Non-Degree Study Programme
In the 2026-2027 academic year the Institute offers the following full-time one-year long non-degree programmes:
I) Introductory Course in Kodály-based Musical Training targets those who wish to get acquainted with 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) General Course in Kodály-based Music Education targets those who wish to strengthen their musicianship skills and enrich their musical knowledge. A special overview is given to the theory and Hungarian application of the Kodály Concept in public music education. Students will become familiar with the key principles and practical applications of the Kodály approach. The programme also serves as a preparatory course for those targeting the MA Degree Course at the Institute.
III) Advanced Course in Kodály Music Education 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 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 as a preparatory course for those targeting furhter higher education studies.
General Information
These non-degree courses are non-accredited adult education programmes.
The minimum years of age at the time of starting these non-degree courses is 18.
The accreditation of previously completed non-degree subjects is not possible for the Institute's BA or MA Course. The non-degree courses are not based on each other. Enrollment is subject to admission requirements in case of each non-degree course.
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 the non-degree study programme. Taking the main subject Musicianship (Sofége and Music Theory) is compulsory in all cases.
All students will be assigned to different study groups on the basis of the prior written and aural Musicianship (Sofége and Music Theory) placement tests taken during the admissions procedure.
The Institute offers Electives to all of its non-degree students. The available elective courses may vary from semester to semester and will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
LANGUAGE CRITERIA
As the language of the courses is ENGLISH, students whose first language is not English must submit an English language certificate. Minimum English level for the courses:
English language certificate (only for those students whose first language is not English) - e.g. IELTS Academic 5.0 or higher or an equivalent of this exam, TOEFL iBT min. 60, Cambridge min. 154
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 (min. 60 %), a special English language course is compulsory.
Application
Deadline for applications is 30 April each year for studies commencing in September.
However, applicants are kindly asked to send their applications at their earliest convenience so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Confirmation of acceptance will be sent out by 15 June the latest.
Course Content
The curriculum of the courses is available at the relevant courses:
- Introductory Course in Kodály-based Musical Training
- General Course in Kodály-based Musical Training
- Advanced Course in Kodály Music Education
Hungarian language is offered to all students of the Institute as an optional subject free of charge.
Expenses and payment information
The expenses (with the curriculum) are available at the relevant courses:
- Introductory Course in Kodály-based Musical Training
- General Course in Kodály-based Musical Training
- Advanced Course in Kodály Music Education
The tuition fee - 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
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 write this reference into the appropriate field when transferring: "Kodály Institute"
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
Exams & Evaluation
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION and requirements:
Online admissions procedure (auditions, interviews and placement tests) will take place between 15 May - 5 June 2026. All applicants will be notified of acceptance by 15 June the latest.
All the entrance examination requirements are listed under the relevant courses.
In addition to the application materials, all students are required to complete a musicianship (solfége and music theory) placement test (written and aural) during the online admissions procedure. Based on the results, students will be assigned to different study groups during the academic year. The faculty reserves the right to alter the groups. View samples of the written and aural placement test from the past.
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 studies is awarded to those having completed all the compulsory subjects of the relevant non-degree 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.
Updated: 01.12.2025