Bhaktivedanta College
Founded in 2001, Bhaktivedanta College grew out of the vision of the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness to create a vibrant centre where timeless wisdom meets contemporary education. Building on the earlier work of the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Theology and Culture (established in 1998), the College was created to make the world’s oldest spiritual teachings accessible to a new generation — offering a space where students can explore philosophy, culture, yoga, and personal growth in an open and supportive academic environment. It received full government accreditation in 2004 and has continued to expand its programmes and community ever since.
Bhaktivedanta College remains the first higher educational institution in Hungary to represent the major world religion of Hinduism. Its academic programmes are rooted in the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who travelled the world to share the wisdom of the Vaishnava scriptures beyond India. The College continues to honour his legacy through its educational mission, its research, and its commitment to cultivating authentic spiritual culture. Nestled in the green belt of Budapest, the College offers not only rigorous academic study but also an inspiring environment for reflection, community, and spiritual growth.
Since September 2008, the College has operated according to the two-cycle degree structure laid down by the Bologna Process. A three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree can be earned either full-time or part-time through distance learning. In 2009, the College launched its Vaishnava Yoga Master BA programme, which remains unique in Europe. At present, the College offers two accredited BA programmes — Vaishnava Theology and Vaishnava Yoga Master — as well as an accredited Master’s programme (MA) in Vaishnava Theology. In addition, the Vaishnava Yoga Master MA programme has recently been accredited and will begin soon, and the PhD programme in Vaishnava Theology is scheduled to launch in 2025.
The College is open to all, irrespective of religion or worldview. Interested students can learn about Vaishnava theology, philosophy, and practices, as well as yoga theory and practice. Regardless of applicants’ religion, the College welcomes all prospective students who satisfy the entry requirements detailed on its website (uni-bhakti.hu). The Vaishnava Yoga Master syllabus offers a comprehensive study of yoga, including familiar haṭha-yoga āsanas, alongside ancient Indian philosophy, yoga psychology, relaxation, meditation, and the basics of Ayurveda.
Our professors also offer additional courses for students interested in traditional Indian culture. Some of our most popular courses include beginner’s and intermediate yoga, Ayurvedic phytotherapy, meditation and self-knowledge, Vedic astrology, Vedic philosophy, and Vedic mathematics.
Magyarországi Krisna-tudatú Hívők Közössége 1039 Budapest, Lehel utca 15-17. [email protected]
