The Transformation of the Catchment Area of the University of Pécs from 2013 to 2023

Higher education institutions are in constant competition for students, and educational catchment areas, along with their spatial dimensions, play a crucial role—especially in relatively small yet densely populated countries like Hungary, where the accessibility and appeal of institutions can be paramount. This study aims to examine the evolution of the University of Pécs’ (UP) catchment area from 2013 to 2023, with a particular focus on the impact of demographic factors and student mobility. The analysis highlights the primary student recruitment areas, with special attention to South Transdanubia and the city of Pécs. It was found that the medical and health sciences programs at UP are the most popular, particularly among students from the Transdanubia and Central Hungary regions. In the field of economics, a significant portion of students also come from South Transdanubia and Central Hungary. A similar regional distribution is observed in the humanities and teacher education programs, mirroring that of the medical sciences. The study provides recommendations for strengthening regional presence and attracting students from other major cities in Hungary, with a particular focus on internationalization and scholarship opportunities. The findings suggest that changes in UP’s catchment area present both opportunities and challenges for the university within the domestic higher education landscape.