Széchenyi István University recently hosted the Ambassador of Rwanda to Hungary, Margueritte Francoise Nyagahura, and Minister Counsellor Benedicto Nshimiyimana. During their visit, they became acquainted with the University’s scientific focus areas, internationalisation efforts, and met with Rwandan students currently studying in Győr.

One of the strategic goals of Széchenyi István University is to strengthen its research and development activities and global presence through an extensive international network. Supporting this ambition, the visit of the Ambassador of Rwanda to Hungary provided an opportunity for the Rwandan delegation to learn more about the University’s operations and academic profile, as well as to explore the potential for future collaboration.

Ambassador Margueritte Francoise Nyagahura noted that Rwanda’s diplomatic mission in Budapest has been operating since January of last year, with the official opening taking place in May of this year. “Our mission as an embassy is to identify potential partnerships between Rwandan and Hungarian universities. We are looking for partners with whom we can establish exchange and research programmes,” she stated. She emphasised that Széchenyi István University is one of Hungary’s leading higher education institutions and offers numerous opportunities for cooperation.

Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, stated during the discussions that high-quality scientific activity is inconceivable without broad international collaborations, and opening towards African countries is of particular importance for Hungarian higher education, including the University in Győr. She added that extensive partnerships contribute significantly to global competitiveness, as they support high-level research, development, and scientific publications.

The Vice President also highlighted Győr’s advantageous geographical location for international students and visiting professors. “Vienna Airport is only about one hundred kilometres from our central campus, from which numerous world cities are accessible via direct flights. Our students are also in a favourable position – in addition to living in one of Hungary’s safest cities, they can take advantage of our excellent location and visit up to twenty major European cities in a single semester,” she remarked.

Participants of the meeting included Benedicto Nshimiyimana, Minister Counsellor at the Rwandan Embassy in Hungary; Mugisha Yvan Fabrice and Sibomasimbi Gisele, Rwandan students at Széchenyi István University; Ambassador Margueritte Francoise Nyagahura; Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations; Dr Júlia Szőke, Vice Dean of the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences; Dr Balázs Pálvölgyi, Vice Dean of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences; and József Kepli, Head of the Centre for International Programmes and Alumni (Photo: Máté Dudás)

The Rwandan delegation also learned that Széchenyi István University only began its strategic-level global expansion six years ago, yet it has made significant progress in internationalisation since then. “Today, our institution is featured in the world rankings of both Times Higher Education and Quacquarelli Symonds, and we host nearly one thousand international students from 80 countries – including two young people from Rwanda. We trust that their positive experiences will be shared with their peers back home and that even more Rwandan students will choose Széchenyi in the future,” said Dr Lukács.

She added that those coming to Győr can choose from more than 50 English-taught programmes across nine faculties, and enjoy a modern infrastructure, three innovation parks, and a variety of student-focused services. “Our students can participate in world-class competition teams, join internationally successful sports clubs, and benefit from our excellent relationships with over 3,000 companies throughout their studies,” she said, offering insight into the University’s opportunities.

Rwandan students Mugisha Yvan Fabrice and Sibomasimbi Gisele, currently studying at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences, told the Ambassador during the visit that they greatly enjoy their studies in Győr. They praised the high standard of education and the culturally diverse, welcoming community they experience every day.