Csontné Vezendi, LeilaSzűcs, Edit Gizella2026-01-142026-01-142025-12-28Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce, Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025): APSTRACT ,1789-221Xhttps://hdl.handle.net/2437/402130This study examines the transformation of the Hungarian higher education system during the change of regime (1989-1990), with particular emphasis on the spread of church- and foundation-run institutions. It presents the legal framework that enabled the establishment of non-state institutions, highlighting Act XXIII of 1990 and subsequent legislation. It uses statistical data to support the significant increase in the number of institutions and students in the non-state sector. It illustrates the different development paths of these institutions through case studies of Károli Gáspár Reformed University and Kodolányi János University. The article analyzes the socio-economic impacts of the changes, including social mobility, economic development, and educational equality. Finally, it reflects on the current challenges and future prospects of Hungarian higher education.application/pdfchange of regimeprivatizationfoundation institutionseducational reformchurch institutionsfolyóiratcikkOpen AccessLeila Csontné Vezendi, Edit Gizella Szűcshttps://doi.org/10.19041/APSTRACT/2025/2/14Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce219APSTRACT1789-7874