Counties of Hungary

This conversion of universities from public institutions to privately managed entities involves handing over at least 600 million forints (1.7 million euros) in starter capital in cash or in-kind contributions (movable assets, real estate or intellectual property) or a combination of both, which will lay the ground for them to operate as non-profit institutions in the future.

Yet even such popularity couldn't save him.

Hungarian philosopher Mihaly Vajda said he has returned his honorary doctorate to the University of Debrecen because the school has also awarded honorary title to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I do not want to be associated in any way with an institution that has proclaimed Vladimir Putin as an honorary citizen," said 82-year-old philosopher on Facebook.