The Elite Economics Program is a quantitatively focused, practice-oriented program that develops young economists' analytical, methodological and economic-strategy skills, preparing them for the complex economic policy challenges of the 21st century. Its goal is to increase local value added.
The programme aims to train a new generation of highly qualified economists who, building on strong theoretical, quantitative, mathematical and methodological foundations, are able to connect innovation, entrepreneurship and economic strategy in practice. It prepares students for data-driven decision-making, systems-level thinking and managing the uncertainties of a rapidly changing economic environment.
The strategic goal behind the initiative is to give Hungarian scientific and intellectual achievements a stronger chance of becoming internationally successful, marketable innovations, while ensuring that as much of the created value as possible is realised in Hungary. The Foundation for Harmonic Development seeks to build an educational and talent-development ecosystem that strengthens domestic innovation performance, economic competitiveness and the professional pipeline of the future.
The module supports a deeper understanding of the mathematical, statistical and econometric methods used in economic analysis. Students engage with topics such as calculus, time series, stochastic processes, and cross-sectional and panel analyses.
The module presents the relationships and most recent scientific results of economics based on quantitative analysis. Topics include macroeconomics, market structures, game theory, Bayesian modelling, network economics and academic publishing in economics.
The module strengthens the quantitative analytical approach to the operation, governance and development of organisations. Students work with quality improvement, performance evaluation, project and process management, production systems and logistics.
The aim of the module is for participants to gain a deeper understanding and modelling capability of financial and business processes and the related decisions. Topics include corporate finance, investment analysis, derivatives, business data analytics and Big Data, as well as marketing and market research.
The module introduces students to the process of economic-policy decision-making, its strategic background and analytical foundations. Participants gain insight into monetary and fiscal policy, sovereign debt financing, financial regulation, enterprise development, innovation policy, industrial policy, energy, geopolitics and economic diplomacy.
The complete programme spans 2 years (4 semesters) aligned with the higher-education academic calendar. Participants must complete 20 courses in total, each concluding with an examination.
On successful completion of the full programme participants receive a certificate, and for each successfully completed course the partner University also issues a credit certificate that includes the course description and a credit value recognised in higher education in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which can ease students' mobility between European higher-education institutions. Students also receive certificates for completing the individual modules.
The programme is organised into five sequential phases, with every step supported by targeted professional milestones, clear expectations and personal mentoring.
In cooperation with the participating universities, by application, based on strict professional criteria.
Selected students learn from the country's leading academics and practising experts.
Students take part in research tasks and — through compulsory scientific student conference (TDK) participation — collaborate with senior faculty. They also receive thesis support and professional mentoring.
We provide our most talented students with opportunities to join programmes at the world's leading universities.
Graduates of the programme may continue in doctoral programmes and join our work.
Learn more about our flagship economics programme: its structure, faculty, study rhythm, credit-recognition options and the professional advantages that add real value to your academic career.
The programme aims to develop highly qualified young economists who, based on strong mathematical, statistical and methodological foundations, can interpret complex economic processes. It simultaneously strengthens data- and evidence-based analytical thinking and a pragmatic, patriotic and meritocratic strategic economic mindset.
The programme is organised over two academic years with transparent, structured modules and mentored project work. It is intensive but plannable alongside work and university studies: participants can expect on average 8–12 hours of contact teaching per week, plus independent preparation.
Each semester, teaching takes place on Friday and Saturday training days every two weeks over 5 weeks, so the learning rhythm is predictable and well paced.
The programme is led by a faculty drawn from Hungary's leading university lecturers, experts and practising analysts.
The admissions process runs once a year, in the autumn.
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