Interview with Dr. László Gergely Vigh, the Representative for International Education at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics

The “Study In Hungary” education service (www.study-hungary.com) made an interview with Dr. László Gergely Vigh, the Representative for International Education at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics which you can read here.

Study In Hungary: Dear Dr. Vigh, please introduce yourself to our readers.
László Gergely Vigh: I am László Gergely Vigh. I graduated from and working at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Faculty of Civil Engineering. From September 2015, as the representative of the Education Directorate of the university, I am responsible for the coordination of international education in foreign languages.

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Study in Hungary: How would you briefly define BME in 3-4 sentences?
László Gergely Vigh: The basic task of BME is to provide engineering education, well balanced with high quality courses in economics, natural sciences and humanities as well. We are aware of the expectation: beyond the production of graduates who can excel in their professional fields at an international level, we have a strong intention to educate intellectual adults having the talent, diligence, devotion and creativity to contribute to the future development of both their native countries and Hungary. We are working hard to meet these expectations, and to ensure that our graduates are highly valued on the job market and can compete at the highest level in companies and institutions. To meet these expectations BME shall continue to act as a key institute in the national and international scientific, technical and economical fields and maintain its close relations with the community.

Study in Hungary: What are the competitive advantages of your university compared to other Hungarian and European universities?
László Gergely Vigh: BME is the leading institution in technical higher education in Hungary, the degrees of which are recognized and acknowledged all over the world. BME, founded in 1782, is one of the largest higher educational institutions in engineering even in Central Europe, and is considered the world’s oldest Institute of Technology, which has university rank and structure. BME is a key role player in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable development of the country. Curricula of the academic programs cover nearly all fields and disciplines, which is unique in Hungary.

The quality of education, research and service at BME meets European standards and requirements, which is proven by the university’s position in various international rankings. In the latest, internationally acknowledged rankings Budapest University of Technology and Economics takes the 819th position in the CWUR ranking, 395th in Webometrics and 677th in the SCImago Institutions Rankings. Most of such rankings create sub-rankings for regions and specialities as well; in all QS University Rankings by Subject BME is the best university in Hungary and it is the 254th world wide in Engineering and Technology subject.

BME programmes are listed in numerous professional world rankings, as well. As an example, QS rating places several of our courses (i.e. civil engineering, electrical engineering and informatics) among the best 201-250 and 251-300 positions. In the NTU ranking BME’s mechanical engineering programme takes the 300th position. The university actively contributed to creating the European Union’s U-Multirank listing published in spring 2014 for the first time by providing data about its courses and results. The university has been awarded excellent rating in several categories (i.e. research income), while its performance in none of the given categories has received poor rating.

Obviously, BME’s location is excellent, because Budapest is a wonderful city.

Study in Hungary: Which programs does BME offer for foreign students and what are the languages of instruction?
László Gergely Vigh: Besides education in Hungarian, programmes in English language are available in nearly all disciplines and certain specialties programmes in German or French are also offered.
Faculties of BME (in sequence of their foundation) and the programmes currently offered in foreign languages:
Faculty of Civil Engineering (ÉMK):
BSc in Civil Engineering (Branch of Structural Engineering, Major of Buildings),
MSc in Structural Engineering (Major in Computational Structural Engineering)
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (GPK):
BSc with specializations:
Process Engineering Specialization
Engineering Design and Technology Specialization
MSc in Mechanical Engineering Modeling, with specializations:
Fluid Mechanics module
Solid Mechanics module
Thermal Engineering module
Design and Technology module
Faculty of Architecture (ÉPK):
BSc and MSc in Architecture and Architectural Engineering
Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (VBK)
BSc and MSc with specializations:
Analytical and Structural Chemistry Specialization;
Chemical and Process Engineering Specialization;
Industrial Pharmaceutics Specialization;
Polymer Technology Specialization;
Textile Technology Specialization
MSc in Environmental Engineering
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (VIK)
BSc in Electrical Engineering
BSc in Engineering Information Technology
MSc in Engineering Information Technology, with specializations:
Applied Computer Science Specialization
System Development Specialization
MSc in Electrical Engineering, with specializations:
Embedded Systems Specialization
Infocommunication Systems Specialization
Electrical Machines and Drives Specialization
MSc in Business Information Systems (Analytical Business Intelligence Specialization)
Faculty of Transportation Engineering (KJK)
BSc in Transportation Engineering
BSc in Vehicle Engineering
BSc in Logistics Engineering
MSc in Transportation Engineering
MSc in Vehicle Engineering
MSc in Logistics Engineering
Faculty of Natural Sciences (TTK):
MSc in Physics
MSc in Mathematics
MSc in Applied Mathematics, with specializations:
Specialization in Applied Analysis
Specialization in Operation Research
Specialization in Financial Mathematics
Specialization in Stochastics
MSc in Cognitive Science
Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (GTK)
English language courses as compulsory or elective subjects for students of BME
Language courses

We also provide two preparatory courses for training, prior to the admission to our academic programmes.

Note that the number of programmes available in Hungarian is much larger.

Study in Hungary: Could you give us information about the university campus?
László Gergely Vigh: BME campuses are located in a wonderful environment, in the heart of Budapest, next to the Danube river. The campus is beautiful, with old historical buildings and large parks; it is a pleasant place all year round. We have new sport centers at convenient spots. Budapest is an exciting, vibrant city, where something always happens. I can proudly say that current and former students all love Budapest and the campus, it is common to return for short visits even after many-many years.

Study in Hungary: What are the tuition fees, dormitory costs and other living expenses of your students?
László Gergely Vigh: Tuition fee is normally 3,200 EUR/semester at our preparatory courses and at the BSc programmes; varies between 3,200-3,800 EUR/semester at the MSc programmes, and 4,500 EUR/semester at the PhD programmes. Regarding accommodation, regular foreign students are normally advised to rent apartment; we provide assistance in finding proper places.

Study in Hungary: Do you plan to launch new programs in near future – upcoming September?
László Gergely Vigh: Our programmes are now under revision. We intend to extend the foreign language education to further fields that are already available in Hungarian and to new fields specifically designed for foreign students, the revision process is long and may only have an effect in the next year. Accordingly, the programmes listed in the actual bulletin will be only launched this semester.

Study in Hungary: Do you have any scholarships or discounts for prospective students?
László Gergely Vigh: Most faculties have introduced tuition fee discount programmes. As an example, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Civil Engineering reduction is provided on the basis of GPA. Faculty of Architecture has a special award, with full tuition fee waiving for an academic year for the best students.

Study in Hungary: What are the current and the new target countries for BME to recruit new students?
László Gergely Vigh: BME’s student life is colorful; we welcome students from all over the world.

Copy editor: bm

Source: http://en.study-hungary.com/