This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 6 2025.
The Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) has introduced an innovative master’s programme in aquaculture.
Starting in September 2025 a new cutting-edge programme in aquaculture will leverage Hungary’s unique geographical advantages, with a specialised focus on freshwater aquaculture. Hungary’s well-established tradition in Central European cyprinid pond aquaculture is combined with more intensive farming techniques, including the use of Hungary’s rich geothermal water resources for culturing African catfish. This characteristic blend of traditional and modern methods offers students an exceptional practical and theoretical foundation in freshwater fish farming. The master’s programme spans three semesters and takes place primarily at MATE’s main campus in Gödöllő, Hungary. The curriculum integrates expertise across several scientific disciplines offered by the host institute, such as reproductive physiology, fish nutrition, genetics, environmental science, and toxicology. Additionally, it covers mechanisation procedures pertinent to fish farming and processing, project management, and marketing skills relevant to the aquaculture industry. The training is designed to be hands-on and highly practice-oriented; students gain competence in fish handling, feeding trials, hatchery operations, and scientific laboratory techniques, equipping them with the skills necessary for fieldwork and research.
Practical experience on fish farms an important component
A salient aspect of the programme is its emphasis on real-world exposure. Students regularly participate in field excursions to fish farms and aquaculture-related facilities across Hungary, enabling them to observe and understand diverse aquaculture operations. The Research Center of Fisheries and Aquaculture (HAKI), a collaborative research facility affiliated with the institute, provides ideal conditions for students to gain practical experience with species such as pikeperch and sturgeon—two important freshwater fish species. This direct immersion in farming practices and research translates the theoretical knowledge into applied skills. In its inaugural year, the programme attracted significant interest worldwide. Twelve students, chosen from over 500 applicants, were granted scholarships funded through a partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. This internationally diverse cohort includes individuals from various countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, such as the Philippines, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Egypt, Madagascar, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, and Algeria. This diversity enriches the learning environment, fostering cross-cultural exchange and broader perspectives on aquaculture challenges and solutions.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to expand its accessibility by leveraging the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme, sponsored by the Government of Hungary. This initiative will potentially enable more international students to benefit from the high-quality education and research opportunities offered by MATE in aquaculture. The programme is taught in English, making it accessible to a global student base. Candidates seeking admission typically hold a bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) or an equivalent qualification in a related scientific field. Credit transfers from previous studies are evaluated for relevancy and equivalency to ensure academic standards. Graduates of the master’s programme will find diverse career opportunities including in fish farming enterprises, research institutions, environmental consultancy firms, fisheries management bodies, aquatic product processing industries, and governmental or regulatory agencies focused on agricultural and fisheries development.
To learn more about this programme, please visit https://aquaculture.uni-mate.hu/master-msc-studies.
