Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
Budapest, Hungary
Founded
1782
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
~24,000
Nobel Laureate Alumni
4
Discover Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Discover Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) is a prestigious public research university situated on the banks of the Danube in Budapest, Hungary. Founded in 1782 by Emperor Joseph II as the Institutum Geometricum, it is considered the oldest institute of technology in the world with university rank and structure, and was the first institution in Europe to train engineers at the university level.
Today, BME comprises eight faculties with more than 110 departments and institutes, offering over 50 English-language degree programmes in engineering, natural sciences, economics, and management. The university is responsible for awarding approximately 70% of Hungary's engineering degrees and employs around 1,100 lecturers and 400 researchers.
BME's alumni include four Nobel Prize winners — Dennis Gabor (Physics, 1971), Eugene Wigner (Physics, 1963), George Olah (Chemistry, 1994), and Ferenc Krausz (Physics, 2023). The university maintains strong international partnerships and participates in European research programmes, attracting students from over 100 countries worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1782: Emperor Joseph II establishes the Institutum Geometricum, the first institution in Europe to award engineering degrees.
- 1872: The Royal Joseph University gains full autonomy and the right to issue engineering diplomas, becoming one of Europe's first university-level engineering institutions.
- 1984: Instruction begins to be offered in English alongside Hungarian, opening the university to international students.
- 2000: The institution is officially renamed Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), reflecting its expanded scope in economic and social sciences.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
BME is organized into eight faculties covering a broad spectrum of engineering, natural sciences, and economic disciplines. With over 110 departments and institutes, the university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes, many of which are available entirely in English for international students.
Faculty of Civil Engineering
One of BME's founding faculties, offering programmes in structural engineering, geotechnics, water resources, and infrastructure development with strong industry partnerships.
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- MSc in Structural Engineering
- PhD in Civil Engineering and Earth Sciences
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Covers a wide range of mechanical engineering disciplines including energy engineering, manufacturing, and mechatronics, with modern laboratories and research facilities.
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering Modelling
- MSc in Energy Engineering
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
A leading faculty in Hungary for electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology, with strong connections to the tech industry and innovation ecosystem.
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- BSc in Computer Science and Engineering
- MSc in Computer Science and Engineering
Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
Focuses on chemical engineering, biotechnology, and environmental engineering, combining laboratory-based research with practical industrial applications.
- BSc in Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Chemical and Bio-Environmental Engineering
- PhD in Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering
Established in 1955, this faculty specializes in transportation systems, vehicle engineering, and logistics, addressing modern mobility and supply chain challenges.
- BSc in Transportation Engineering
- BSc in Vehicle Engineering
- MSc in Logistics Engineering
Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences
Established in 1998, this faculty bridges engineering and business by offering programmes in management, economics, and regional development with a technical perspective.
- BSc in Engineering Management
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Regional and Environmental Economic Studies
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (BSc)
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong results in mathematics and sciences
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.0+, TOEFL iBT 72+, Cambridge B2 First 160+, or PTE Academic 50+
- Entrance ExamOnline placement test in mathematics and physics required for engineering programmes
- Application FeeEUR 100 – EUR 150 (non-refundable)
- Documents RequiredPassport copy, secondary school transcripts, language certificate, motivation letter
Graduate (MSc / PhD)
- Previous DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree in a relevant field (BSc for MSc; MSc for PhD)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.0+, TOEFL iBT 72+, Cambridge B2 First 160+, or PTE Academic 50+
- Recommendation LettersTwo academic or professional recommendation letters required
- Application FeeEUR 150 (non-refundable)
- Documents RequiredCV, passport copy, BSc certificate and transcripts, language certificate, motivation letter
Online application portal opens for fee-paying international students for the fall semester intake.
Final deadline for submitting all application materials and supporting documents for September start.
Approximate deadline for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship application through the Tempus Public Foundation.
Main academic year begins. Registration week typically takes place in the first week of September.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
BME offers high-quality European education at competitive tuition rates. Fees vary by programme, level of study, and citizenship status. Several generous scholarship programmes are available to help international students fund their studies.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students (per year) | Non-EU Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | EUR 2,300 – EUR 3,800 | USD 3,800 – USD 5,300 per semester |
| Graduate Tuition (MSc) | EUR 2,600 – EUR 3,800 | USD 3,800 – USD 5,300 per semester |
| Application Fee | EUR 100 | EUR 100 – EUR 150 |
| Health Insurance | EU health card accepted | ~EUR 107 per semester |
| Total | Contact university for current totals | Contact university for current totals |
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
A fully funded government scholarship programme managed by the Tempus Public Foundation, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for international students from partner countries.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, free dormitory or housing allowance, and medical insurance
- Eligibility: Citizens of partner countries pursuing BSc, MSc, or PhD programmes
- Application: Apply through the Tempus Public Foundation portal by January each year
Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship
A scholarship programme offered by the Hungarian government for students of Hungarian heritage living abroad, covering tuition fees for full degree programmes at BME.
- Coverage: Tuition fee coverage for the duration of the programme
- Eligibility: Students of Hungarian descent from diaspora communities worldwide
- Application: Apply through the official government scholarship portal by January 31
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
BME's campus stretches along the right bank of the Danube River in the heart of Budapest, between Szabadság Bridge and Petőfi Bridge. It features a blend of historic 19th-century academic buildings and modern facilities, all within walking distance of Budapest's vibrant inner city.
The traditional campus features elegant historic buildings and an inspiring park setting along the Danube riverbank.
The modern southern campus in Info Park houses state-of-the-art lecture halls and high-tech business neighbours.
The historic library building, designed by Professor Samu Pécz, houses one of Hungary's largest technical collections.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
BME operates 8 residence hall buildings with over 4,100 dormitory places. Scholarship holders may receive free housing at Martos Dormitory or Óbudai Diák Hotel.
- 8 dormitory buildings on or near campus
- Free housing for Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora scholarship holders
- Private dormitory and apartment options available with mentor support
Dining and Services
The campus offers multiple canteens, cafés, and food vendors serving affordable meals. Students also benefit from Budapest's wide variety of affordable restaurants nearby.
- On-campus canteens and cafeterias in main buildings
- Affordable dining options in surrounding Budapest neighbourhoods
- Student discount cards accepted at local shops and restaurants
Student Life at BME
Student Life at BME
BME offers a vibrant student life in one of Europe's most exciting capital cities. From competitive engineering teams and academic clubs to the largest student festival in Budapest, there is something for every interest. The International Mentor Team helps international students navigate campus life from day one.
Budapest: A Vibrant European Capital
Budapest: A Vibrant European Capital
Living and Studying in Budapest
Budapest is a dynamic European capital known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living. The BME campus sits right on the Danube, with the inner city of Pest just a 10-minute walk across the bridges, giving students easy access to everything the city has to offer.
Affordable Cost of Living
Budapest offers one of the lowest costs of living among EU capitals, with affordable public transport at just over EUR 20 per month with a student card.
Cultural Richness
From the Buda Castle and thermal baths to world-renowned ruin bars and museums, Budapest provides endless cultural and leisure experiences for students.
Excellent Transport Links
Budapest has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network. The city is also well connected to other European capitals by air and rail.
Growing Tech Hub
Budapest is emerging as a Central European tech and innovation hub, with many multinational companies and startups offering internship and career opportunities to BME students.
Career Outcomes and Distinguished Alumni
Career Outcomes and Distinguished Alumni
Top Employers and Industry Partners
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
BME's dedicated International Mentor Team helps admitted students with administrative tasks, accommodation search, health insurance, and navigating life in Budapest from the moment of arrival.
Non-EU students need a student visa to study in Hungary. BME provides guidance on the visa application process and residence permit requirements. After graduation, you can apply for a job seeker visa valid for up to 9 months.
BME offers mobility programmes to over 350 European and 20+ non-EU partner universities, with scholarship support available. Students can also access CEEPUS and bilateral exchange opportunities.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Budapest University of Technology and Economics is consistently featured among the top universities globally, particularly in engineering and technology fields. It is the only Hungarian university ranked in several major international engineering and technology rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 300 |
| Civil Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #101-150 |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #611 (2nd in Hungary) |
| Engineering (National) | EduRank | #1 in Hungary |
Features
BME is Hungary’s leading technical and research university, with a long tradition (founded in 1782) of engineering, technology, natural sciences, and economics education.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
H‑1111 Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 7‑9, R building, ground floor
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