The predecessor of the University of Miskolc was the school of mining and metallurgy (Bergschule) established by Charles III in Selmecbánya in 1735, which was the world's first higher education institution instructing in these fields (in Freiberg, courses were launched in 1765, in Berlin in 1770, and St Petersburg in 1773). In 1762, Maria Theresia gave the school academy status (Bergakademie). From 1846, foresters were also trained in the institution. Later, the Selmec school served as a model for the establishment of European technical colleges. In 1794, Paris Technical University organized its laboratory training based on the Selmer system. The world's first international technical society, in which 14 countries were represented, was founded with the contribution of Selmec professors in Szklenó, not far from Selmecbánya. Between 1848 and 1850, the instruction was suspended because, during the Hungarian war of independence, the students enlisted in Kossuth's army. Following the Austro-Hungarian compromise in 1867, German was replaced by Hungarian as the language of instruction, and the name of the institution was changed to Magyar Királyi Bányászati és Erdészeti Akadémia (' Royal Hungarian Academy of Mining and Forestry'). In 1920, as a result of the Trianon peace treaties, Selmec became part of Czechoslovakia, so the academy had to move. It was Sopron that gave a home to the homeless institution.
Act No. XXIII of 1949 of the Hungarian National Assembly ordered that' to enhance higher education in technology, a heavy industry-university is established in Miskolc. The University shall be divided into the faculties of mining and metallurgical engineering.' Thus, in 1949, the University consisting of the Faculties of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering moved from Sopron, and the newly founded Faculty of Mechanical Engineering was established in Miskolc. The first day of instruction was 18 September 1949.
The demand for a change in the educational system gave rise to complete technical faculties, offering programs in social sciences. Law courses started in 1981, and an independent Faculty of Law was established in 1983. At this time, the objective was formulated that the University should rise to the level of universities in the classical sense.
The next development step was launching a program in economics, followed by the establishment of the relevant faculty in 1990.
As of 1 July 1990, the University's name was changed to the University of Miskolc (Hungarian abbreviation: ME).
In 1992, the Institute of Arts was founded. It became a faculty in September 1997.
In 1997, following its separation from the college, the Miskolc department of Liszt Ferenc College of Music was integrated into the University as its Bartók Béla Music Institute.
Having renewed their programs, the technical faculties continue their activities as Faculties of Earth Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering and Informatics.
As a result of university integration recommended by the act on higher education, as of 1 January 2000, Comenius Teacher Training College of Sárospatak became a college-level faculty of the University of Miskolc, and then on 1 July 2013, it left our University and joined Esterházy Károly College.
The first bachelor program of the Institute of Healthcare was launched in 2001 to train district nurses, and in September 2004, the instruction of physiotherapists was also started here. In 2005, the institute was given faculty status; therefore, its present name is Faculty of Healthcare.
Those roaming the world wide web may also indulge in a journey into time. Travelers often look into the past so that they can see the future more clearly. Let us devote some thoughts to the past first. The University of Miskolc looks back to a history of more than 275 years. The world's first higher education institution of technology, the Mining Academy of Selmecbánya, represented special knowledge and value. Its heritage and relics pervade the life of our University even today. I am confident that in the University's development, predictability and stability are the essential cornerstones. The foundations of the ability of perpetual revival have been laid by our traditions and the work of our larger-than-life scholars and predecessors in leadership.
At the University of Miskolc, a new term of office began in July 2010 for the Rector. The years to come under my leadership and the different development process and strategy of the next decade or so will have to be an organic continuation of our development so far, keeping everything that has taken us forward and discarding that which has had its day. We need renewal in several fields. This is what is expected of the management of the University by the new Act on Higher Education in preparation now, by the changing industrial and economic environment, and last but not least by the members of our University, who wish to be active in a state-of-the-art, dynamically developing academic and research environment that offers all of us new prospects.
The activities of universities, embodied in preserving, enhancing, and imparting knowledge, have been supplemented by the obligations of providing flexible responses to the demands of the economy and direct participation in developing the economy. The students studying in the Bologna-type programs become participants in an up-to-date education system to meet the demands of the labor market. By visiting our website, you can get to know our faculties' programs and read about the lives of our students. Our campus is located in a natural environment unique in Europe. From the academic buildings to the student hostels, to the library, the dining halls to the up-to-date workshop hall, everything is embraced by the Dudujka Valley. I am confident that this is one of the most attractive campuses, perhaps in the world, but definitely in Europe. Our University is the largest higher education institution in the region of Northern Hungary and a scientific center of decisive significance both at regional and national levels.
As Rector of the University of Miskolc, I have the unswerving purpose of serving my institution during my term in office to the best of my abilities, which lends meaning and scope to my profession. I wish to bring about a balance between the traditional academic approaches and those that value our external connections' input. I want to bring the town, the region, and the University closer to each other. I wish to foster international relations that can be maintained practically, for mutual benefit, and on an appropriate scale. I intend to take advantage of all forms of publicity to promote the values of our University.
I am confident that our motto of today, which says that "the University of Miskolc is a competitive actor in European higher education," is a reality for which we are working together.
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