Bhaktivedanta College in Budapest, renowned for its unique blend of spiritual wisdom and academic excellence, is now offering English-taught courses for the first time. Previously catering only to Hungarian speakers, the College has provided BA and MA degrees in Vaishnava Theology and Yoga for over two decades. However, starting in 2025, international students can now join courses on topics like the Bhagavad-gītā, Rāmāyaṇa, and Upaniṣads. These courses offer a structured, systematic exploration of Vedic wisdom, making them accessible to both newcomers seeking a solid foundation and experienced devotees wishing to deepen or refresh their knowledge in a spiritually uplifting environment.

Nestled within Budapest’s green belt, ISKCON Hungary’s Bhaktivedanta College offers a unique blend of academic excellence and spiritual immersion. Situated in Hungary’s capital, one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities, yet just steps away from serene forests and the meandering Danube River, the College provides an inspiring setting for learning and self-discovery.

Until recently, Bhaktivedanta College’s programs were available only to Hungarian speakers. However, with a desire to serve Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission on a broader scale and make his teachings accessible to a wider audience, the College has begun offering courses in English, with its first spring semester already underway.

A Legacy of Spiritual Education
Established in 1998, Bhaktivedanta College in Budapest has successfully educated hundreds of students over the past two decades, offering BA and MA degrees in a spiritually uplifting environment. With long-standing practicing Vaiṣṇavas as dedicated teachers, the College ensures a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and academic excellence. These educators are not only deeply committed to guiding students on their journey but also hold academic degrees from various esteemed institutions across different fields of knowledge, providing a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth.

Until now, Hungarian students have had two primary academic paths: a Vaishnava Theology program (up to a Master’s degree) and a Vaishnava Yoga program (up to a Bachelor’s degree). The College is currently working to expand these degree options to English-speaking students internationally.

Students studying in the library.

Expanding Course Offerings for 2025
As part of our commitment to broadening access to English-taught education, Bhaktivedanta College is continuously expanding its course offerings. Beginning in February 2025, we will introduce two semesters of English-taught courses. Students who complete a semester will receive a certificate upon completion. This is a wonderful opportunity for devotees to systematically study śāstra under the guidance of experienced devotee teachers, all within a spiritually vibrant environment. With this ongoing expansion, our curriculum may evolve, and occasional adjustments to the schedule may occur; however, for 2025, our current schedule is as follows:
Spring Semester Courses:
• Bhagavad-gītā: The Path to Spiritual Enlightenment
• Exploring the Rāmāyaṇa: Themes, Characters, and Cultural Impact
• Sacred Space and Pilgrimage
• Yoga: Principles and Practices
• Living with Monks: An Immersion Experience in Hungary’s Krishna Valley

Autumn Semester Courses:
• Mahābhārata: Epic Narratives and Timeless Lessons
• Upaniṣads: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Ancient Texts
• India’s Ancient Roots: The Indus Civilization and Archaeological Discoveries
• Career Dharma: Aligning Your Work with Your Nature
• Yoga for Body, Mind, and Spirit: A Comprehensive Approach

As a member of the Erasmus Charter, Bhaktivedanta College also welcomes university students whose degree programs align with our courses. Through an Inter-Institutional Agreement, students can earn credits transferable to their home universities via the Erasmus+ exchange program.

Bhaktivedanta College’s main building.

A Spiritual Hub in Budapest
The College is conveniently located next to the ISKCON temple in Budapest, allowing students to participate in kīrtana, meditation, and prayer, as well as attend temple programs and Vaiṣṇava festivals. Adjacent to the temple is the Govinda’s restaurant, where students can enjoy wholesome prasāda cooked by the local devotees.

Bhaktivedanta College also houses an extensive library, offering a vast collection of books and journals in English, Hungarian, Sanskrit, and Bengali. At the heart of the library’s collection are the books of Śrīla Prabhupāda, providing a foundational resource for spiritual study.

Additionally, the library features books on bhakti, philosophy, sociology, religious studies, yoga, Ayurveda, history, and psychology with the goal of supporting both academic research and personal study. Well-equipped study areas have also been created to foster group collaboration and a dynamic learning environment, ensuring students have access to a rich intellectual and devotional atmosphere.

Yoga and Wellness
The College operates two fully equipped yoga studios—one on campus and another in downtown Budapest. These studios offer group yoga classes and workshops led by certified devotee instructors. Students are guided through foundational yoga postures to build strength, flexibility, and balance while also cultivating mindfulness and relaxation. With a focus on inner peace, the program encourages self-reflection, clarity, and spiritual well-being.

The college’s beautiful gardens.

Krishna Valley: A Rural Sanctuary
For those who enjoy the peaceful and tranquil rural setting, the Krishna Valley Eco Village is just a two-hour drive (or 2½-hour train ride) from Budapest. As one of Europe’s largest eco-communities, Krishna Valley is dedicated to sustainable living, producing fresh vegetables, grains, and ahimsa milk. Students can visit on their free days to experience self-sustainable living or immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance. Additionally, those enrolled in the spring semester will participate in a multi-day immersion program featuring workshops and guided activities at the farm.

Join Us at Bhaktivedanta College:
If these experiences resonate with you and you are eager to deepen your understanding of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings while exploring the rich culture of Hungary, we invite you to connect with us.

Visite nuestro sitio web for more information on our programs and admissions or to contact us with your questions. We look forward to welcoming you to Bhaktivedanta College.