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University of Szeged

Address: Dugonics tér 13, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
Phone: +36 62 546 000
Email: international@szte.hu
Website: www.u-szeged.hu


About University of Szeged

The University of Szeged (SZTE) is is located in Szeged at the Southern border of Hungary. It is said to be the safest city in Hungary and a popular university town in Europe.

The University of Szeged traces its origins back to the 16th century, and it is one of Hungary’s most prestigious and competitive universities, regularly listed as one of the best national institutions by the QS World University Rankings. Our educational and research activities related to natural sciences also have an excellent global reputation, and the university is regularly ranked among the top 500 institutions for physical and life sciences by the QS University Subject Rankings.

Health and Life Sciences have a long-standing tradition at the University of Szeged with Albert Szent-Györgyi, winner of Nobel Prize 1937 and Katalin Karikó, winner of Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 - just to mention two of our most prominent scientists.

 

The University offers more than 70 full-time international degree programmes at Bachelor’sMaster’s, and Doctoral level in English as well as in German and French.  There are students from all over the world and the number of international students reaches 4,500 from about 130 countries.

Available scholarships at the University of Szeged include the Stipendium Hungaricum and the Visegrad Fund which enables students from across the world to attend the university.  

To find out more about the university, you can visit its social media channels: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTube, or e-mail international@szte.hu.

Why University of Szeged

The University of Szeged (SZTE) is famous for several reasons that contribute to its reputation as one of Hungary's premier institutions and a respected university in Central Europe:

  1. Historic Legacy: Founded in 1581, the University of Szeged has a long academic tradition. Over the centuries, it has played an essential role in shaping higher education and research in Hungary.

  2. Academic Excellence: SZTE consistently ranks as one of Hungary's top universities and is recognized for its strong academic standards, particularly in medicine, natural sciences, law, and humanities. It’s often ranked among the top universities in Central and Eastern Europe.

  3. International Collaboration and Student Body: The university is known for its extensive international partnerships and exchange programs. It offers a wide range of programs in English, attracting students and faculty from over 100 countries, which enriches its multicultural and diverse academic environment.

  4. Research Innovation: SZTE has made significant contributions to scientific research, particularly in laser physics, biochemistry, and medical research. It houses the ELI-ALPS (Extreme Light Infrastructure - Attosecond Light Pulse Source) laser research facility, a unique hub for photonics and laser science.

  5. Notable Alumni: The university is proud of its distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi, who received the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering Vitamin C and for his research on biological oxidation, which has left a lasting impact on medical science.

  6. High-Quality Medical and Health Programs: Its Faculty of Medicine is highly respected in Hungary and internationally. Many international students are drawn to its programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, which emphasize clinical training and research.

  7. Beautiful Campus in Szeged: The university’s campus is located in Szeged, often called the "City of Sunshine" due to its mild climate and beautiful architecture. The city's vibrant cultural life, low cost of living, and student-friendly atmosphere make it an attractive choice for students.

  8. Commitment to Sustainability: SZTE promotes green initiatives and sustainability practices in its operations and academic programs, enhancing its reputation as a forward-thinking institution.

The University of Szeged (SZTE) has specific language requirements for international students, particularly for those enrolling in English-taught programs. Here’s an overview of the typical language requirements:

For Programs Taught in English:

  1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • Minimum overall score of 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the program. Higher scores may be required for competitive fields like Medicine.
  2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Minimum score of 70–90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with specific minimum section scores sometimes required based on program level.
  3. Cambridge English Qualifications:

    • First (B2): Some programs may accept this qualification as meeting the minimum.
    • Advanced (C1) and Proficiency (C2): Usually accepted for most programs, especially graduate-level courses.
  4. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic):

    • A minimum score of 50–58, though higher scores may be preferred for specific courses.
  5. Other Accepted Qualifications:

    • Some programs may accept other equivalent English language proficiency tests, such as Duolingo, but verification from the admissions office is recommended.

For Programs Taught in Hungarian:

  • For non-native Hungarian speakers, proficiency in Hungarian may be required if the program is taught in Hungarian. The university offers preparatory language programs to help international students meet this requirement.

The University of Szeged (SZTE) in Hungary offers a wide array of programs and is especially known for its strengths in several disciplines:

  1. Medicine and Health Sciences: SZTE’s Faculty of Medicine is highly regarded both in Hungary and internationally. It offers programs in general medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, with a strong emphasis on clinical training and research.

  2. Pharmaceutical Sciences: The university is known for its programs in pharmaceutical sciences, where students receive hands-on experience in research and clinical settings. It emphasizes medicinal chemistry, drug development, and pharmacology.

  3. Natural Sciences: SZTE offers robust programs in fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It is especially well-regarded for its research in laser physics, optics, and material sciences, with the university housing the ELI-ALPS laser research center.

  4. Law and Political Science: The Faculty of Law at SZTE is one of the most prestigious in Hungary, focusing on civil law, international law, and EU law. It also offers programs in political science, which draw many international students.

  5. Linguistics and Philology: SZTE’s Department of Hungarian and General Linguistics is highly regarded for its research in language studies, philology, and applied linguistics. The university is known for promoting multilingualism and linguistic research.

  6. Business and Economics: The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration offers courses in management, finance, and international business, preparing students for careers in business in both Hungary and abroad.

  7. Arts and Humanities: SZTE has strong programs in philosophy, history, art history, and cultural studies. The Faculty of Arts emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, making it an excellent choice for students interested in broad humanistic studies.

  8. Computer Science and Information Technology: Known for its advanced research and education in computer science, SZTE offers programs in software engineering, AI, and data science, with opportunities for hands-on experience in tech-related fields.

  9. Environmental Science and Agriculture: With a focus on sustainable practices, the Faculty of Agriculture provides education in agronomy, environmental protection, and horticulture, addressing ecological challenges and agricultural advancements.

  10. Music and Performing Arts: SZTE’s programs in music are well-respected, particularly in classical and contemporary music studies. The university offers performance and theory-based courses, as well as opportunities for music research.

The University of Szeged (SZTE) is home to several distinguished professors who are highly regarded for their contributions to research and academia. Here are some top professors known for their expertise and research:

  1. Professor Róbert Herczeg (Medicine, Pharmacology): A prominent researcher in pharmacology, known for his work in drug research and development. His research has practical implications in medicinal chemistry and pharmacotherapy.

  2. Professor László Palkovits (Neuroscience): Renowned for his work in neuroscience, Professor Palkovits has made significant contributions to understanding brain functions and neuropharmacology.

  3. Professor Attila József (Physics, Laser Research): A leading physicist specializing in laser physics, optics, and quantum mechanics, he is associated with the ELI-ALPS (Extreme Light Infrastructure) facility and contributes to cutting-edge laser research.

  4. Professor Miklós Kellermayer (Biophysics, Medical Physics): Known for his pioneering work in biophysics, particularly in understanding the molecular basis of muscle function and other biomechanical processes.

  5. Professor Attila Miseta (Chemistry, Biochemistry): A well-known researcher in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, contributing to advancements in biotechnology and genetic research.

  6. Professor Péter Hudecz (Pharmaceutical Sciences): An expert in peptide chemistry and drug development, Professor Hudecz has published extensively in the area of therapeutic peptides and innovative drug delivery systems.

  7. Professor Árpád Pusztai (Linguistics): Known for his research in linguistics and philology, particularly focusing on the Hungarian language and historical linguistics.

  8. Professor Zoltán Fülöp (Computer Science, Theoretical Informatics): A prominent computer scientist specializing in algorithms, theoretical computer science, and software engineering.

  9. Professor Zoltán Zádori (Veterinary Medicine): A specialist in veterinary medicine, Zádori is known for his research in veterinary virology and microbiology, particularly studying animal diseases and vaccines.

  10. Professor Gábor Gellér (Law, European Law): An expert in European Union law and international law, Professor Gellér has made significant contributions to legal research, focusing on cross-border and international law issues.

The University of Szeged is historically linked to Nobel Prize-winning research and scholars, particularly through Albert Szent-Györgyi, a former professor at the university:

  1. Albert Szent-Györgyi (Physiology or Medicine, 1937): Szent-Györgyi, a professor at the University of Szeged, won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of Vitamin C and for his groundbreaking research on cellular respiration, specifically in understanding biological oxidation processes. His work led to Szeged being known as the "Vitamin C city," as his discoveries significantly advanced the fields of biochemistry and medicine.

  2. Katalin Karikó (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2023): While Karikó did not work directly at the University of Szeged after graduation, she earned her degree there in biology in 1978. She later became a pioneering figure in the development of mRNA technology, leading to the creation of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Her achievements highlight the university’s strong foundation in life sciences.