic offerings. These changes reflect the institution’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards while adapting to evolving student needs and healthcare industry requirements.
Scholarship Policy Reforms
The Senate implemented substantial amendments to the Remuneration and Benefits Policy, shifting from a declaration-based system to one requiring official documentation for social circumstance certification. Students must now provide income certificates from Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) rather than self-declarations.
The scholarship evaluation process has been restructured for the second semester of 2025/26. The vice-rector for educational affairs will appoint working group members based on faculty nominations, ensuring a more standardized assessment of student applications. Additionally, the Senate now has exclusive authority to establish scholarships using university funds and determine evaluation committee composition.
Public Work Scholarship Regulations
New rules address public work scholarship participation. Students registered as event organizers or coordinators who fail to participate in implementation may face sanctions, including up to six months of scholarship suspension. This change emphasizes accountability and ensures that scholarship recipients actively contribute to university activities.
Need-Based Scholarship Assessment
For the second semester of 2025/26, need-based scholarship applicants will be categorized into three groups. Students whose social situations remain unchanged will retain their previous semester’s eligibility scores. Those experiencing potential deterioration can submit updated applications, while new students must provide complete documentation. The Senate approved allocating 9+1 percent of student capitation grants to public work scholarships.
Academic Program Updates
The Study and Examination Regulations now recognize special end-terms at the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Faculty of Dentistry as degree-qualifying subjects that don’t require comprehensive examinations. This change provides students with alternative pathways to complete their studies.
New Elective Course Offerings
The Senate approved three new 2-credit elective courses for the spring semester of 2025/26:
- Clinical Internal Medicine in Practice (English instruction)
- Clinical Hematology and Hemostasis in Practice (Hungarian instruction)
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing (offered in both Hungarian and English)
These courses address critical areas in modern healthcare, providing students with practical experience in specialized medical fields.
Curriculum Modifications
The Senate approved amendments to sample curricula for the BSc program in Digital Dental Design at the Faculty of Dentistry and the MSc program in Systemic Psychology at the Institute of Mental Health of the Faculty of Health and Public Administration. These updates ensure that programs remain current with industry standards and technological advancements.
New Program Development
The university will submit accreditation materials for two new master’s programs to the Hungarian Accreditation Committee: Data Science in Health and Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Management. This initiative demonstrates Semmelweis University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities in emerging healthcare fields.
Organizational Structure Changes
The Senate voted to dissolve the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy – Section of Emergency Medicine – Oxyology, merging it into the Department of Emergency Medicine. This consolidation aims to streamline emergency medicine education and improve resource allocation.
Administrative and Legal Updates
Two amendments to the Organizational and Operational Rules address primarily administrative matters, including the tasks and organizational placement of the Intellectual Property Management Administrative Group and the structure of the Directorate General of Information Technology. Additionally, two legal-technical corrections were approved to ensure regulatory compliance.
New Self-Financed Program
The Senate approved a fee of HUF 350,000 for a new self-financed training program beginning in the 2026/27 academic year: Health Care Management BSc with a specialization in Sport Health. This program responds to growing demand for professionals who can bridge healthcare and sports medicine.
Student Recognition Programs
The Senate decided to award “Good Student, Good Athlete” honorary titles and amended student award regulations. New additions include the Semmelweis Doctoral Students’ Union Students’ Scientific Conference (TDK) Special Award and the Outstanding Doctoral Student TDK Supervisor Award, recognizing academic excellence and research contributions.
Leadership and Research Positions
The Senate reviewed applications for various leadership, teaching, and research positions, ensuring that the university maintains high standards in academic and administrative appointments.
These comprehensive updates demonstrate Semmelweis University’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence, student support, and adaptation to the evolving healthcare landscape. The changes reflect careful consideration of student needs, industry requirements, and institutional efficiency.
