Mathias Corvinus Collegium

Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) is Hungary’s largest private educational institution located in Budapest, Hungary. Founded in 1996, it was initially directed at university students in the arts and social sciences. It serves as a student dormitory, scholarship program and a private educational institution aiming to provide academic education beyond the traditional framework to students of all ages from Hungary and abroad. By February 2023, MCC had 7000 students.^[3] In addition to its training programs, MCC operates various mobility and scholarship programs, publishes books and scientific articles, organizes international and domestic conferences and forums to promote democratic dialogues and discussions. Programs are generally free of charge.

In 2020, the MCC received an influx of Hungarian government funds and assets valued at US$ 1.7 billion. Due to its close ties to Viktor Orbán's government, its critics describe MCC as a "breeding ground for future Fidesz-friendly elites."^[4][5] The chairman of MCC's board of trustees, Balázs Orbán, helped plan the transfer in his concurrent role as state secretary in the office of Viktor Orbán's government.^[6]