A Gateway to European Academic and Professional Excellence
Institutional Overview & Global Recognition
Széchenyi István University (SZE) stands as one of Hungary’s most dynamically developing higher education institutions, with its quality now validated by multiple international ranking bodies. The university is officially recognized in eight higher education rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE).
2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
Category | Information |
Overall World University Ranking: | 1501+ |
Subject-Specific Rankings (2026)
Category | Information |
Business and Economics: | 601–800 category (maintained position) |
Engineering: | 1251+ category (maintained position) |
Computer Science: | 1001+ category (NEW for 2026 – first-time inclusion) |
This expansion into Computer Science for 2026 is particularly significant, demonstrating that the university’s educational and research performance is gaining international visibility across an increasing number of disciplines. According to Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations, this multi-disciplinary representation in global rankings reflects the institution’s strategic development and strengthens international partnerships.
Strategic Location: The “Golden Triangle” of Central Europe
SZE’s location in Győr is strategically unparalleled and offers students immense lifestyle and career advantages:
- Geographic Position: Győr sits within Central Europe’s “golden triangle,” perfectly positioned halfway between three European capitals: Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria), and Bratislava (Slovakia).
- Accessibility: Located along the M15 highway on the banks of the Danube River, the city offers excellent transport links to the rest of Europe.
- Economic Hub: This optimum location has transformed Győr into a leading automotive and industrial centre, creating unparalleled internship and employment opportunities for students.
Academic Excellence and Programmes Portfolio
SZE offers a broad spectrum of high-quality Programmes across multiple disciplines, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-relevant education.
Institutional Structure
- 9 Faculties covering diverse academic fields
- 4 Doctoral Schools for advanced research degrees
- Approximately 200 study programs at all academic levels (vocational, BSc, BA, MSc, MA, PhD)
English-Taught Programmes
- Over 50 programs taught entirely in English, catering to a diverse international student body
- STEM subjects and Business & Economics disciplines dominate the English offerings
Key Faculties and Fields of Study
- Engineering & Technology: Automotive engineering, vehicle engineering, transportation, telecommunication, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, logistics engineering
- Information Technology: Computer science, mérnökinformatikus (engineering informatics), gazdaságinformatikus (business informatics)
- Business & Economics: Economics, business administration, international relations, management, finance, gazdálkodás és menedzsment (economics and management)
- Law & Public Administration: Comprehensive legal education, criminology
- Health Sciences: Medicine, health sciences, nursing, social work
- Other Disciplines: Architecture, pedagogy, agricultural sciences, musical arts, teacher training, tourism and catering, environmental sciences
Unique Programs
AACSB Accredited Double-Degree MBA: In conjunction with the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI, USA), SZE offers a prestigious MBA program employing world-class educators.
Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering: A dedicated faculty created in partnership with Audi, offering specialized programs in vehicle engineering that are highly popular among international applicants.
A Truly International Community
SZE has experienced rapid growth in international enrollment since 2016, creating a vibrant multicultural campus environment.
- Total Student Body: Approximately 17,000 students
- International Students: Over 1,000 international students from nearly 90 countries
- International Percentage: 6% international student representation
- Gender Ratio: 44% Female:56% Male
- Student-to-Staff Ratio: 16.1 students per staff member
This multicultural environment provides an inspiring and genuine international campus experience, fostering global networks and cross-cultural understanding that prepare students for international careers.
Industry Connections and Corporate Partnerships
SZE’s most significant competitive advantage lies in its deep integration with the industry, particularly the automotive sector.
Flagship Partnership: Audi Hungaria
- Audi operates the world’s largest engine factory, a motor factory, a development centre, and a service centre in Győr
- Since its establishment in Győr in 1993, Audi has enjoyed organic cooperation with SZE
- The university carries out industrial research activities for and in conjunction with the company
- In 2015, this partnership culminated in the creation of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering
Extensive Corporate Network
The university has over 3,000 corporate partners, including:
- Multinational Employers Hungarian Employers;
- Audi T-Systems Hungary Ltd;
- Bosch IT Services Hungary Kft;
- Continental;
- Ericsson;
- EPAM Systems;
- Flex (formerly Flextronics);
- Grundfos;
- IBM;
- Dana Incorporated;
- Nemak and BorgWarner Inc.
Graduate Career Fields
- Program and Project Management
- Quality Assurance
- Finance
- Education
- Arts and Design
- Support Services
- Human Resources
- Accounting
- Administrative
- Purchasing
The university’s 45-year tradition in supporting Hungary’s leading industries, with a strong focus on vehicle engineering, transportation, and telecommunication, has made SZE the primary driver of the regional economy and the key supplier of human resources for the North-Transdanubian region.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure & Research Facilities
Laboratories
- Over 40 modern laboratories supporting both education and scientific cooperation with regional companies
- Many have been modernized through EU projects
- Facilities serve dual purposes: academic instruction and collaborative research with industry partners
Innovation Parks
- University innovation parks focus on cutting-edge technology research and corporate projects
- Design Campus exhibitions at the Győr Innovation Park showcase student and faculty work
Library Resources
- The library serves as the information center for professional literature
- Operates as a public technical library for the entire Transdanubian region
- Collection contains classical and contemporary Hungarian and foreign books across all specialized fields
Digital Infrastructure
- Free internet access for all students
- Numerous computer rooms available for academic instruction and student use
Campus Life and Student Experience
Central Campus
- Located just a five-minute walk from Győr’s historic downtown
- Situated directly on the banks of the Mosoni-Danube River
- All essential services (bank, post office, restaurants) are available within the campus
Sports Facilities
- Sports Hall: Operated jointly with the city, allowing PE activities from morning until midnight
- University Training Hall: Additional indoor sports space
- Cardio and Training Rooms: Modern fitness facilities
- Outdoor Sports Fields: Running track, basketball, volleyball, and football pitches
- Swimming Pool: A recently built facility in close proximity to campus
- E-sports Room: Dedicated space for competitive gaming and recreation
These facilities support both competitive athletics and recreational sports, promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for all students.
Student Support & Governance
- Students’ Unions: Represent student interests at every level and in every body of the university
- Students’ Self-Government: Asserts students’ legal rights, decides on allocation of state support, and assists with educational and social concerns
Community Events
- Széchenyi University Days (SZEN): A major annual festival open to the public that creates a strong sense of community
- Year-round community-building events organized by university leadership and student government
- Students consistently report feeling that the university is their true home
City Life in Győr
- One of Hungary’s most important industrial and cultural centres
- Rich cultural offerings: festivals, a renowned ballet company, theatre, and a philharmonic orchestra
- Beautifully preserved historic downtown
- Countless entertainment, shopping, and recreational opportunities
Mobility & Global Opportunities
Students’ development is supported by a wide network of international relations, providing opportunities for study abroad and professional internships.
Pannónia Scholarship Program
- Enables students to spend anywhere from a few days to several months at foreign universities or companies
- Expands professional horizons and strengthens international competitiveness
Global Research Integration
The university’s achievements in Business, Economics, Engineering, and now Computer Science demonstrate that SZE’s activities are becoming increasingly integrated into global scientific and industrial cooperation networks.
Academic Competitiveness & Admission Trends
Rising Admission Standards
The increasing popularity of SZE is reflected in rising admission thresholds.
For the 2025 admission cycle, required points increased significantly across popular programs:
Programme (BSc./BA) | Previous Points | Current Points (2025) |
Vehicle Engineering | 294 | 356 |
Engineering Informatics | 310 | 334 |
Mechanical Engineering | 277 | 339 |
Electrical Engineering | 252 | 352 |
Logistics Engineering | 290 | 350 |
Economics and Management | 367 | 423 |
Record Enrollment
- Despite higher entry thresholds, the number of admitted students increased by 7.5% compared to the previous year
- The Albert Kázmér Mosonmagyaróvár Campus saw a 12% increase in admitted students
- Nearly 6,300 people attended the university’s January 2026 Open Day, demonstrating record interest
New English Programs (2025/26 Academic Year)
The Albert Kázmér Mosonmagyaróvár Campus introduced three new programs taught entirely in English, expanding international student options.
Tuition, Scholarships and Affordability
Tuition Fees
As a public university, SZE offers competitive tuition fees significantly lower than Western European or North American institutions. Fees are program-specific, and prospective students should consult the official program pages for exact figures.
Scholarship Opportunities
Stipendium Hungaricum
- A fully-funded scholarship by the Hungarian Government
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend (approximately HUF 43,700 / €110 for Bachelor/Master), accommodation contribution, and health insurance
Application period: Typically mid-November to mid-January
Government Bilateral State Scholarships
- Fully funded opportunities for international students based on bilateral agreements
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend (approximately €120 for non-doctoral, €390 for doctoral), and accommodation contributions
Pannónia Scholarship Program
- Supports short-term and semester-long international mobility experiences
Why Choose Széchenyi István University?
Factor | Benefit |
Industry-Integrated Education | Direct access to world-leading companies like Audi for internships, research collaboration, and employment |
Internationally Validated Quality | Recognized in multiple THE subject rankings (Business, Engineering, Computer Science) |
Strategic European Location | At the crossroads of three European countries, offering immense travel, cultural, and career opportunities |
Affordable Excellence | High-quality European education at a fraction of the cost of UK or US institutions |
Comprehensive Support | From 40+ modern labs to extensive sports facilities, libraries, and student services |
Global Community | Study alongside peers from nearly 90 countries in a welcoming, multicultural environment |
Strong Employability | Graduates are hired by over 3,000 corporate partners, including major multinational corporations |
Growing International Recognition | First-time inclusion in Computer Science rankings for 2026 demonstrates upward trajectory |
Admission Information (2026-2027 Academic Year)
Application System: SZE has introduced a user-friendly online application system, simplifying submission, document upload, and tracking.
Application Deadlines
- BSc/BA and MSc/MA programmes: 30 June 2026
- PhD programmes: 31 May 2026
Requirements: Program-specific requirements vary. Most Bachelor’s programs require a secondary school certificate and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or internal institutional exam).
