The Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged opened its doors in 2012, becoming the second such institute in Hungary and the first outside the capital. Since then, Chinese- language education, cultural programs, and academic exchanges between China and Hungary have continued to thrive – at the university, in Szeged, and across the country. The Institute’s most recent board meeting was held at the SZTE’s main building on October 10, 2025, with leaders from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in attendance.
Currently, more than 250 Chinese students are enrolled at the University of Szeged – a number expected to grow by around 120 each year, thanks to a new degree program launched this fall. The University and its Confucius Institute have also played a key role in BYD’s decision to establish its Hungarian plant in Szeged.
In 2024, the University of Szeged extended its cooperation agreement with Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) for another five years. The cornerstone of this partnership remains the joint operation of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, which has been running since 2012. On October 9, 2025, the leaders of the two universities met in Szeged for a board meeting to review the past year’s achievements and outline future plans. Participants agreed that maintaining close ties and exploring new forms of collaboration remain high priorities for both universities.
Participants of the meeting included: Li Yansong, President of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) and Chair of its Chinese Board of Directors; Feng Hui, Director of the Confucius Institute Office at SISU and member of its Board of Directors; Huang Yiwei, Deputy Director of SISU’s Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; Xu Hong, Dean of the School of Russian and Eurasian Studies at SISU; and Tao Qian, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged.
The University of Szeged was represented by Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor; Prof. Dr. Márta Széll, Vice-Rector for Strategy; Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector for International and Public Relations, the Hungarian Director of the Confucius Institute in Szeged; Dr. Tamás Bene, Director for International Affairs and Public Relations; and Dr. Krisztina Karsai, Head of the Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Science at the SZTE Faculty of Law and Political Sciences.
At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Márta Széll emphasized that the University of Szeged is garnering increasing international recognition in higher education. She attributed this visibility to the university’s Nobel laureates – Albert Szent-Györgyi and Katalin Karikó – as well as to László Krasznahorkai, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, who once studied law in Szeged.
“One of the most prestigious global university rankings – the Academic Ranking of World Universities, published by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy – has once again placed the University of Szeged first in Hungary. Moreover, SZTE remains the only Hungarian institution listed among the world’s top 500. We are also proud to have hosted the Hungarian finals of the ‘Belt and Road’ youth English-language speech competition for the second time, organized under the auspices of China Daily, China’s leading English-language newspaper,” remarked Prof. Dr. Márta Széll.
Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, joined the meeting online and noted that the university’s network of Chinese partnerships has become particularly active over the past year.
“We are continually building new connections with China, which makes the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute increasingly important,” the Chancellor said. “Its language and cultural programs play a key role in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between our peoples. We are also developing joint initiatives that respond to market needs – for example, conducting assessments and providing healthcare services for BYD Hungary – which signals that the role of the Confucius Institute will only continue to grow in the years ahead.”
In his welcoming remarks, Li Yansong, President of Shanghai International Studies University, emphasized that Chinese universities also place great importance on their position in international rankings and on expanding global partnerships. He expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with the University of Szeged, noting that the roots of Chinese–Hungarian friendship run deep. He described the cooperation between the two countries – and the two universities – as an exemplary model of international cooperation.
“Chinese investment in Hungary, including BYD’s recent entry, brings both new opportunities and new challenges for higher education institutions. So, elevating the partnership between SISU and the University of Szeged to a strategic level is essential to ensuring continued joint success. The Confucius Institute can play a central role in this process, while also strengthening the region’s cultural diversity in line with the highest standards,” Li Yansong added.
Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector for International and Public Relations and Hungarian Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, presented the Institute’s activities and accomplishments from the past year. As he noted, this has been a period of exceptional dynamism and success. One clear indicator of this is the steadily growing interest in Chinese-language education, with more and more students enrolling each year and language exams taking place on a regular basis. At the same time, the Confucius Institute has supported the launch of numerous high-quality cultural and academic programs, while also revitalizing student exchange initiatives. Today, its instructors teach Chinese not only at SZTE, but also at eight other educational institutions across the region. Over the years, the Institute has become an integral part of the University – adding color and vitality to international events such as orientation days and open-house programs.
At the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on ‘Chinese Language Day’ organized by the University of Szeged, which has grown into a national event, providing a platform for institutions and centers across Hungary engaged in Chinese language and cultural education. Another recent highlight was the 4th International Chinese Language Education Symposium, which brought together more than 150 Chinese-language experts and educators – both in person and online – from over 10 countries and regions, including China, Hungary, Montenegro, and Belgium.
The strengthening of Chinese partnerships was further demonstrated by the recent visit of a 36-member higher education delegation from China to the University of Szeged. Representatives from 18 universities came to Szeged in connection with a new joint Computer Engineering program launched this fall by the University of Szeged and Shaanxi Normal University. The program enables students to earn degrees from both institutions – a milestone in the history of higher education in both countries. In China, nationally accredited programs offering dual international degrees are especially rare and considered highly prestigious. As a result, this initiative represents a significant new chapter in Hungarian–Chinese academic cooperation.
Looking ahead, Tao Qian, Chinese Director of the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute, presented the Institute’s 2025 work plan and outlined promising opportunities for collaboration with local primary and secondary schools under the Szeged District Education Center.
“With the support of both partner universities – SISU and the University of Szeged – our Institute will continue to build bridges between the peoples of the two countries and foster exchange programs at every level,” Tao Qian emphasized.
“The Confucius Institute’s continued growth and expanding role over the past decade are of key importance to the University of Szeged,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector for International and Public Relations and Hungarian Director of the Institute, who participated in the 75th anniversary celebration of SISU in China last year.
“We are constantly modernizing our educational offerings to reflect the interests of our students. In cooperation with vocational training centers, we are developing innovative programs that better meet labor market needs. At the same time, strengthening and expanding Chinese-language education and joint initiatives will remain a priority,” the Vice-Rector added.
Prof. Dr. Márta Széll, Prof. Li Yansong and Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar.
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
The meeting concluded with a summary delivered by Dr. Tamás Bene, Director for International Affairs and Public Relations at the University of Szeged, in which he reviewed the past year and outlined ambitious plans for the year ahead. He emphasized that the University can confidently rely on the Confucius Institute’s contributions to strengthening Chinese partnerships and expressed his gratitude for SISU’s continued cooperation and support.
Following the board meeting, the leadership held consultations with the deans of University of Szeged faculties involved in Chinese-language education, exchange programs, and joint training, in order to discuss current and future collaborations. The SISU delegation also participated in a book donation ceremony held at Szeged’s Somogyi Library.
The public library received a donation of 36 Chinese-language volumes on Chinese language and culture, thanks to the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute. Presented by the President of Shanghai International Studies University, the collection includes works on art, art history, and literature, along with Chinese language textbooks – all now available to the library’s readers.
On October 11, representatives from SISU and the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged met with Chinese students currently studying in Szeged, followed by a cultural visit to the Ópusztaszer National Historical Heritage Park.
Original Hungarian article by Ferenc Lévai
Feature photo: Participants of the SZTE Confucius Institute board meeting in front of the University of Szeged main building
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
