History

This Medal was founded by the People's Presidential Council to be the highest ranking award for educational achievement and service within Hungarian colleges and universities.

There are three main models of this medal.

The medals issued first in 1952, feature the portrait of Mátyás Rákosi on the obverse medallion, and they are also known as the Mátyás Rákosi Educational Medal. These medals were only conferred upon 32 recipients.

The medals issued second in 1958, depict an open book, feather, and star on the obverse medallion, and they are also known as the Higher Education Medal.

The medals issued third in 1991, feature the emblem of the Republic of Hungary on the obverse medallion.