Széchenyi István University received outstanding recognition at the University of the Year Gala, held at the Gödöllő Palace on 30 March. At the event it was announced that the institution in Győr had won the Student-Friendly University of the Year award.

The University of the Year Gala was held in a ceremonial setting at the Royal Palace of Gödöllő. In his opening speech, Balázs Hankó, Minister for Culture and Innovation, described the renewal of Hungarian higher education as a success story, built around sovereignty, performance and innovation. “The resources of the national community only belong to a university community if the students, researchers, lecturers and the leaders they elect place real performance on the table,” he stated.

At the event it was revealed that Széchenyi István University had won the Student-Friendly University of the Year award jointly with the University of Pannonia.

Representatives of Széchenyi István University with Balázs Hankó, Minister for Culture and Innovation (fifth from the right), and Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary responsible for higher education, vocational and adult education, and youth (sixth from the left) (Photo: András Adorján)

As was highlighted, the award recognises the conscious institution-building work that places student support at its centre. Students at Széchenyi István University are members of a cohesive community, where personalised opportunities support their development. Thirteen dedicated scholarship schemes and digital administration make their everyday lives easier. In the University’s innovation parks, young people can gain experience in real industrial environments, while more than fifty programmes each academic year contribute to community building. Győr’s festival season regularly begins with the Széchenyi University Days, featuring the most renowned performers of the Hungarian music scene. In addition, the Bridge Student and Staff Club hosts the region’s largest permanent outdoor stage, welcoming concert-goers from spring to autumn.

“We are proud to walk a shared path with our students. This means that we pay attention to one another and shape our programmes, services and activities according to real needs. In the future, we will continue to develop the opportunities we offer young people with this same approach,” said Gergő Lőrincz, the University’s Director of Services and Branding, upon receiving the award.