Non-Degree Study Programme

In the 2025-2026 academic year the Institute offers the following full-time non-degree programmes*:

I) Introductory Course in Kodály-based Musical Training targets those who wish to gain a better understanding of the Kodály concept, as well as to develop general musicianship skills and musical knowledge. The programme also serves as a preparatory course for those targeting the BA Degree Course at the Institute.

II) Higher Education Studies in The Kodály Concept targets those who wish to strengthen musicianship skills and enrich musical knowledge. A special emphasis is given to the theory and Hungarian application of the Kodály Concept in the full span of musical training, from early years to university level. The students will have an overview of the most successful international adaptation examples of the concept. The programme also serves as a preparatory course for those targeting the MA Degree Course at the Institute.

III) Diploma in Kodály Music Pedagogy targets those who as practising teachers and/or professional musicians with well-demonstrated prior experience in Kodály-based training at least at intermediate level, wish to have a deeper insight into the Kodály concept, and have a particular interest in one of the following specialisation fields: early childhood music education, school music education or choral music education. During the one-year programme the students will focus on curriculum planning, study of the pedagogical repertory, lesson planning, and teaching practice through examples of the Hungarian music education system. The programme also serves as a refresher course for practising teachers and musicians or a preparatory course for those targeting further higher education studies.

General Information

The academic year begins in September and extends to end of May of the following year.

The language of instruction and examinations (both oral and written) is ENGLISH.

A part-time study programme may be set up upon request, however the programme can be composed only of those subjects which are offered in this non-degree study programme.

The Institute offers Electives to all of its non-degree students. Please refer to the prerequisites listed in the Description of Subjects.

All students will be assigned to different study groups on the basis of aural and written placement tests taken at the Institute after their arrival.

LANGUAGE CRITERIA

As the language of the courses is ENGLISH, students whose first language is not English must submit an English language certificate.
Additionally, at the beginning of the academic year there is an English language test focusing on musical terms and expressions for every new non-degree student whose first language is not English. For those whose level is not sufficient, a special English language course is compulsory.

Application

Deadline for applications is 31 March each year for studies commencing in September.

However, applicants are kindly asked to send the applications at their earliest convenience so that necessary arrangements can be made and applicants can be informed of acceptance in time.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, online application will open on 1 December, 2024

Confirmation of acceptance will be sent out by the end of May, 2025.

Expenses and payment information

The expenses (with the curriculum) are available HERE.

More details are available at the relevant courses:

Fees - based on the pro-forma invoice issued by the Institute - must be paid for the first semester prior to enrolment, and for the second semester no later than 15 February.

Ways of payment:

1) by bank transfer:

Bank name: HUNGARIAN NATIONAL BANK / Hungarian State Treasury
Bank address: 1139 Budapest, Váci út 71., Hungary
Name of account holder: Liszt Ferenc Zeneművészeti Egyetem
Address of account holder: 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 8., Hungary
HUF-based account number: IBAN HU22 1003 2000 0142 6768 0000 0000
EUR-based account number: IBAN HU34 1003 2017 0142 6768 0601 0014
Swift code (SWIFTBIC): MANEHUHB or HUSTHUHB (or HUSTHUHBXXX if the system requires 11 characters to input)

Please make sure you pay your tuition fee in the given currency, and to the account that accepts that given currency.

Please write this reference into the appropriate field when transferring: "Kodály Institute"

Please note that the payer is liable for covering the bank transfer/handling fee and not the Liszt Academy.

2) by banking card:

Types of cards accepted: all kinds of VISA, EUROCARD/MASTERCARD, American Express.
Please contact us for details regarding this way of payment.

Please be aware that paying by banking card involves a 2-5% commission that the bank charges on the card holder. Please make sure with your bank at home that transactions are allowed in Hungary.

Please note that we cannot accept cash and cheques.

LATE PAYMENT: Those students who do not pay their fees by the given deadline the following late payment fines will be applied: 1st week: 3 % of total amount, 2nd week: 5 % of total amount, 3rd week: 10 % of total amount. If payment is not done by the end of the 3rd week the student is not allowed to continue studies in that semester.

Course Content

The curriculum of the courses is available HERE.

More details are listed under the relevant courses.

Hungarian language is offered to all students of the Institute as an optional subject for additional fees.

Exams & Evaluation

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION:

All the entrance examination requirements are listed under the relevant courses:

In addition to the application materials, all students are required to complete a placement test (written and aural) during the admissions procedure. Based on the results, students will be assigned to different study groups. The faculty reserves the right to alter the groups. View samples of the written and aural placement test.

END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATION:

Examinations are held at the end of each semester or at the end of the academic year.

Students will be notified of the content of the examinations and the exact dates during the semester.

At the end of each semester students will also receive a detailed evaluation for each course completed.

Course work is evaluated by five grades: A, B, C, D, F – A being the highest and D the poorest grade.

F is considered as failed course.

In those courses where no grades are given, students will receive a proof of attendance.

CERTIFICATES

A Certificate of Musical Studies with Kodály Emphasis is awarded to those having completed all the compulsory subjects of the Introductory Course in Kodály-based Musical Training.

A Certificate of Higher Education Studies in the Theory and Practice of the Kodály Concept is awarded to those having completed all the compulsory subjects of the Higher Education Studies in the Kodály Concept Course.

A Diploma in Kodály Music Pedagogy is awarded to those having completed all the compulsory subjects of the Diploma in Kodály Music Pedagogy Course.

A Certificate of Participation is given to students who have not completed all the requirements for the relevant courses or who were enrolled for part-time studies.

Evaluations will be given to students and it will be their responsibility to forward them to other educational institutions as they see necessary.

Special certificates may also be issued upon request at an extra cost.

* The Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy introduced a this diverse non-degree study programme in September 2020 with the aim of providing more tailor-made study options and increasing the homogeneity of the study groups. The new scheme replaced the single one-year Diploma course offered before 2020.

The Institute reserves the right to change or amend any of its programmes, requirements for degrees, tuition, fees, etc. from year to year.