PHOTOS: Foreign graduates from 4 continents received their diplomas at prestigious Budapest technology university BME

135 graduates from four continents and more than 30 countries received their diplomas at the BME.

Successful businessman István Lám praised BME

“I received my master’s here, in this hall 11 years ago. I was standing on this very same stage, making a speech like now, as a good student of that vintage. Two years before that, with others I have founded a cryptography company from my bachelor thesis. And when I finished my master’s training, we had customers from 150 countries and had 40 employees. Most of them were sitting in the first row, being students like myself and getting highest honour degrees. That was the foundation of the company,” said István Lám, guest of honour at the BME’s international graduation ceremony.

The businessman went on to say that the success of the company was not only due to the students who studied here. “Also because of the team I had. The excellent students from that first row, and more. Without that team, I could’ve not made it.

BME is more than just learning a lot and skipping parties. It is about the network, the ambition, and the drive you get from others who are attend the university,”

he pointed out. He encouraged graduates to use the network they made at BME to build their own teams. “Because together, you will build the next chapter of humanity.”

135 foreign graduates

The founder of IT security company Tresorit, acquired by the Swiss Post in 2021, spoke to 135 students from more than 30 countries, all of whom have completed a course in English. András Nemeslaki, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at the BME, reminded them that they were sitting among statues of former greats of the university such as Donát Bánki, Károly Zipernowsky, József Stoczek and Imre Steindl, and that as BME graduates they would inherit their legacy.

András Nemeslaki

„The knowledge and skills you have acquired here have prepared you to confront challenges we cannot yet imagine. Whether you choose to revolutionize technology, lead groundbreaking research, or inspire the next generation, remember that your potential is boundless. But with great potential comes great responsibility. We live in a world that urgently needs your ideas, your leadership, and your dedication. Climate change, energy sustainability, and global health challenges—these are but a few of the pressing issues awaiting innovative solutions” – the Vice-Rector said, before representatives of the faculties handed over the diplomas.

A total of 56 English-language courses, 13 bachelor’s degrees, 27 master’s degrees and 13 doctoral degrees are offered to the approximately 1000 foreign students who enrol at the BME every year. Most of this year’s graduates are from Azerbaijan, Brazil and Pakistan, but there are also Iranians, Kenyans, Chinese and Rwandans. In addition to family and friends, representatives from the embassies of several of the countries concerned were also present,

including the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Brazil, Egypt, China, Turkey and Vietnam.

“Based on global trends, nearly 10 million students will be participating in mobility programmes worldwide by 2030, a large proportion of them from Asia, India. BME is already a destination for foreign students seeking internationally recognised courses. Students on our English-language courses can also participate in Erasmus and EELISA mobility programmes. And the management of BME is committed to further increasing the number of students enrolled in BME’s English language courses. Currently, their proportion is 14%,” András Nemeslaki told bme.hu.

On behalf of the Students’ Union, Kitti Varga addressed the fresh graduates. “Today isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward. You’ve earned a degree from BME, and that’s a pretty big deal. You’re now part of an alumni network full of innovators, problem-solvers, and world-changers. No pressure, right? But seriously, the skills you’ve gained here will take you further than you can imagine,” she said.

On behalf of BME’s international mentor team, Hunor Veress said goodbye to the graduates. “Looking back, we cherish the moments we shared with you, the international students of BME, in the past few years. These experiences would not have been possible without your active participation and enthusiasm! It was so good to see you every month on some past time activities.”

Last, Abdul-Jalal Jarimi Umar, a fresh graduate in mechanical engineering, spoke on behalf of all his fellow students. He thanked the lecturers, the members of the mentor team, mentioned the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme that enabled many of them to study at BME, and also noted that Budapest had become their second home over the years.

“My fellow graduates, as we step into the next phase of our lives, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned; the resilience forged through challenges, the friendships that strengthened us, and the unrelenting spirit of curiosity that has driven us. Success is not just measured in degrees and accolades but in the journey itself; the sleepless nights, the shared laughter, and the moments of triumph that have defined our time here. Congratulations to the class of 2025. We have made it together. Thank you.“

The event was hosted by Eszter Mozsár, Rector’s Personal Secretary.

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