On Sunday afternoon, September 20, 2020, the new academic year opened in a ceremonial setting. In place of the twenty-three graduated master’s students twenty-four newly admitted BA students enter the gates of the theological faculty.

In his opening speech of the new academic year, József Vilmos Kolumbán, rector of the Protestant Theological Institute noted that "it was only in times of war the usual closing or starting of the academic year was disturbed by outside circumstances". The new academic year, however, begins with the hope that "our caring God will be with us, protecting us from even greater trials."

The opening speech recalled the most important achievements and events of the past academic year, in the framework of which the master's degree (applied protestant pastoral theology) was re-accredited. The Rector expressed his appreciation to the institutional leaders involved in the accreditation work.

The successful outcome of the master's accreditation was followed in a short while by the renewal of the governing body of the institute. The Senate of the Institute confirmed the results of the rector's election in February 2020, according to which József Vilmos Kolumbán would lead the Theological Institute for the next four years as a rector. In their elected capacity, Sándor Kovács, deputy rector, and Csaba Balogh, dean, support him in the institutional administrative work.

The Rector reported on the current situation of the faculty. During the 2019-2020 academic year, the Institute had 14 full-time teaching staff, 1 associate, 1 temporary teacher (11 Reformed, 4 Unitarian, and 1 Lutheran), whose work was supplemented by an additional 12 part timers.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, the position of an assistant professor at the Old Testament Department was filled. The Institute Council appointed Szabolcs Kató for the advertised position. During the past academic year, Elek Rezi, a professor of Unitarian systematic theology, turned 65 years old. The Rector highlighted the wide-ranging, diverse scientific activities of KPTI lecturers in spite of the difficult period, which created numerous obstacles to the implementation of many planned scientific events or professional trainings.

A total of 162 students enrolled for the academic year 2020-2021. Although due to the epidemic situation, several activities, diaconal services and missionary practices performed by students had to be suspended in the second semester, the last academic year ended successfully in several respects. A welcome development was, for instance, that substantially more people applied for the scientific students' conference than in previous years.

It would be impossible for the Institute to operate without a stable financial background and administrative support. The Rector thanked the representatives of the churches and all those who contribute economically and administratively to the maintenance of the good order, inside and outside the institution.

In terms of future plans, the PTI faces some important tasks. In 2021, the accreditation of the Institution, which is due every five years, is supposed to take place. Plans also include restarting PTI's doctoral school. In parallel to these, there is a need for a thorough overhaul of the curriculum for the whole institution, on which a wide-ranging consultation has already begun.

After the rector's speech, the first-year students took their vow. Szabolcs Kató will be the class mentor for the new students.

True to tradition, but in a different way that one was used to, the diplomas of ministers who graduated 60 and 70 years ago were handed over during this ceremony as well. In view of the situation, the PTI will send these diplomas to the celebrated alumni by regular post. The names of those celebrated were recited as part of the event.

Finally, the students with excellent academic results during the past academic year, were given gifts of books. The opening ceremony ended with the singing of the national hymn.