Approximately 4,200 first-year students have started the 2025/26 academic year at Semmelweis University. In Hungarian-language programs, 2,500 freshers can begin their studies across six faculties. Meanwhile, the number of first-year international students in the English and German-language programs has increased compared to last year, with students coming from over 100 countries worldwide. “I am more certain than ever that those best suited to this profession are here today. Becoming a Semmelweis student is proof of that,” said Rector Dr. Béla Merkely at the ceremonial opening of the academic year, held at the MVM Dome. First-year students can now enjoy the benefits of Curriculum 2.0, an upgraded, even more practice-oriented reform introduced last academic year.
Two awards, established in 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of international education, were presented for the first time. They were created by Dr. Attila Horváth, Director General of the then College International and now Chairman of the McDaniel College Budapest Campus Local Board. These distinctions are bestowed upon international students who have completed the English or German preparatory program at McDaniel College Budapest Campus, successfully applied to Semmelweis University, and excelled in their first year of study. The Professor Andor Szécsény Award for participants in the English-language program was given to Alyousef Ammar, while the Professor Attila Fonyó Award for participants in the German-language program was presented to Özcan Akay by Rector Dr. Béla Merkely and Dr. László Frenyó, Dean of McDaniel College.