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In recent years, Hungary has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination. The small country is not only rich in history, culture and beautiful scenery, but it’s also home to several universities offering top undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
TopUniversities caught up with three international students from China studying at Széchenyi István University – a three-star rated institution in the QS Stars University Rankings – to find out what makes studying in Hungary, and especially in the university town of Győr, so special.
A hub for diversity and culture
While Hungary might not often be recognised for its cultural diversity, it has recently become a vibrant hub for international students from all continents. In fact, since 2013 the number of international students enrolling into programmes at Széchenyi István University has grown substantially – a trend that reflects the country’s commitment to becoming top recruiters of global talent.
Ziyu Zhang is a master’s student studying violin performance. She said: “Széchenyi István University is a wonderful university that fully welcomes and accepts international students.
Shaofeng Guo who studies vehicle engineering, echoes Ziyu’s sentiments.
He said: “The main reason I came to Hungary was because the culture is very attractive. The people are very polite, the Hungarians are open to foreign cultures.”
Great student cities
According to all three international students, one of the biggest perks of studying in Hungary is being able to experience a different culture but also have fun while living in student-friendly cities like Győr.
Guangming Wang also studies vehicle engineering. He said: “The people here are nice and helpful. I haven’t faced any particular problems in my daily life.
Ziyu Zhang agrees: “Studying and living here makes me feel safe and comfortable. I felt the richness and diversity of culture. Hungarians are very friendly and I’ve got to make a lot of Hungarian friends.”
The university’s ideal location in one of the largest green areas of the city on the banks of the world-famous Danube river which flows through the heart of Győr and was the inspiration behind Johan Strauss II’s classical masterpiece, The Blue Danube.
Ziyu Zang says the city’s renowned reputation as the “cradle for maestros such as Franz List and Joseph Joachim” was a major attraction for her to study violin performance here.
“Győr is a beautiful city and the Danube river flowing through it makes it all the more charming and lively. The scenery along the river is magnificent.”
International students can enjoy the green parks and calmness of the campus, and explore the city’s unique architecture, castles, abbeys and museums, the old town and market squares where you can find an array of independent cafes and boutiques.
Shaofeng said: “I think international students are very happy living in Győr as they have a quieter study environment than in other cities.
“Every corner of the city is filled with my idea of a beautiful European city. Whether it is the rivers that run through the city or the modern campuses or the classical squares with their sculptures and historic cathedrals.”
When he’s not studying or exploring the city, Guangming enjoys playing sport and exercising with friends.
He said: “The student lifestyle is great, we can play basketball with students from different countries, work out in the gym and run along the river.”
High quality, English-taught degree programmes
Széchenyi István University offers 34 English-taught degree programmes at all levels – from vehicle engineering to business and management, computer science, architecture, marketing, instrument performance and much more.
Being able to study in English at an international university which offers high-quality teaching at a more affordable cost was a major attraction for all three students.
Shaofeng said: “The school had the specialisation I was most interested in. They have the Audi School of Automotive Engineering, which is comparable to the German automotive programme. The teachers are very good and the labs are very well equipped.”
Supportive and affordable university environments
Whilst Hungarian universities are known for their variety of degree offerings – many of which are in English, making it easier for non-Hungarian speakers to study locally, what you might not know is that they also provide a highly welcoming, supportive and affordable environment for international students, with low tuition costs and plenty of initiatives to encourage integration within student communities.
At Széchenyi István University, for example, the Student Foreign Affairs Committee has set up a mentor system where international applicants get paired with a mentor who will personally guide them throughout their degree, whether by offering career advice or helping them complete administrative tasks.
Lead image credit: Keszthelyi Timi on Unsplash
