The motivation to study seems to decrease with age. Most students in higher education have only extrinsic motivation or do not have any motivation at all. At Budapest Business School there are four colleges of advanced studies, one at each faculty. Applicants must prove their motivation for extra-curricular activities and their ability for scientific thinking before entering these organisations. To keep quality standards high, it is important to have active members who are interested in the effective and smooth operation of the organisation. The main aim of this research was to reveal the various types of motivation present at Budapest Business School. The study is based on a questionnaire survey that includes statements from the Academic Motivation Scale. The survey also contains questions regarding students’ social background, their motivations to join and their scientific activities. The study gives an insight into the structures, activities, the members’ extrinsic and intrinsic motivational patterns and, on the other hand, how these organisations can be improved. It is investigated how scientific excellence can be sustained in a semi-volunteer student organisation.