At a glance

• Established: 1782 (historic roots in engineering and applied sciences)
• Type: Public research and technology university
• Location: Riverfront main campus in central Budapest (Buda side), with additional labs and research sites
• Faculties: 8 faculties spanning engineering, architecture, natural sciences, IT, transportation, and economics
• Community: Large, diverse student body, including thousands of international students from dozens of countries
• Academic system: ECTS-based; degrees recognized across Europe and internationally
• Teaching languages: Hungarian and English (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral options)
• Global reputation: Recognized in major international rankings and known for research impact and graduate employability

Why choose BME?

• Engineering leadership: A historic powerhouse with modern labs, project-based learning, and a strong problem-solving culture.
• Industry integration: Deep links with multinational and Hungarian companies in automotive, ICT, energy, construction, biotech, and transport.
• Hands-on experience: Design studios, capstone projects, testbeds, student competitions (e.g., robotics, Formula Student, UAV, and space projects).
• Research intensity: Participation in EU-funded projects, applied research, and innovation ecosystems with technology transfer support.
• Budapest advantage: A safe, vibrant European capital with excellent public transport, rich culture, and student-friendly living costs.
• Career readiness: Internships, co-ops, and career services help you build a portfolio and network from day one.

Faculties and academic strengths

BME’s eight faculties cover the full spectrum of engineering and related disciplines:

• Faculty of Civil Engineering (ÉMK): Structural and geotechnical engineering, water and environmental engineering, construction management, surveying and geospatial studies.
• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (GPK): Machine design, manufacturing, thermal and fluid systems, mechatronics, materials and smart systems.
• Faculty of Architecture (ÉPK): Architecture and urban design, heritage and sustainable design, digital design methods, design-build studios.
• Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (VBK): Chemical engineering, biotechnology, process engineering, pharmaceutical technologies, sustainability.
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (VIK): Electrical power and electronics, telecommunications, embedded systems, computer science and AI, cybersecurity.
• Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering (KJK): Transportation systems, logistics, vehicle engineering and automotive, rail and intelligent mobility.
• Faculty of Natural Sciences (TTK): Applied mathematics, physics, materials science, data science foundations for engineering.
• Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (GTK): Management, finance, innovation, technology management, and social sciences for engineers.

Programmes taught in English

BME offers a wide range of English-taught BSc, MSc, and PhD programmes designed for international students. Examples include:

• Core engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
• Specialized engineering: Mechatronics, Vehicle Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Power Engineering, Nuclear/energy systems-related tracks.
• Architecture and design: Architecture (selected programmes/tracks in English), sustainable and urban design-related modules.
• Natural sciences: Applied Mathematics, Physics and materials-related tracks supporting advanced engineering specializations.
• Economics and management: Business/Management for Engineers, Technology Management, and selected MBA or management-related programmes.

BME also provides foundation and preparatory courses (math, physics, and academic English), short programmes, and summer schools combining technical topics with cultural experiences.

Note: Programme availability and titles may vary by intake and faculty; always refer to the official pages for current options.

Research and innovation

As a research-driven university, BME hosts institutes and labs that collaborate with global universities and industry partners. Research spans fundamental science and engineering applications:

• Focus areas: Advanced manufacturing, robotics and autonomous systems, AI and data science, telecommunications and 5G, power electronics and smart grids, sustainable energy, materials and nanotechnology, water and environmental engineering, biotechnology, construction and built environment, transportation and logistics.
• Infrastructure: Modern laboratories, prototyping workshops, high-performance computing resources, testbeds, and shared research facilities.
• Student pathways: Opportunities to join research groups, publish with supervisors, and participate in international competitions and consortium projects.
• Innovation support: Incubation, patenting, entrepreneurship courses, and collaboration with technology parks adjacent to the campus.

Campus life and student support

BME’s riverfront campus integrates study, research, and city life. Student experience is supported by comprehensive services:

• Orientation and mentoring: International offices and mentor/buddy networks help with arrival, academics, and cultural integration.
• Libraries and learning: BME Central Library and faculty libraries, spacious study areas, e-resources, and makerspaces.
• Clubs and competitions: Student associations, professional societies, and engineering teams (robotics, Formula Student, aerospace, energy efficiency, hackathons).
• Sports and wellbeing: Fitness and sports facilities, intramural teams, counselling and health services.
• Accommodation: University-managed dormitories and partner residences; guidance for private rentals in nearby neighborhoods.
• Career services: CV and interview workshops, employer meetups, job fairs, and internship placement support.
• Inclusion and accessibility: Academic skills workshops, disability support, and language courses (including Hungarian for foreigners).

Where you will study in Budapest

• Main Danube campus (Buda): Iconic buildings and labs along the river near the city center, with easy access to public transport and cultural venues.
• Technology and science parks: Adjacent innovation hubs and partner facilities that host joint university–industry projects.
• Specialized labs and test sites: Additional facilities across Budapest supporting civil engineering fieldwork, transport systems, energy, and environmental research.

Budapest offers a high quality of life, combining affordability with a vibrant cultural scene—historic architecture, thermal baths, festivals, and world-class cafés and music.

Admissions and how to apply

Applications are submitted online to the relevant faculty or central admissions portal. Requirements vary by programme, but typically include:

• Academic records: Official transcripts and certificates (with translations where required).
• Entrance assessments: For many engineering BScs, a mathematics and/or physics test/interview; Architecture may require a portfolio and design interview.
• Language proficiency: English at B2 level or higher (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent), unless prior studies were in English.
• Supporting documents: CV/resume, motivation letter, recommendation(s); programme-specific prerequisites may apply.
• Deadlines: Most programmes start in September (apply in spring/early summer); some offer a February intake with autumn deadlines.
• After admission: Non-EU/EEA students arrange a residence permit for studies; EU/EEA students complete local registration.

Please consult the programme page for exact criteria, entrance exam formats, and intake-specific dates.

Tuition, scholarships, and living costs

Tuition fees vary by faculty, level, and programme. BME and Budapest offer excellent value compared to many Western European destinations. Funding and support options include:

• National scholarships: Opportunities such as Stipendium Hungaricum and the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship (eligibility via national schemes).
• University/faculty awards: Excellence and merit-based scholarships, tuition reductions, and achievement awards (availability varies by year).
• Mobility grants: Erasmus+ and other exchange scholarships for study or traineeships abroad.
• Living costs: Generally student-friendly; expect discounts on public transport, culture, and services.
• Accommodation: Dormitories and private rentals near campus; the university provides guidance on housing options.

Heritage, community, and global outlook

Rooted in an engineering tradition dating back to 1782, BME has helped shape Hungary’s infrastructure, industry, and technological innovation. Today, the university continues this mission through high-impact research, global partnerships, and an inclusive, practice-oriented education that prepares graduates to solve complex challenges responsibly and creatively.

Learn more

Explore programmes, admissions, scholarships, and campus life on the official website:

https://www.bme.hu/?language=en

Note: Programme availability, requirements, fees, and deadlines may change. Always refer to BME’s official pages for the latest information.