University of Szeged
Contact Information
Email: eugloh@szte.hu
Address: Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, 6720
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
University website: Szeged
Introduction
The University of Szeged is like a city within a city, with its buildings scattered across downtown Szeged, creating a unique blend of old, eclectic, and modern architecture. The urban layout adds a distinctive charm to the university, where academic life seamlessly integrates with the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The University of Szeged is home to 12 diverse faculties, offering a wide range of academic programmes across various fields of study. Students experience a dynamic environment, with university buildings and facilities located around every corner of the city.
The heart of the university is the award-winning József Attila Study and Information Centre, a stunning glass building that has earned multiple architectural prizes and is recognised as one of the ten most beautiful libraries in the world. This facility serves as the central educational, study, and meeting point for the university community. It houses the Klebelsberg Library, Career Centre, Students' Service Office, and numerous study spaces. The university’s ongoing development projects have revitalised several historic buildings, enhancing the campus while preserving its rich architectural heritage. While the university’s facilities are spread out, creating an urban campus, they are thoughtfully integrated into the fabric of Szeged itself, offering students an inspiring and enriching environment where education, research, and city life intersect.
History
Founded in 1581, the University of Szeged is one of Hungary’s top institutions, renowned for its research, international programs, and contributions to science, healthcare, and sustainability. More information on its history here.
Highlights
The University of Szeged is one of the largest educational complexes in Hungary, where about 24,000 students, including nearly 5,000 international students, are enriching their knowledge.
In line with its tradition, education at the University of Szeged ensures the unity of high-level theoretical foundation and practice, the latter based also on external partnerships. The University is committed to the continuous improvement of the content of education, both in multilevel and multilingual education, in line with scientific progress, the development of information technologies and the needs of society.
The University of Szeged’s mission and goals are to cultivate science, conduct internationally competitive research, and to ensure its position as a research university.
Services and Facilities
Transport
Getting to and around the University of Szeged is easy thanks to well-connected transportation options. Whether you are arriving from abroad or navigating the city, here’s what you need to know:
Arriving from the Airport
If you are flying into Hungary, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the closest major airport to Szeged. Here’s how to get from the airport to Szeged:
- Airport Shuttle Service – Direct minibus services operate between Budapest Airport and Szeged. Pre-booking is recommended.
- Train from Budapest – Take a taxi, bus, or airport shuttle to Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station, where direct trains run to Szeged Railway Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Long-distance Buses – Coaches from Budapest to Szeged operate regularly from Népliget Bus Station.
Transport Within Szeged
Szeged has an efficient and affordable public transport system:
- Trams & Trolleybuses – The city has a well-developed tram and trolleybus network. Key university buildings are accessible via Tram lines 1 & 2.
- Buses – Several bus routes serve the university and student accommodations.
- Bicycle-Friendly City – Szeged is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing options.
- Walking – Most university buildings are within walking distance in the city centre.
The Campuses at The University of Szeged
The campus of the institution is a so-called urban campus, with the different buildings of the institution scattered around downtown Szeged, with almost everything within walking distance. The University of Szeged does not have one campus, but in place of that it has a unique charm. In the city centre and across the river, old, eclectic or modern university buildings are to be found around every corner. The educational, study and meeting point is the University of Szeged József Attila Study and Information Centre, a multiple architectural prize winner, included among the ten most beautiful libraries in the world. The University of Szeged contains 12 Faculties:
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Sciences
Faculty of Law and Political Sciences
Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School
Faculty of Science and Informatics
Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education
Libraries
Klebelsberg Library: Central Europe’s biggest university library, the SZTE Klebelsberg Library is located in the Study and Information Centre (TIK). The Library has nearly 3 million documents and 350,000 of them are shelved in the open reading areas on four floors organised by their respective subjects. E-services are available for your convenience.
Accomodation
Finding accommodation in Szeged requires planning, as demand is high, especially before the academic year begins. A variety of housing options are available, and starting your search early will help secure a suitable place that fits your needs and budget.
Student Dormitories
The University of Szeged provides several student dormitoriesacross the city, offering affordable housing with shared facilities. These dorms are a great way to meet fellow students and enjoy a community atmosphere. Spaces are limited, so early application is recommended.
Private Flats for Rent
For students seeking more independence, Szeged has numerous flats for rent. Many apartments are available near university buildings, and rental prices are generally affordable compared to other European cities. Students often share flats to reduce costs, and furnished apartments are widely available. It is advisable to start looking for a rental early, especially before the academic year begins.
Hotels and Short-Term Accommodation
For visitors, Szeged has a range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to different budgets. Whether you prefer luxury accommodation or budget-friendly options, you can find centrally located places with easy access to the university and city attractions.
Culture, Arts, Sciences, and Society
The city centre offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. From Hungarian specialties to international dining, you'll find plenty of options. For shopping, there are supermarkets, local stores, and shopping centres like Szeged Plaza. For more information, visit the University’s official website. There are a variety of services available to students including;
- The SZTE Cultural Office organises the university's cultural life.
- The SZTE Botanical Garden contributes to the preservation of the genome of protected plant species at the university.
- The American Corner Szeged hosts a variety of programmes.
- Foreign Language Centre offers general as well as specialised English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Russian and Spanish language courses at nearly all levels to students who are not majoring in these languages at the University of Szeged.
- Francophone University Centre helps students studying in French, as well as lecturers and researchers working in French to meet their goals in an international framework.
- Confucius Institute offers Chinese language classes and cultural events.
Sports
The SZTE Sport Centre was founded in 2002 to organise the compulsory Physical Education courses and to coordinate sport life at the University of Szeged. There are almost 150 courses to choose from in 55 different sports.
Student Life and Associations
- There are a list of services offered to students available here
- The International Student Union Szeged provides a cultural and academic experience for students.
- The Student Union of the University – EHÖK is an organisation created for students by students.
- The Erasmus Student Network are volunteers who help international scholarship students to settle in Szeged.
- The Mentoring Centre for International Students has been established to help students in their everyday lives.
- SZTE Alma Mater: The Alumni Organisation is a unique community for former students.
- The SZTE Career Office offers jobs and internship opportunities and other services to students for their professional development.
Health and Well-being
All relevant information on Health services and advice can be found on their website. There is student counselling available at the Student Counselling Centre.
Disability Support
Inclusivity is an important aspect of the University of Szeged. Students can find out more about their opportunities, available equipment and support services along with the benefits and exemptions they are eligible to at the Student Counselling Centre.
Gastronomy
The University of Szeged has more information on restaurants and pubs in Szeged on their website.
Cost of Living in Hungary
The cost of living in the Szeged region is reasonable. We advise you to calculate your budget in advance for a smoother arrival in Hungary. More information can be found here.