Students from Hungary

This page is dedicated to those who are currently studying at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and would like to study at AIT for a semester.

About AIT

Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT) offers semester-long English-language courses tailored to the needs of North American students. Each spring and fall semester, we offer more than 20 courses, many of which are also popular among BME students.

Why AIT is special?

AIT maintains a small cohort of around 50-80 students per semester, fostering an intimate learning environment. Classes are also kept small—typically 10–20 students—ensuring personalized attention, meaningful interaction, and deep understanding.

AIT combines an international student community with dedicated Hungarian faculty. The low student–faculty ratio (approximately 2:1) allows for close collaboration with professors, while students from around the world contribute diverse perspectives in a vibrant academic setting.

Courses follow an American-style academic model, emphasizing hands-on learning, project-based classes, teamwork, and continuous assessment. Students collaborate closely with peers, complete weekly assignments, and engage in practical problem-solving.

AIT is located in Graphisoft Park, one of Europe’s most vibrant technology and innovation hubs. The inspiring environment—surrounded by global tech companies, modern facilities, green spaces, and the Danube riverfront—has a direct impact on everyday learning and student life. Address: 1031 Budapest, Záhony u. 7. / Graphisoft Park, Building U3.

Faculty include both internationally recognized academics and industry experts. School founders are Gábor Bojár, who is also founder of Graphisoft, the successful global software company from Central Europe and Ernő Rubik, creator of the Rubik’s Cube.

You can feel abroad for no extra costs. AIT courses are tuition free for all BME students. You do not need to pay anything beyond the "normal costs" that you pay to BME.

AIT offers exceptional opportunities to build lifelong professional relationships. Learn alongside ambitious classmates, expert faculty, and industry leaders while building a powerful foundation for lifelong careers and global connections.

Official Transcript

AIT is affiliated with BME-VIK (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics) and all AIT courses are registered in the NEPTUN system. Beyond that AIT’s school of record is Pomona College, a higher educational institute in the United States. Your final grades will appear both in BME’s Neptun system and in an official transcript issued by Pomona College.

Courses and Syllabus

Courses are held in English in small class sizes (typically 10-20 people). Most courses have a very balanced workload, meaning there are homework assignments and tests regularly throughout the semester. AIT has a very strict Attendance Policy (more details later), so it is very important to stay committed to the classes you sign up for.
Classes (and orientation) take place in the AIT building. Address: 1031 Budapest, Záhony u. 7. / Graphisoft Park, Building U3.

Limitation in course selection

Depending on which faculty you are studying at BME there are certain limitations in course selection. Certain courses cannot be taken because of overlap with compulsory subjects.

 

Computer Engineering

Electrical engineering

Course name

BSc

MSc

BSc

MSc

Graph Theory

X

X

X

X

Combinatorial Optimization

 

X

 

X

Theory of Computing

 

X

 

 

Algorithms and Data Structures

X

X

 

 

Computer Graphics

X

 

 

 

and furthermore those below:

  • The Mobile Software Development course cannot be taken by students who have completed the Mobile and Web Software (VIAUAC00) or Android-based Software Development (VIAUAV21) courses,
  • Data Science cannot be taken by those students, who have completed Introduction to Data Science 1 (TE95AM36),
  • MSc students who have completed Computer Graphics 1 (VIIIAB07) are not eligible to take Computer Graphics,
  • Students who have completed the Security Protocols (VIHIMA05) course are not eligible to take the Applied Cryptography course.

Academic calendar

AIT offers courses in every spring and fall semester. Please check here our academic calendar.
Please note that AIT semesters start earlier than semesters at BME!

Schedule of Classes

AIT schedule is available 1 months before the semester starts, you can request a schedule in an email through: office [uhlztasp] ait-budapest [shzpokiz] com

AIT is aware that BME schedules are often announced after the AIT courses start. Taking this into account AIT accepts modifications in BME students’ course selections

 

Who should apply?

Students who are:

  • enrolled in BME BSc, MSc, and PhD programs
  • fluent English language  speakers
  • committed to full engagement: AIT requires full attendance on classes, for start date check academic calendar.

How to apply?

During the application process, you can apply for 3 courses; however, admission will ultimately be granted to one or two courses. You will be able to indicate which course should be given priority.

Please note that the number of available places is limited, and admission is not guaranteed. Successful applicants may be required to take an entrance test for certain courses. (It is indicated in the syllabi.)

Please fill out the application form below

Application Form: Spring 2026, deadline January 28

Application Form

Application Form: Fall 2026, deadline August 28

If you have any questions, please contact us: office [uhlztasp] ait-budapest [shzpokiz] com

After you submit your application, a member of our academic team will contact you regarding the next steps.

Students' Review

"I never imagined that BME and Silicon Valley were only 30 minutes apart. Applying to AIT was one of the best decisions I made. The half-hour commute felt like teleporting to the U.S.—the inspiring environment and the mindset of my American classmates opened up new perspectives. The Leadership & Entrepreneurship course is a must for every BME student, adding essential soft skills to technical knowledge. The experience didn’t end with the last class: I still stay in touch with classmates, many of whom now work at top tech companies. AIT is one of BME’s most valuable bridges to Silicon Valley—don’t miss this opportunity."

Karam Al-Askar

Karam Al-Askar

"AIT was a turning point for me. The Leadership & Entrepreneurship course helped me rebuild my confidence, find inspiring role models, and realize that my future is truly in my own hands. Since then, I’ve published academic research, presented at an international conference, built global connections, and started working on my own startup — all rooted in the mindset, community, and momentum I gained at AIT."

Ákos Varjú

Ákos Varjú

"AIT is where I felt the proudest to be Hungarian. The leadership program gave me the chance to learn from successful entrepreneurs, meet amazing peers from leading U.S. universities, and take lessons with me for a lifetime. Also the year-end party was something to remember! If you’re looking for a Silicon Valley style experience in the heart of Budapest, don’t hesitate to apply!"

Barnabás Láda-Hartyáni

Barnabás Láda-Hartyáni