• Information on curfew restriction - 30 March 2020

Dear Students,

You have probably heard or read by now that the Hungarian Government is has imposed a curfew restriction between March 28 and April 11, which means that you must not leave your place of residence, except for work, or other basic necessities with well-founded reasons, which are the following (according to the Government Decision No 71/2020 (III. 27.))

- Using health services, including support both for physical and mental health (e.g. dentist, psychotherapy, physiotherapy). If you notice the symptoms of the coronavirus infection on yourself however, do not go to the doctor’s office, call for assistance.
- Individual leisure sports activities, walking or jogging outside, preferably in green areas, carried out alone or with members of the same household, keeping a minimum distance of 1.5 meters of each other at all times. Team sports are not allowed.
- Taking care of pets e.g. walking them in public spaces, or taking them to the vet.
- Administrative tasks, limited to governmental, banking, financial, insurance or postal services only if personal appearance is absolutely necessary. Students are still not allowed in university buildings except for the dormitories, which are open only to those who live there.
- Taking care of vulnerable persons (the sick, the elderly or children).
- Getting married or holding a funeral ceremony in a tight family circle.
- Religious activities (except for visiting public places of worship, e.g. churches, mosques, synagogues).

Extended stay (sitting down to eat) in restaurants, bars, pubs, fast food outlets and any other such catering establishments is forbidden. It is allowed to order take-outs in person or by home delivery.

Groceries, pharmacies, markets, pet food stores, gas stations, tobacco stores, beauty salons, vehicle repair services and drugstores are allowed to be visited. People over the age of 65 can only visit these places between 9AM and 12PM, and anyone under 65 must not visit these facilities during this period.

In public places (also public transport), keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from everyone at all times, including the driver of the vehicle.

Failure to comply with the above shall be considered a violation by the Government and might result in fines, therefore please pay special attention to follow these rules.

Thank you for your cooperation, take care and stay healthy. 

Tempus Public Foundation and ELTE Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes

• Changes in visa and residence permit matters - 18 March 2020

The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing's announcement is available at: https://www.elte.hu/en/changes_in_visa_matters

• Guide on coronavirus (COVID-19) for international students - 13 March 2020

Dear Student,

The following instructions have been issued by the Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes in accordance with the measures of the ELTE Epidemiological Operative Coordinating Body and the Tempus Public Foundation. For more information on the academic and administrative measures of Eötvös Loránd University, please visit this page. Furthermore, please pay attention to the information issued on the website of WHO and the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

As you are already aware, in light of the recent global health events the University moved the Spring Break forward to next week, from March 16 to March 22. Starting from March 23 the University classes will be exclusively taught on distance learning platforms. Students are not permitted in the University buildings (including the faculties, libraries, registrar’s offices, eateries, Quaestura offices etc.) during this period, and as long as the restrictions are in place.

For details and the current decisions check regularly the University’s website, which is kept up-to-date. 

All academic and administrative matters are to be settled electronically. For validating student cards, requesting student loans and health insurance see this page.

You are however allowed to stay in Hungary, and remain a student of the University as well. If you live in one of the dormitories, you are allowed to stay in the assigned dormitory as well. You are also free to travel to your home country, but strongly suggested to not travel anywhere else. In case you return to your home country, you should follow the directive in your country and stay there. You must not return to Hungary unless otherwise directed, in accordance with the ELTE epidemiological guidelines. If you decide to give up your place in the dormitory by moving out, you will be  guaranteed a place upon return only if physical learning will take place again at the university.

In case you decide to travel home, you must immediately inform your Faculty Coordinator (by email) and if you are a resident, the dormitory as well. While you are in your home country, it is your responsibility to ensure your access to any and all distance learning platforms your courses may require.

Kind regards,

Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes

(2020.03.16.)

2020.06.18.

Dear International Students!

The Hungarian Parliament announced the end of the emergency period from 18.06.2020. If your residence permit expired in these months please apply in 15 days to extend your card.  Extending residence permits and submitting requests for new residence permits can be arranged after registration through the EnterHungary site: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/?en

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2020.03.16.

Notification about the validity period of residence documents

Dear Students,

The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing hereby informs their Clients that due to the epidemiological situation the validity period of the issued residence documents – except for the short-term visa and entry visa for receiving a residence permit – is automatically extended until the 45^th day after the end of the emergency phase.

• This concerns the residence permits which were valid till 24⁰⁰ on the 6^th of April 2020 or expired on that day.
• Please note that the above mentioned residence documents extension have to be requested 30 days before their expiry date, so the application for the extension has to be submitted within 15 days after the end of the emergency period. The extension can be arranged on EnterHungary website: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/
• The Office requests the Students not to submit applications for the extension of the above mentioned residence documents at the present time only after the end of the emergency period.
• Valid residence documents enable the owners only to their previously acquired rights, and are automatically extended only if all required conditions for the residence document are unchanged.
• In case the required conditions for the issued residence document change (e.g. change of address, or a student would like to start working) then it is necessary to submit an application for a new type of residence permit or to apply for the extension of the valid residence permit or submit the new accommodation reporting form. The extension can be arranged on EnterHungary website: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/
• Please note that in case the conditions for acquiring the residence document stated by the law are no longer met it will still result in the withdrawal of the residence document.
• If the Student returned to his/her home country because of the emergency and during this time their residence permit expires it can be extended only after returning to Hungary. If the student is from a NON EEA country entering Hungary is possible only with “C” visa, so the student has to obtain it again at the Hungarian consulate in her/his home country after the emergency period.
• If the residence permit expired before 6^th April than it can not be extended (extension should have been requested 30 days before their expiry date) in this case the student has to apply for a new residence permit (the fee is 18.000 HUF) and attach application of equity why the extension request was not handled 30 days before its expiry date. The request should be send on EnterHungary website: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/

For more information visit: http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1564&Itemid=2027&lang=en

16 March 2020 - statement from the Tempus Public Foundation

With regards to the queries of several Stipendium Hungaricum and Scholarschip for Christian Young People scholarship holders, the Tempus Public Foundation confirms the following, in line with the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

Based on the Stipendium Hungaricum Operational Regulations and applicable legislation, the following is worth keeping in mind:

• If the scholarship holders leave the territory of Hungary, they can do so only with the permission of the institution, and if they are absent for more than 30 days, they will lose their right to their living and housing allowance until their return, as these allowances are intended to contribute to their costs of living in Hungary.  However, they do not lose their scholarship status.
• It is important to stress - especially in the case of the five countries that are denied entry (South Korea, Italy, Iran, China and Israel) - that there is no guarantee of your return. According to the current situation, the list of countries might be extended depending on the decision of the respective governments. Important update: According to the information provided today by the Prime Minister of Hungary, from Monday, 16 March 2020, the borders of Hungary will be closed from any international passenger traffic, meaning that only Hungarian citizens will be able to enter the country until further notice.
• In addition to the above, scholarship holders will of course still have the opportunity to suspend their studies (passive semester), through the procedure set out under Section 45 (2) of the Act on National Higher Education 204/2011. However, please bear in mind, that during the passive semester, scholarship holders are not entitled to their allowances provided by the programme. It is worth bearing in mind that, pursuant to paragraph (1) of the same Section, a continuous interruption shall not exceed two semesters unless authorized by their host institution.

*CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ERASMUS+ AND ERASMUS+ INTERNATIONAL CREDIT MOBILITY*

Dear Student,

Hereby we would like to inform you that on the 20th of March, 2020, the Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes received guidelines from Tempus Public Foundation on the administrative steps regarding the Erasmus+ and Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programmes for the period of the Coronavirus pandemic.

1. For more information on the changes regarding Erasmus+ outgoing student mobilities affected by the coronavirus, please check the following page: Coronavirus (COVID-19) information - outgoing students

2. For more information on the changes regarding incoming student mobilities in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme, affected by the coronavirus, please check the following page: Coronavirus (COVID-19) information - incoming students

Best Regards,

Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes

(26.03.2020)

• Where should I follow the important news (what are the reliable, official sources)?
  Please check regularly the University’s newest announcements at: https://www.elte.hu/en/coronavirus
  
  Also you can find important information at:
  - About the global situation at WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
  - About the situation in Hungary: http://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/coronavirus-heres-the-latest/
  - We also suggest you to follow your home country’s announcements and guidance on the websites of their embassies, ministries for foreign affairs, or official sites related to the COVID-19.
   
• What kinds of health insurance are available through the University and what should I know about them?
  If you are a self-financed student, you may have a private health insurance from the market which suits you the best. In this case you are advised to contact them if you have any question about their services.
  
  If you are a self-financed student who has a Generali private health insurance for the spring semester, organised at the Quaestura Office, please check: https://www.elte.hu/en/health-insurance/private
  
  If you are an exchange or full-time student from an EEA-country, and you have a valid European Health Insurance Card, please check: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559
  
  If you are a Stipendium Hungaricum or Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People scholarship holder, you are eligible for both "TAJ card" (non-private health insurance) and supplementary (private) health insurance (UNIQA) for free. Please make sure, that you have arranged them both and if not, contact the Quaestura Office ONLINE, following these instructions: https://qter.elte.hu/Hirdetes.aspx?hirdetes_id=346.
  
  If you do not have any health insurance right now, please contact the Quaestura Office and arrange one, following these instructions for your own safety: https://qter.elte.hu/Hirdetes.aspx?hirdetes_id=346 !
   
• Who should I contact if I have any more questions and how?
  Please note that most the administrative staff of the University and the Tempus Public Foundation work from home during these days. Because of this, there is no phone contact, please reach them online via email. Keep in mind that students are prohibited from entering University buildings!
  
  Contact details:
  - Faculty International Offices: https://www.elte.hu/en/international-offices/faculty-international-offices
  - Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes: https://www.elte.hu/en/international-offices/department-of-erasmus+-and-international-programmes
  - Dormitory: dormitory@elte.hu
  - Queastura Office: quaestura@elte.hu
  - Tempus Public Foundation: http://studyinhungary.hu/study-in-hungary/menu/stipendium-hungaricum-scholarship-programme/contact-details.html
  - Sending Partners (Stipendium Hungaricum Programme): http://studyinhungary.hu/study-in-hungary/menu/stipendium-hungaricum-scholarship-programme/apply-for-a-stipendium-hungaricum-scholarship/sending-partners-and-available-study-programmes.html

Is every student obligated to move out from the dormitories?
The University may continue to provide the dormitory place for the Hungarian citizens if equity is reasonable, and for those foreign citizens who are hindered in moving out because of any reason. Moving out is mandatory to every other student.

My request for equity was rejected, but I cannot move out until the deadline. What should I do?
In case of the sent, but rejected requests, we provide enough time for the student to collect his/her luggage and store it in a luggage room before leaving the dormitory.

Do I need to pay the dormitory fees of March and later if I move out?
We inform the students about the settling of dormitory fees later, after harmonizing with the maintainer Ministry.

I would like to move out from the dormitory because of the current situation, but I do not want to lose the accommodation allowance. Is there any possibility to make an exception in this case?
The competent leaders are consulting about every related question, including the financials as well. The students will be informed in an information letter later, when the decision has been made.

Can I leave my luggage in the room?
No. The dormitory provides opportunity to use the assigned luggage rooms in the dormitory, where we ask you to leave your luggage well sealed and labelled. The dormitory leaders ask the students to bring home as much belonging as possible.  The dormitory does not take any responsibility for the luggages left in the luggage room!

Does the dormitory provide storage room to keep our things left in the dormitory?
Yes, the dormitory assigned storage rooms for this purpose. Please, seal your luggages well, and label them in order to make the identification easier! The dormitory does not take any responsibility for the luggages left in the luggage room!

I moved out from the dormitory for this period, but I would like to return when the education continues. Can I do that?
Yes. The students who moved out can return to their dormitory places if the closure measures concerning the dormitories are withdrawn.

Can I return to the dormitory after a temporary absence?
No, you can return only after the measures concerning the dormitories are withdrawn.

Is there a possibility to stay alone in a room in the dormitory?
There will be a decision later about the dormitory and room assignment of the students who are going to stay in the dormitory.

Can I have guests in the coming period?
No. Based on recent provisions in order to ensure the security, the students cannot host guests inside the building. The guest can stay outside of the dormitory, but is not allowed to enter the dormitory building.

Can we use the community rooms in the coming period?
No. Using the community rooms can be a potential source of danger for the spread of a disease / infection, so using these rooms is not permitted until withdrawal.

I would like to announce an event soon, is there any possibility?
No. The safety regulations in effect are strict about events, which cannot be held because of health protection for an undetermined time.