This study aims to examine the evolution of the system of support sources in Hungary, focusing on the specific goals supporting higher education in the development programs Széchenyi 2020 (2014–2020) and Széchenyi Plan Plus (2021–2027). The study provides insights into development program evolution and changes, aiming to inform EU funding opportunities for Hungarian higher education institutions over a nearly 10-year period. By focusing on the operational programs that are the basis for the upcoming tenders, the study will display the target system of EU funds that can be utilized to bolster higher education institutions in Hungary. The study is based on document analysis, examining the Hungarian policy tools of the development programs and the operational program strategies of the ten-year time period from 2014 to 2024. By analyzing the support landscape for higher education institutions in Hungary, this study contributes to a better understanding of how the key objectives and criteria of strategic programs have evolved. It also examines the aspects and elements defined in two different development programs over the last ten years. The result of the study can contribute to anticipate the types of funding opportunities that may be available in the future and inform future decision-making processes.

The rise of digital culture has fundamentally changed the way people learn in higher education. Online platforms, digital learning materials and various e-Iearning tools have become commonplace, significantly changing traditional learning methods. Access to information for students has never been easier: online courses, interactive videos and webinars allow flexible and personalised learning. At the same time, learners are moving from being passive recipients to active participants, as the use of interactive content and collaborative learning tools becomes more widespread. Digital methods offer new ways of acquiring and processing knowledge. Tools such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI)-based tutors and gamification-enhanced learning systems increase motivation and allow for a more personalised approach to learning materials. Higher education institutions are also increasingly open to innovation, with the introduction of online learning platforms and hybrid teaching models gaining ground. Through this transformation, higher education is no longer limited to classroom learning but is becoming a global process in the digital space. Our article explores these issues using our concrete tacit knowledge and experiences from higher education courses.