SDG 10 – REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Non-discriminatory admissions policy (10.6.1)

Access to university track underrepresented groups applications (10.6.2)

Access to university underrepresented groups recruit (10.6.3)

Anti-discrimination policy (10.6.4)

University diversity officer (10.6.5)

Support for underrepresented groups (10.6.6)

Accessible facilities (10.6.7)

Disability support services (10.6.8)

Disability access scheme (10.6.9)

Disability accommodation policy (10.6.10)

Anti-harassment policy (10.6.11)

Non-discriminatory admissions policy (10.6.1)

Széchenyi István University maintains a publicly available non-discriminatory admissions policy through its Admission Procedure Regulations (Felvételi Eljárási Rend). The Regulations apply to both Hungarian and non-Hungarian applicants across the University’s higher education programmes and study modes (§1(2), p. 3).

The University’s commitment to equal treatment in admissions is set out in the chapter “Egyenlő bánásmód biztosítása” (Ensuring Equal Treatment). The Regulations explicitly state that the University rejects all forms of discrimination during the admissions process and prohibit disadvantageous treatment of applicants based on age, sex, origin, ethnic background, social and/or family background, health status, religion, political views or sexual orientation (§13(1), p. 14).

The Regulations also contain specific equal-opportunity measures designed to promote fair access to higher education. Applicants who are entitled to support measures under national legislation may receive additional admission points or institutional points (§13(2), p. 14). Furthermore, the University guarantees the conditions necessary for applicants with disabilities to participate fully in the admissions process (§13(3), p. 14) and ensures that applicants with disabilities receive the same accommodations and benefits to which they were entitled in previous stages of education (§13(4), p. 14). Where admission procedures involve aptitude tests, health examinations or professional suitability requirements, additional accommodations or exemptions may be granted according to the nature of the disability, provided that essential academic requirements are maintained (§13(5)-(6), p. 14).

Through its equal-treatment provisions and disability-support measures set out in the “Egyenlő bánásmód biztosítása” (Ensuring Equal Treatment) chapter, Széchenyi István University ensures fair, transparent and inclusive access to higher education for all applicants.

The Admission Procedure Regulation is reviewed on a regular, at least annual basis.

Access to university track underrepresented groups applications (10.6.2)

Széchenyi István University systematically identifies, tracks and supports students with disabilities and other special educational needs through a formal registration process. Students who register with the University are recorded and supported by the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee and a network of faculty-level equal-opportunities coordinators. The registration system enables the University to monitor this underrepresented group and provide targeted accommodations and support services throughout their studies.

The number of registered students with special needs is summarized in this table. The table tracks admissions as well as the total number of students: the columns “number of new registrants” show, for each semester, how many newly admitted students registered as students with special needs. The group is identified already at the application stage: under the Admission Procedure Regulations, applicants entitled to equal-opportunity support receive additional admission points, and applicants with disabilities are granted the accommodations they need in the admission procedure. The University therefore follows this underrepresented group from application through admission to the end of their studies.

Academic year

I. semester – Number of registered students with special need

I. semester – number of new registrants

II. semester – Number of registered students with special need

II. semester – number of new registrants

2025/2026

187

62

177

12

2024/2025

175

73

152

8

2023/2024

150

41

142

18

2022/2023

148

45

122

19

2021/2022

136

31

115

10

2020/2021

138

26

130

11

2019/2020

109

78

115

25

Registered students are supported through the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (Speciális Igényű Hallgatók Esélyegyenlőségéért Felelős Bizottság) and a network of faculty-level equal-opportunities coordinators. This institutional structure enables the University to track and monitor this underrepresented student group and coordinate the provision of individual support measures.

The University’s monitoring and support framework covers a broad range of disabilities and special educational needs, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, hearing impairments, visual impairments, mobility impairments, autism spectrum conditions and psychological disabilities. Through the registration process, the University identifies students requiring support and assesses their accommodation needs. Following registration and assessment, eligible students may receive examination accommodations, adapted assessment procedures, extended examination time, study-support measures and other adjustments designed to ensure equal access to higher education.

The Equal Opportunities Plan 2025-2027 further supports the monitoring and inclusion of disadvantaged groups. Under the section “Általános célok és elvek” (p. 3-4), the University commits itself to ensuring equal opportunities and preventing discrimination in access to education and university services, including for persons with disabilities and other protected groups

In addition, Széchenyi István University continuously monitor the proportion of male and female students at all study levels and changes in the gender distribution over time. The university also compares this distribution among different faculties and subjects. The university regularly conducts the related statistical analysis and calculations, and the results are periodically presented to the management of the University.

Access to university underrepresented groups recruit (10.6.3)

Széchenyi István University undertakes targeted actions to widen participation and improve access to higher education for underrepresented groups. The University provides a comprehensive support system for students with disabilities and special educational needs through the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee and faculty-level coordinators. Prospective students are encouraged to contact coordinators before applying and choosing a program in order to receive information about programme requirements, available accommodations and support services, helping to reduce barriers to participation in higher education. Coordinators provide information on programme requirements, available accommodations, accessible conditions and support services, helping applicants with disabilities make informed decisions about their studies and reducing barriers to participate in higher education.

Széchenyi István University publicly provides detailed information for prospective students with disabilities regarding academic accommodation, assistive technologies, accessible dormitory accommodation, accessible campus facilities, sign-language interpretation services and other support measures available during their studies.

In 2025, Széchenyi István University publicly highlighted its accessibility measures, mentoring opportunities, inclusive learning environment and support services for students with special needs. Széchenyi István University has an ongoing commitment to encouraging participation from underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.

Széchenyi István University further supports the recruitment and inclusion of underrepresented groups through its partnership with the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE). The organisation promotes equal opportunities for girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), encourages female participation in higher education and research, and works to reduce gender stereotypes related to scientific and technological careers. Through initiatives such as Girls’ Day (Lányok Napja), mentoring and career-orientation programmes, young women gain first-hand insight into STEM professions, meet female role models and researchers, and are encouraged to pursue studies in fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented. This partnership contributes to the University’s broader commitment to widening participation and improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups.

As part of its commitment to widening participation in higher education, Széchenyi István University participates in the “Teach for Hungary” (Tanítsunk Magyarországért) Programme, which supports students from disadvantaged and rural communities in exploring further education and career opportunities. The University continued its participation in the programme in 2025, with university student mentors working directly with pupils from smaller settlements, providing guidance, motivation and first-hand insight into higher education pathways. By helping young people develop aspirations for continued study and informed career choices, the programme contributes to reducing educational inequalities and improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups.

For staff and faculty, the Gender Equality Plan (2025–2027) sets planned measures to ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, selection and promotion procedures and to achieve gender balance in leadership and decision-making bodies (Intézményi célkitűzések, pp. 4–7). The Equal Opportunities Plan (2025–2027) commits the University to equal treatment in recruitment and to accessible working conditions for employees with disabilities.

Anti-discrimination policy (10.6.4)

Széchenyi István University maintains a comprehensive institutional framework prohibiting discrimination and promoting equal treatment across admissions, education, employment and university life.

The University’s Admission Procedure Regulations (Felvételi Eljárási Rend) explicitly reject all forms of discrimination during the admissions process. Under the chapter “Egyenlő bánásmód biztosítása” (Ensuring Equal Treatment), applicants may not be disadvantaged on the grounds of age, sex, origin, ethnic background, social or family background, health status, religion, political beliefs or sexual orientation (§13(1), p. 14). The Regulations also require the provision of appropriate conditions and accommodations for applicants with disabilities (§13(3)-(6), p. 14.).

The University’s Equal Opportunities Plan 2025-2027 establishes equal treatment and non-discrimination as fundamental institutional principles. Under the sections “Általános célok és elvek” (General objectives and principles, p. 3) and “A hátrányos megkülönböztetés tilalma, egyenlő bánásmód biztosítása” (Prohibition of discrimination, ensuring equal treatment, p. 4), the University prohibits every form of discrimination and guarantees equal treatment irrespective of protected characteristics, including age, sex, race, skin colour, nationality, mother tongue, disability, health status, religion or belief, political opinion, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, social origin and financial status. The prohibition covers recruitment, pay, benefits, training, promotion and all other employment-related matters, and the Plan applies to every organisational unit of the University.

The University’s Gender Equality Plan 2025-2027 further strengthens this commitment by promoting gender equality in recruitment, career progression, leadership representation and institutional decision-making. The Plan aims to identify and eliminate structural inequalities and integrate gender-equality considerations into university policies and procedures.

These principles are reinforced by the University’s Code of Conduct, which require respect for human dignity, equal treatment, fairness and mutual respect within the university community. The Code establishes behavioural expectations for students, academic staff and employees and provides an ethical framework that rejects discriminatory conduct and promotes an inclusive university environment.

Both the Equal Opportunities Plan and Gender Equality plan are in effect in 2025 and set out the strategy for the 2025-2027 period.

University diversity officer (10.6.5)

Széchenyi István University maintains a formal institutional framework for equality, inclusion and accessibility through its Regulation on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs (Szabályzat a speciális igényű hallgatók esélyegyenlőségének biztosításáról). The Regulation establishes both a University Equal Opportunities Coordinator and the Equal Opportunities Committee for Students with Special Needs (EFB), responsible for implementing, monitoring and evaluating equal-opportunity measures across the institution. The Regulation applies not only to students but also to University employees and all persons participating in the University’s educational activities.

Responsibility is not limited to students with special needs. The University’s Ethics Committee, established under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Governing Board acts in cases where the Code is breached, including its requirements of equal treatment and non-discrimination (Code of Conduct, §2(3) and §9(1)). The Equal Opportunities Plan and the Gender Equality Plan (2025–2027) apply to all organisational units and all employees.

The University Equal Opportunities Coordinator is formally appointed by the University President and Rector and acts as the central institutional officer responsible for supporting students with special needs, maintaining records and statistics, providing guidance and assistance, coordinating support measures, liaising with academic staff and monitoring implementation of equal-opportunity provisions (§3(1)-(4), p. 3.; §4(1)-(8), p. 4). The Coordinator also submits regular reports on the number and situation of registered students and on the activities of the Equal Opportunities Committee (§4(8), p. 4).

The Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (EFB) is a multidisciplinary body comprising the Head of the Educational Administration Directorate, the Equal Opportunities Coordinator, faculty representatives delegated by each faculty, a representative of the Study Office and a representative of the Student Union (§5(1)-(2), p. 4). The Committee is responsible for reviewing applications, investigating complaints, deciding on accommodations and support measures, allocating resources, and making recommendations concerning the support of students with special needs (§5(5), p. 5).

The Regulation requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation of equal-opportunity measures. The Coordinator maintains a register of supported students and provides statistical reporting (§4(1), p. 4), while students annually evaluate both the Coordinator’s work and the effectiveness of equal-opportunity provisions through a formal feedback process (§8(4), p. 9).

The University’s equal-opportunity framework goes beyond monitoring the number of registered students with special needs. The Equal Opportunities Coordinator also records the types of disabilities and specific requirements identified among students, enabling the University to provide support adapted to individual needs. These include extended preparation time, assistive devices during courses and examinations, alternative written or oral examination formats, personal assistance, adapted examination arrangements and exemptions or modifications of particular academic requirements. The institutional equality function translates the identification of students’ needs into concrete and differentiated support measures designed to promote equal access to education.



Support for underrepresented groups (10.6.6)

Széchenyi István University has a Regulation on ensuring equal opportunities for students with disabilities. The university provides mentoring, counselling and support services to help students from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups participate fully in university life. The University operates a formal support framework for students with disabilities and special educational needs through the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (EFB) and the University Equal Opportunities Coordinator. These structures provide individual guidance, consultation, assistance with academic and administrative matters, coordination with teaching staff, and personalised accommodations. The Coordinator also maintains records, provides regular support and monitors the effectiveness of equal-opportunity measures. Upon request, Széchenyi István University provide assistance (sign language interpreter) to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In addition, ITS-100SET portable induction loop amplifiers are available, the devices may be borrowed on a long-term basis for the entire duration of studies. Within the University Library, two reading devices are available, located in the media box on the second floor.

The University further supports student wellbeing through its mental health and counselling services, which provide free psychological counselling, mental health consultations, crisis support, self-development opportunities and wellbeing programmes. These services help students overcome barriers that may affect their academic participation and success.

Széchenyi István University operates a peer mentoring system (Academic Mentoring Programme) to support students in their transition to university life. The programme provides guidance from more experienced students and facilitates academic and social integration, complementing the University’s broader inclusion and student-support framework.

Staff and faculty are also supported: employees have access to free one-to-one mental health and psychological counselling, and the Gender Equality Plan (2025–2027) provides support for employees returning from parental leave and for victims and witnesses of harassment.

Accessible facilities (10.6.7)

Széchenyi István University provides accessible facilities and infrastructure to ensure equal access and participation for students with disabilities. The University maintains six accessible dormitory rooms in its Multifunctional Building and offers barrier-free accommodation for students with mobility and visual impairments. Accessible services and support are coordinated through the University’s equal-opportunities framework.

The University also operates numerous accessible campus buildings equipped with barrier-free entrances and elevators, including the Administration Building, Inno-Share Building, Management Campus, Study Buildings A-D, the New Knowledge Centre, the Győr University Sports Hall and the Multifunctional Building. Accessibility information is publicly available for students with special needs, including guidance on accessible buildings and services. Accessible facilities are also available at several external faculties, including the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences and the Faculty of Arts. The University publicly identifies these buildings as having wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators, helping ensure barrier-free access to educational and campus services

Information on accessible campus buildings equipped with barrier-free entrances and elevators, as well as wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators can be found HERE.

To support independent navigation, the University provides a public campus map of its central campus and accessibility-related information for students with disabilities, helping users locate buildings, entrances and key facilities. In addition, information materials for students with special needs identify buildings equipped with accessible entrances and elevators.

The University’s commitment to accessibility is further demonstrated through dedicated support for students with special educational needs. The University operates an Equal Opportunities Coordinator and a Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee, while its Regulation on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs provides access to assistive technologies, infocommunication tools, personal assistants, adapted examination arrangements and other accommodations tailored to individual needs.

The University also publicly highlights its efforts to create an inclusive environment for students with disabilities, including accessible infrastructure, support services and individualized assistance that help students participate fully in academic and campus life.

Disability support services (10.6.8)

Széchenyi István University provides comprehensive support services for students with disabilities and special educational needs through a formal institutional framework established by its Szabályzat a Speciális Igényű Hallgatók Esélyegyenlőségének Biztosításáról (Regulation on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs). The Regulation establishes a University Equal Opportunities Coordinator and a Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (EFB) responsible for supporting students, evaluating requests, investigating complaints, coordinating assistance measures and ensuring equal participation in academic life.

The Equal Opportunities Coordinator supports the registration of students with special needs, maintains records and statistics, provides guidance on academic and administrative matters, liaises with academic staff and monitors the implementation of accommodations and support measures. Students are able to register through a formal process and receive individual support based on documented needs.

The University’s support system covers students with mobility impairments, hearing impairments, visual impairments, speech impairments, autism spectrum conditions, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention and behavioural disorders, psychological disabilities, and certain chronic health conditions.

A wide range of accommodations is available. These include assistive technologies and specialised equipment, personal assistants, sign-language, oral and note-taking interpreters, extended examination time, alternative examination formats, adapted assessment methods, separate examination arrangements, accessible learning materials and individual consultation opportunities. The Regulation also allows the EFB to grant additional tailored accommodations based on individual circumstances.

The University continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its support measures. The Coordinator reports each semester on the situation of registered students and on the activities of the EFB, while students with special needs formally evaluate the Coordinator’s work and the University’s equal-opportunity provisions through an annual feedback process.

Support extends beyond academic accommodations. The University Library provides dedicated equal-opportunity services for users with disabilities, including text-reading devices available in the Media Box and an accessibility version of the library website for users with visual impairments and low vision.

Students with disabilities also benefit from accessible campus infrastructure (campus map), accessible accommodation facilities and support provided through faculty-level equal-opportunity representatives and the University’s Equal Opportunities Committee.

Disability access scheme (10.6.9)

Széchenyi István University operates a comprehensive system of disability access schemes designed to support the participation, inclusion and academic success of students with disabilities and special educational needs. These access schemes combine mentoring, individual academic accommodations, counselling, accessibility services and financial support measures to ensure equal access to higher education.

A key element of the University’s access framework is the work of the University Equal Opportunities Coordinator and the Equal Opportunities Committee for Students with Special Needs (EFB), according to the appropriate Regulation on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs. These bodies provide individual guidance to prospective and current students with disabilities, support the assessment of individual needs, coordinate accommodations with academic staff, and help students access available services throughout their studies.

The University also supports student access, integration and retention through its Academic Mentoring Programme (Szakmentor program). Within the programme, experienced students provide peer support to newcomers, helping them adapt to university life, navigate academic requirements and become integrated into the university community. By providing practical guidance and peer support, the programme helps reduce barriers to participation, facilitates students’ successful transition into higher education and contributes to student retention and academic success.

In addition, students with disabilities have access to a broad range of targeted support services, including:

  • assistive technologies and specialised equipment,
  • individual academic counselling,
  • adapted learning and assessment arrangements,
  • extended examination time,
  • accessible learning materials,
  • sign-language interpretation,
  • personal assistance services,
  • accessible campus facilities and accommodation.

The University’s disability access schemes are further complemented by mental health and wellbeing support services, providing psychological counselling, crisis support, wellbeing consultations and personal development opportunities. These services help students overcome personal and educational barriers that may affect academic participation and achievement.

Alongside academic support, the University provides targeted financial assistance through its social support system. In 2025, students facing social disadvantage or additional financial burdens arising from their health conditions were eligible to apply for available forms of support, including regular social scholarships, housing support and start-up grants. The social support framework takes students’ social circumstances and health-related financial burdens into account when assessing eligibility, thereby contributing to equal access to higher education and helping reduce financial barriers to participation.

Disability accommodation policy (10.6.10)

Széchenyi István University has a formal disability accommodation framework through its Regulation on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs (Szabályzat a Speciális Igényű Hallgatók Esélyegyenlőségének Biztosításáról). The Regulation establishes institutional responsibility for ensuring equal access to higher education for students with disabilities and special educational needs and provides a structured system for requesting, evaluating and implementing accommodations (§2-6, p. 3-5). The policy is implemented through the University Equal Opportunities Coordinator and the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (EFB). The Coordinator supports registration, maintains records and statistics, advises students, coordinates support measures and works directly with academic staff to ensure that accommodations are implemented (§4(1)-(8), p. 4). The EFB reviews requests, investigates complaints, determines support measures and oversees decisions related to disability accommodations (§5(5), p. 5).

The University’s accommodation system provides individualized support for students with mobility, hearing, visual and speech impairments, autism spectrum conditions, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention and behavioural disorders, psychological disabilities and certain chronic health conditions (§7, p. 5-8). Registered students may receive examination accommodations, alternative assessment arrangements, study-related adjustments, individualized consultation, assistive technologies and accessibility services according to their documented needs. The Regulation also allows additional accommodations tailored to individual circumstances where justified by expert opinion (§7(15), p. 8).

The University allocates resources to support the implementation of accommodations. The Equal Opportunities Coordinator may propose the acquisition of equipment required to support students with disabilities, while the EFB may make recommendations regarding the use of financial resources dedicated to supporting students with special needs (§4(7), p. 4; §5(5), p. 5).

Available support includes assistive technologies and specialised equipment, personal assistants, sign-language, oral and note-taking interpreters, extended examination time, adapted examination formats, accessible learning environments and individual consultation opportunities (§7, p. 5-8).

As part of its commitment to providing accessible accommodation, the University offers dedicated accessible housing facilities for students with disabilities. In the Multifunctional Building of the University’s student residence, six two-bed accessible rooms are available to students. Each room is equipped with two beds, including pillows and duvets, two large desks, two chairs, four wardrobes and a refrigerator. Each room has a dedicated accessible bathroom with a shower and toilet. The accommodation can be accessed through an accessible entrance at the K1 reception, in addition to the access control system, and the rooms are accessible by lift. These facilities support equal access to safe, suitable and accessible student accommodation.

Anti-harassment policy (10.6.11)

Széchenyi István University addresses harassment, including sexual harassment, in two policies: the Gender Equality Plan 2025-2027 and the Code of Conduct.

The University’s Gender Equality Plan 2025-2027 contains a specific section on preventing gender-based and sexual harassment. It states that research and higher education are not free of sexual and gender-based harassment, and sometimes not free of violence, and that measures are needed to end this behaviour, including providing information on sexual and gender-based harassment and offering attention and support to victims and witnesses, with a commitment to ending such conduct. The Plan sets the long-term objective of eliminating sexism, gender stereotyping and prejudice across all University activity, and of preventing gender-based violence and harassment through an appropriate institutional system for investigating violations and supporting victims.

This is reinforced by the University’s Code of Conduct, which requires University members to respect the dignity, rights and legitimate interests of others, and specifically requires instructors to refrain from evaluating any student’s work using insulting or demeaning language or manner (§2(3)-(4); §3(8)). Alleged violations of either policy may be examined by the Ethics Committee, an eight-member body with a chair, which conducts formal ethical procedures with hearings, confidentiality rules, deadlines and a right of appeal.

The Gender Equality Plan and the Equal Opportunities Plan also give members of the University community a formal complaints route: a written complaint may be submitted to the Vice-President for General and Educational Affairs, who refers it to the competent body — the Ethics Committee, the disciplinary board, the integrity officer, the Committee for Equal Opportunities of Students with Special Needs, or the workplace trade union, as relevant — which investigates and reports the outcome in writing. Filing a complaint does not limit the individual’s right to pursue the matter through the courts.

The Gender Equality Plan was adopted by the University’s Governing Board (resolution 209/2025 (VII.28.)) for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027, with a review deadline of 31 December 2027.