University of Szeged
Hungary
University of Szeged
Szeged, Hungary
Founded
1581
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
24,000+
International Students
4,500+ from 130 countries
Discover the University of Szeged: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1581
Discover the University of Szeged: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1581
The University of Szeged (SZTE) is one of Hungary's most prestigious public research universities, tracing its origins back to 1581 when István Báthory, Prince of Transylvania, founded the Jesuit Academy in Kolozsvár (present-day Cluj-Napoca, Romania). Re-established as a full university in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the institution relocated to Szeged in 1921 following the Treaty of Trianon, where it has flourished as a leading center of education and research in Central Europe.
Today, the University of Szeged comprises 12 faculties and 19 doctoral schools, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The university is home to nearly 24,000 students and approximately 2,500 instructors and researchers, with over 80 full-time international degree programs taught in English, German, and French. SZTE is a member of the European University Association and participates in the EUGLOH European university alliance.
The university has a distinguished tradition of scientific achievement, with two Nobel Prize laureates connected to the institution: Albert Szent-Györgyi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937 for discovering vitamin C, and Katalin Karikó, who received the same prize in 2023 for her pioneering work on mRNA-based vaccine technology. This legacy of innovation continues through cutting-edge research facilities such as the ELI-ALPS laser research center, one of Europe's most advanced.
Key Milestones
- 1581: Founded as the Jesuit Academy of Kolozsvár by Prince István Báthory of Transylvania
- 1872: Re-established as a full university by Emperor Franz Joseph I with four faculties
- 1921: University relocated to Szeged following the Treaty of Trianon
- 2000: Multiple Szeged institutions merged to form the current University of Szeged with 12 faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Szeged is organized into 12 autonomous faculties covering a wide spectrum of disciplines, from the arts and humanities to medicine, engineering, and natural sciences. Each faculty offers programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with many programs available entirely in English for international students.
Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School
One of Hungary's most respected medical schools, named after Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi. It offers a six-year general medicine program in English and is renowned for clinical training and biomedical research.
- General Medicine (MD)
- Biomedical Sciences
- Molecular Biology
Faculty of Science and Informatics
A leading faculty for natural sciences and computer science research in Hungary, consistently ranked among the top nationally. It covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and informatics.
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
Faculty of Law and Political Sciences
One of Hungary's oldest law faculties, offering comprehensive programs in legal studies and political science with a strong tradition of scholarly research and public service.
- Law (Juris Doctor)
- Political Science
- International Relations
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Provides accredited programs in international economics and business management, attracting a diverse student body. The faculty emphasizes practical skills and global business perspectives.
- International Economics and Business
- Business Administration
- Finance and Accounting
Faculty of Pharmacy
A distinguished faculty with a long tradition of pharmaceutical education and research, offering programs that prepare graduates for careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, and the healthcare industry.
- Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Clinical Pharmacy
Faculty of Engineering
Offers programs in food engineering, mechanical engineering, and technical management, combining theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience and modern laboratory facilities.
- Food Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Educational BackgroundCompleted secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong academic record
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 70+ (varies by program)
- Application FormCompleted online application via the university portal
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, passport copy, motivation letter, CV
- Entrance ExamRequired for medical and dental programs; written and oral components
Graduate Admissions
- Prior DegreeBachelor's degree in a relevant field (Master's for PhD programs)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.5-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 72+ depending on program
- Application MaterialsTranscripts, degree certificates, research proposal (for PhD), CV
- Letters of RecommendationTypically 1-2 academic reference letters required
- InterviewMay be required for certain programs, conducted in person or online
Primary intake for most programs beginning in September. Exact dates vary by faculty and program.
Secondary intake available for select programs starting in February.
Application deadline for the Hungarian government scholarship program for international students.
Fall semester begins in September; spring semester begins in February for programs with dual intake.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Szeged offers competitive tuition fees compared to other European institutions, while maintaining high academic standards with EU accreditation. Fees vary by program and level of study. Below are approximate annual tuition ranges for international self-funded students.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU/EEA Students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Programs | EUR 2,500 - EUR 7,200 | EUR 2,500 - EUR 7,200 |
| Master's Programs | EUR 3,000 - EUR 8,000 | EUR 3,000 - EUR 8,000 |
| Medicine / Dentistry (per year) | EUR 13,500 - EUR 16,000 | EUR 13,500 - EUR 16,000 |
| Doctoral Programs | EUR 4,000 - EUR 8,000 | EUR 4,000 - EUR 8,000 |
| Total | EUR 2,500 - EUR 16,000 per year | EUR 2,500 - EUR 16,000 per year |
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
A prestigious Hungarian government scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and provides a monthly living stipend for international students from partner countries.
- Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipend
- Eligibility: Citizens of partner countries with strong academic records
- Application: Apply through Tempus Public Foundation by January 15 annually
SZTE START Scholarship
An institutional scholarship offered by the University of Szeged to support talented international students with partial tuition fee waivers based on academic merit.
- Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction based on merit
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic performance
- Additional Options: Erasmus+ and Visegrad Fund scholarships also available
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Szeged features an urban campus with buildings spread throughout the historic city center of Szeged, seamlessly integrating the university with the vibrant life of the city. Key university buildings include the Rector's Office on Dugonics Square, research institutes surrounding the iconic Dóm Square, and the award-winning József Attila Study and Information Centre.
An award-winning modern library and study center housing the Klebelsberg Library, one of the largest university libraries in Central Europe, along with study spaces and student services.
The iconic Dóm Square is surrounded by university research institutes arranged in a distinctive U-shape, forming one of the most recognizable academic settings in Hungary.
The university operates an extensive teaching hospital responsible for regional healthcare, providing medical students with hands-on clinical training in a real hospital environment.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
The university operates ten dormitories for Hungarian and international students. Rooms are typically shared with one or two students and include internet access and essential amenities.
- Ten dormitories across the city
- Priority housing for Stipendium Hungaricum scholars
- Private apartment rentals also widely available
Dining and Recreation
Students have access to university cafeterias, numerous cafes and restaurants in the city center, and a range of recreational facilities including sports centers and cultural venues.
- University cafeterias with affordable meal options
- SZTE Sport Centre with gym and swimming facilities
- 24-acre Botanic Garden with over 40 protected species
Student Life at the University of Szeged
Student Life at the University of Szeged
Life at the University of Szeged is enriched by the vibrant atmosphere of one of Hungary's most student-friendly cities. With thousands of international students from over 130 countries, the university fosters a truly multicultural community supported by mentoring programs, cultural events, and a wide array of student organizations.
Szeged: The City of Sunshine
Szeged: The City of Sunshine
Living in Szeged
Szeged is Hungary's third-largest city with a population of around 170,000, located in southeastern Hungary near the borders with Serbia and Romania. Known as the City of Sunshine for having the most sunny hours per year in Hungary, Szeged offers a safe, affordable, and culturally rich environment that is ideal for international students. The city blends stunning Art Nouveau architecture with a vibrant student atmosphere, world-class festivals, and excellent transport connections to Budapest and beyond.
Affordable Cost of Living
Szeged offers one of the lowest costs of living among European university cities, with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options that are easy on a student budget.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Home to the iconic Votive Church, Reök Palace, Dóm Square, the National Theatre of Szeged, and the fourth-largest synagogue in the world, the city is a treasure trove of architecture and history.
Vibrant Festival Scene
The Szeged Open-Air Festival, Wine Festival, Fish Soup Festival, and SZIN Youth Festival attract visitors from across Europe throughout the year, creating a lively cultural calendar.
Gateway to Central Europe
Located about 170 km south of Budapest with frequent train connections, Szeged is also close to Serbia and Romania, making it an excellent base for exploring the wider region.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Top Employers Recruiting at SZTE
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university's international office assists students with student visa applications, residence permits, and immigration procedures at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Comprehensive orientation programs and a dedicated mentor system help international students settle into life in Szeged, navigate the university, and adjust to Hungarian culture.
Free or affordable Hungarian language courses are offered to international students to help them integrate into the local community and enhance their daily life experience in Hungary.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Szeged: Worldwide Rankings
University of Szeged: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Szeged consistently ranks among the top universities in Hungary and is recognized globally for its research output and academic excellence. It is placed among the top 7% of universities worldwide, with particular strengths in natural sciences, medicine, and life sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | EduRank | #553 Worldwide |
| Biology | EduRank | #570 Worldwide |
| Chemistry | EduRank | #613 Worldwide |
| Natural Sciences | QS Subject Rankings | Top 500 Worldwide |
Features
The University of Szeged has pursued education, research, art, sustainability, healing, and social engagement to a remarkable extent in the last few decades. Nothing proves this more than the outstanding results the University achieved in national and international rankings. The University of Szeged is featured on almost 20 world rankings among the top institutions of the world every year. We are proud that our University is one of the best universities in Hungary.
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
January - July
Location
Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, 6720 Hungary
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