The Hungarian University of Sport Science (HUSS) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. Founded as the Royal Hungarian College of Physical Education, it’s Hungary’s oldest higher education institution dedicated to sports and physical culture. The university owes its establishment largely to Kunó Klebelsberg, the then Minister of Culture, who played a key role in shaping Hungary’s higher education and scientific research.
Over the years, the institution has gone through several transformations. It operated as the Hungarian College of Physical Education from 1945 and gained university status in 1975 on its 50th anniversary. By 1985, it became a fully accredited university, and in 1989, it officially took on the name Hungarian University of Physical Education. In 2000, it joined Semmelweis University as the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences but regained independence in 2014 under the name University of Physical Education. Since 2021, it has been operating as a foundation-maintained institution under its current name, the Hungarian University of Sport Science.
Originally, HUSS focused on training physical education teachers, but over time, it expanded to coach education and a wide range of other fields. As the world of sports and physical education evolved, new departments were established, the curriculum broadened, and research gained a stronger focus. Today, with around 3,000 students, HUSS offers programs at all levels—from undergraduate to doctoral studies. Students can specialize in coaching, human kinesiology, dance pedagogy, adaptive physical education, health education, sports management, recreation, sports media, sports diplomacy, and various sports training programs.
HUSS is a major hub for sports science research in Hungary and plays an important role in shaping national sports policy. It works closely with key players in the sports world, collaborating with national and international sports federations—including the Hungarian and International Olympic Committees—government organizations, and leading universities worldwide.
Since its foundation, 151 Hungarian Olympic champions have earned their degrees here. Many other Olympic, World, and European champions have studied at HUSS—and still do today. The university also counts renowned figures in sports diplomacy and science among its honorary doctors, including Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics.
HUSS has been undergoing major campus, educational, and research developments since 2017. One of its biggest milestones is the Dr. Jenő Koltai Sports Center, which opened in 2023 and served as an official training venue for the Budapest Athletics World Championships. With these advancements, HUSS continues to push education, training, and research to a European level.
