Program Overview

Early Childhood Education BA Program

The Early Childhood Education BA program is designed to provide students with the foundations for pedagogical competence, theoretical and methodological culture for early childhood educators. The program offers an up-to-date pedagogical approach and literacy, enabling students to effectively address the educational needs of children aged 0-3 years.

Program Description

The program contributes to the development of the teacher candidate's pedagogical self-image, inspiring the adoption and development of an attitude of a teacher who is aware of the child, provides support and a model, and cooperates effectively with the group of children and the family. This program is recommended to applicants who want to prepare for working in a nursery and gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive and emotional development of the first three years.

Program Structure

The program enables students to work independently in nurseries, organize their work autonomously, and become familiar with the practice of educating and caring for children aged 0-3 years. Students will be able to use different methods and solve problems related to education.

Specializations

The program offers two specializations:

• Innovation in Early Childhood Education Specialization
• German Nationality Early Childhood Education Specialization

Strength of Program

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) is the oldest and largest university in Hungary, and it is the most popular higher education institution among applicants each year. The Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education has been providing teacher training for 150 years, preparing students for pedagogical work in the first 12 years of childhood.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to work independently in nurseries as nursery teachers and nursery educators in both public and private institutions. They can lead groups of children and plan their work autonomously. Once qualified, they can start their own business by opening a crèche or childcare center and work with families in childcare. Training in English also opens up international career opportunities.

Job Examples

• Nursery educator
• Nursery teacher
• Early childhood educator

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: 2,200 EUR per semester
• Non-EU/EEA students: 2,600 EUR per semester
• Application fee: 120 EUR (non-refundable) for EU/EEA students, 150 EUR (non-refundable) for non-EU/EEA students
• Entrance exam fee: 50 EUR (non-refundable)

Admission Requirements

• Secondary school certificate
• Minimum level of language proficiency (oral): B2 (CEFR)
• Minimum level of language proficiency (written): B2 (CEFR)
• Advanced English language knowledge is required, assessed and evaluated during the online interview

Documents to Submit with Application

• Online Application Form
• Record of the final two years in secondary school
• Secondary school certificate
• CV in English, in MS Word format with one low-resolution photo
• Motivation letter
• Copy of the main pages of the passport
• Medical certificates
• Certificate of clean criminal records
• Proof of the Application fee and the Entrance exam fee transfer
• Language certificate (if applicable)

Application Procedure

The application starts in the online application system. Students must register to the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions given during the application process.

Entrance Examination and Selection Process

Applications are examined by the Admission Board until the middle of June, and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system until the end of June. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system until the end of June. The entrance examination is both oral and written, and the place of the entrance examination is online.

Aptitude Exams

• Language aptitude test in English – written (Letter of motivation) and oral (online)
• Speech aptitude test – oral (online)

Program Leader and Coordinator

• Program leader: Dr. Mónika SÁNDOR, Associate Professor
• Program coordinator: Ildikó ROMANOCZKI, International Coordinator

Program Details

• Degree: Early Childhood Educator
• Type: Degree program
• Level: Bachelor
• Accreditation number: FNYF/1745-3/2022
• Faculty: Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education
• Language: English
• Duration: 6 semesters (3 years)
• ECTS credits: 180
• Minimum number of students: 5
• Maximum number of students: 30

Offered for the Next Academic Year

Yes, the program is offered for the next academic year, starting on September 1, 2026. The deadline for applications for the September intake is May 31, 2026. There is no February intake.