The results of the recently concluded admissions process show that Széchenyi István University is becoming increasingly popular not only among Hungarian applicants but also among international students. Nearly 15,000 prospective students from abroad applied for the University's English-taught programmes, with almost 1,500 applicants from more than 70 countries securing admission.

Over the past several years, Széchenyi István University has strategically expanded its portfolio of English-taught programmes. Today, the institution offers more than 60 degree programmes in English, welcoming students from around the world. This September, nearly 1,500 first-year international students from over 70 countries are expected to begin their studies at the University, with approximately 85 percent enrolling as self-funded students. As a result, the University's international community will represent almost 90 countries during the 2026/2027 academic year.

"We are pleased to welcome approximately 1,200 new self-funded international students for the 2026/2027 academic year and are fully prepared to support them from the moment they arrive," said Lilla Takács-Kántor, Head of the Student Recruitment Centre. "These impressive figures clearly reflect the growing international appeal and competitiveness of our academic programmes."

Alongside self-funded students, more than 150 international students will commence their studies with the support of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme and the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship Programme, while nearly 60 additional students will join the University through short-term mobility programmes from European partner institutions.

"Our goal is to make our programmes accessible to as many talented young people as possible through scholarships and international mobility opportunities," said Márta Mészáros, Head of the Mobility and Scholarship Centre. "In doing so, we not only strengthen the international presence of Széchenyi István University and the diversity of our student community, but also provide our Hungarian students with valuable international experience and intercultural learning opportunities throughout their studies."

Students from nearly 90 countries make up the international community of Széchenyi István University. (Photo: Bettina Korinek)

Gréta Oláh, Director of Educational Administration, noted that the general admissions process for Hungarian applicants also produced outstanding results. A total of 4,697 first-year students have been admitted to Széchenyi István University, closely matching last year's record of 4,739 admissions. Admission score thresholds increased across most programmes, reflecting the growing popularity of the University's high-quality, labour market-oriented education.

"This September, around 230 ethnic Hungarian students from neighbouring countries will also begin their studies at our University," she added. "We are delighted to welcome Hungarian students from Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia and Austria. We are committed to ensuring that they feel at home here and quickly become valued members of our University community."